ºÚÁÏÍø

Acute pain; Cattle; Pain diagnosis; Behavioral changes; Clinical signs; Physiological markers; Animal welfare; Veterinary practice; Pain assessment tools

Introduction

Cattle, as one of the primary livestock species, are essential in agricultural economies worldwide. Despite their importance, assessing pain in cattle remains a complex challenge in veterinary practice. Acute pain in cattle can arise due to a variety of causes, such as trauma, infections, diseases, or post-surgical recovery. This pain, if not appropriately recognized and managed, can lead to adverse outcomes, including reduced productivity, compromised animal welfare, and prolonged suffering. Unlike humans and some other animal species, cattle cannot verbally communicate their discomfort, making the diagnosis of acute pain dependent on observable signs. Veterinary practitioners rely on clinical evaluations, behavioral monitoring, and sometimes physiological markers to assess pain levels. Understanding and diagnosing acute pain in cattle are essential for ensuring their welfare and guiding treatment decisions [1,2].

Description

Clinical signs of acute pain in cattle

Acute pain in cattle is often manifested through a variety of clinical signs. Common indicators include:

• Changes in posture and movement: Cattle may adopt a hunched posture or limping due to pain, particularly in the limbs or abdomen.
• Increased respiratory rate and heart rate: Elevated heart rates and rapid breathing can indicate discomfort or pain.
• Appetite and drinking behavior: Pain often leads to decreased feed intake, drinking, and overall rumination activity.
• Vocalizations: Painful cattle may exhibit increased vocalizations, such as bellowing or grunting.
• Behavioral changes: Cattle may show signs of distress, agitation, or depression, withdrawing from the herd or showing reluctance to move [3].

Behavioral changes

Cattle exhibit significant behavioral alterations when experiencing acute pain. These changes can range from minor irritability to severe depression or anxiety. Painful cattle may exhibit:

• Reduced mobility: Cattle may become reluctant to move, particularly if the pain is associated with the limbs or joints.
• Aggressive behaviour: Pain can cause irritability, leading to defensive or aggressive behavior toward handlers or other animals.
• Withdrawal from the group: Social animals like cattle often withdraw from their peers when in pain, seeking isolation to minimize movement and further injury [4].

Physiological markers

In addition to behavioral changes, acute pain in cattle can also be identified through physiological markers:

• Increased cortisol levels: Cortisol, a stress hormone, is released during pain and stress. Elevated levels can indicate the presence of acute pain.
• Changes in body temperature: Acute pain due to infection or inflammation may result in a raised body temperature.
• Increased muscle tension: Pain can lead to muscle contractions and stiffness, particularly in the affected area [5].

Pain assessment tools

Several pain assessment tools have been developed to assist in diagnosing acute pain in cattle:

• Composite pain scoring systems: These systems combine various parameters, including behavioral and clinical signs, to assign a numerical pain score.
• Non-invasive techniques: Tools like infrared thermography and mechanical nociceptive threshold testing can offer additional insights into pain levels in cattle [6].
• Behavioral observation software: Recent advancements in technology allow for more objective and accurate behavioral assessments through video recordings and machine learning.

Results

The review of current diagnostic methods indicates that the diagnosis of acute pain in cattle relies heavily on a combination of clinical observation, behavioral monitoring, and physiological assessment. Early detection of pain through these methods can lead to more effective treatment strategies, improving the overall welfare and health outcomes of cattle. One study reviewed in this article found that cattle subjected to post-surgical pain had significantly altered behaviour, including a marked reduction in feeding and drinking behavior, as well as changes in vocalization frequency. In another study, researchers observed that pain scoring systems, incorporating behavioral and physiological markers, could significantly improve the diagnosis and management of pain in cattle post-trauma [7,8].

Discussion

Acute pain diagnosis in cattle presents several challenges due to the inability of cattle to verbally communicate their discomfort. However, advancements in behavioral monitoring, clinical assessments, and the development of pain scoring systems have provided veterinarians with more reliable methods to diagnose and treat pain. The use of composite pain scoring systems, which combine both physiological and behavioral indicators, has proven to be effective in identifying cattle in acute pain. These systems allow for a more objective and systematic approach to pain management, leading to better clinical outcomes. Additionally, the application of non-invasive techniques, such as infrared thermography, can provide valuable insights into areas of inflammation or injury, further aiding the diagnosis process. Although the current methods for diagnosing acute pain in cattle are effective, there is a need for further research to refine these techniques and improve their accuracy. Developing more advanced, automated systems for pain detection and diagnosis could potentially reduce human error and provide quicker intervention for affected cattle [9,10].

Conclusion

Acute pain in cattle is a critical concern that necessitates timely diagnosis and intervention. Veterinarians use a combination of clinical signs, behavioral observations, physiological markers, and modern pain assessment tools to identify pain and administer effective treatment. These methods have significantly advanced, enabling better pain management and improving cattle welfare. Clinical signs such as changes in posture, appetite, and vocalizations, along with behavioral changes like reduced mobility, are key indicators. Physiological markers, including elevated cortisol levels and heart rate, further support diagnosis. Despite progress, ongoing research and technological advancements are vital for refining diagnostic techniques, ensuring more accurate assessments, and enhancing cattle welfare in the future.

1. Linaker CH, Walker-Bone K (2015) . Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 29: 405-423.

, ,

2. Rees JD, Wilson AM, Wolman RL (2006) . Rheumatology 45: 508-521.

, ,

3. Van Der Windt DA, Koes BW, de Jong BA, Bouter LM (1995) . Ann Rheum Dis 54: 959-964.

, ,

4. Redler L, Dennis E (2019) . J Am Acad Orthop Surg 27: 544-554.

, ,

5. Neviaser AS, Neviaser RJ (2011) . J Am Acad Orthop Surg 19: 536-542.

, ,

6. Ramirez J (2019) . Am Fam Physician 99: 297-300.

,

7. Lindgren I, Jonsson AC, Norrving B, Lindgren A (2007) . Stroke 38: 343–348.

, ,

8. Page P, Labbe A (2010) . Nam J Sports Phys Ther 5: 266-73.

,

9. De Souza Simao ML, Fernandes AC, Ferreira KR, De Oliveira LS, Mario EG, et al. (2019) . J Nov Physiother 9: 1-3.

,

10. Junior AEA, Carbinatto FM, Franco DM, Bruno JSA, Simao MLS, et al. (2020) The Laser and Ultrasound: The Ultra Laser like Efficient Treatment to Fibromyalgia by Palms of Hands–Comparative Study. J Nov Physiother 11: 1-5.