Smärtlindring hos kalv efter avhorning : en beteendestudie där effekten av meloxikam som postoperativ analgesi utvärderas

Sammanfattning: In this study, 29 calves were dehorned by heat cauterisation at the age of 1 to 8 weeks. Before the procedure, the calves were given local anaesthetic but were not sedated. In connection with the dehorning, 14 calves were given the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) meloxicam and 15 calves were given placebo. During the following three days behavioural studies were performed to investigate if the different treatments had any effect on the calves´ postoperative behaviour. Head shakes, head rubs, kicks and ear flicks were studied, as earlier studies have shown that an increase in these behavioural patterns suggests postoperative pain. General shyness and willingness to be patted on the head was also studied, as well as general condition and growth. The results show that calves treated with meloxicam demonstrate less pain related postoperative behavioural patterns than the calves treated with placebo (p<0,05). Moreover, the calves treated with meloxicam were less shy and more willing to be patted on the head. In conclusion, treating calves with meloxicam in connection with dehorning increases their well being after the procedure.