Types of pain relief
There are many different types of pain relief used during routine animal husbandry procedures and for other instances of pain.
Local anaesthetic
- Blocks the transmission of the pain signal to the brain, which reduces the pain the animal will feel
- Lasts for around 2-3 hours
- Animals can show signs of significant pain as the effect wears off.
Sedation
- Generally causes the animal to lie down for around 30-60 minutes. This allows for easier restraint during procedures such as disbudding
- Provides opportunity to check for hernias or insert ear tags
- Provides a very short period of pain relief.
Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Reduces inflammation around the wound or procedure site
- Limits the intensity of the pain signal that’s sent to the brain
- Available in oral, topical and injectable formulations
- Can last up to three days.