Are NSAIDs underused in dairy cows?

Moreover, there is disparity in the perception of pain among the on-farm mobility team, with farmers consistently scoring pain lower than vets and usually lower than foot trimmers and veterinary technicians. However, farmers are keen to provide pain relief for their animals, with cost not necessarily an issue.

These are some of the findings discussed during Ceva Animal Health’s second ‘Break the Pain Conference and Round Table’ vet meeting which took place in Lancaster on 7th May.

The findings also highlighted that more could be done to increase collaboration among the whole on-farm mobility team to assess pain and make choices on NSAIDs consistent to improve the identification and treatment of lameness in dairy cows.

Within the UK, the average herd lameness prevalence is just under one third and digital dermatitis is one of the most frequently recorded diseases associated with lameness in dairy cattle. Lameness has been associated with reduced milk yield, mastitis, and infertility.

NSAIDs have an extensive role in providing pain relief and anti-inflammatory action.

Essential part of treatment protocol

It was suggested that vets should revise the terminology used when speaking to farmers about pain relief and use either ‘NSAIDs’ or ‘anti-inflammatories’ to provide an analogy with human medicine, where they are widely used to relieve pain and reduce fever and inflammation.

“NSAIDs are an essential part of a treatment protocol when it comes to the management of pain, fever and inflammation in cattle for a plethora of painful conditions and cost isn’t an issue among farmers, with productivity gains proven to be larger than the cost of treatment,” comments Katherine Timms, ruminant veterinary advisor at Ceva.

Paul Doran, veterinary surgeon at Friars Moor Livestock Health in Dorset, adds: “We are always keen to provide our farming clients with up-to-date advice when it comes to best practice.

“We will be incorporating the findings and thoughts that have arisen from Ceva’s ‘Break the Pain Conference and Round Table’ into our discussions with clients, in the hope of ensuring that NSAIDs are used optimally for the long-term health and welfare of their livestock.”

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