Clinical forum: how effectively are we managing pain in cattle?

Abstract

Cattle practitioners are responsible for the health and welfare of their patients, including minimising pain and discomfort. Surveys of practitioners have shown wide variation in the recognition of painful processes in cattle, and in the use of analgesic agents. Here we investigate assessment of pain in cattle, analgesic options available, and some of the barriers to analgesic use. In this clinical forum the panel members consider what the gold standards in pain relief are, and what is being done in the field.