Effect of Pre-Emptive Dexketoprofen Trometamol on Acute Cortisol, Inflammatory Response and Oxidative Stress to Hot-Iron Disbudding in Calves

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dexketoprofen trometamol (DEX) on acute cortisol, inflammatory response and oxidative stress following hot-iron disbudding in calves. Twelve male Holstein Friesian dairy calves, weighing between 52 and 82 kg and 6-8 weeks of age were used for disbudding procedure. While calves (n = 6) in DEX group were treated with DEX (IV, 2 mg/kg) 30 min before disbudding, calves (n = 6) in control group were received only 0.9% saline (IV, 2 mg/kg). All calves were disbudded by an electrically heated hot-iron dehorner under local anaesthesia. The heart and respiratory rate were recorded before and after disbudding. Blood samples were collected at 30 min before and 15, 30 and 60 min after disbudding for analysis of serum cortisol, tumour necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, total antioxidant activity, malondialdehyde, glutathione and nitric oxide. In both groups, cortisol concentration was immediately increased after disbudding but dropped to lower level than baseline at 60 min after disbudding in DEX group (P<0.05). It was concluded that combination of a lidocaine and DEX may decrease or prevent acute cortisol, inflammatory response and oxidative stress during disbudding procedure.