Authors: Lomax, S¹; Sheil, M²; Windsor, P A

Source: Australian Veterinary Journal, Volume 86, Number 5, May 2008 , pp. 159-168(10)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Abstract:

Objective  

To investigate the impact of using the topical anaesthetic preparation Tri-Solfen® on pain alleviation and wound healing in lambs undergoing mulesing. Design 

Three separate trials, placebo controlled and/or randomised, were carried out over a 5 month period on three mobs of between 60 and 263 merino lambs undergoing routine mulesing. Procedure  

Wound pain was assessed using 10 and 75 g calibrated Von-Frey monofilaments to determine sensitivity to light touch and pain stimulation over a 4 to 8 h period. Pain-related behaviour was documented by trained, blinded observers using a numerical rating scale. Wound healing rates were determined using scaled digital photography and image analysis software to calculate contraction in wound surface area 2 and 4 weeks after mulesing. Results  

There was rapid (3 min) and prolonged (up to 8 h) wound analgesia as shown by pain response scores (P ≤ 0.01), with absent or significantly diminished primary and secondary hyperalgesia (P ≤ 0.01) and significant reduction in pain-related behaviour (P < 0.001) in treated versus untreated lambs. In addition there was improved wound healing in the treated lambs (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion  

Tri-Solfen® effects rapid and prolonged wound analgesia, reduction in pain-related behaviour and improved wound healing in lambs undergoing routine mulesing, providing effective alleviation of pain associated with routine mulesing in sheep.

Aust Vet J 2008;86:159-168

Keywords: lambs; mulesing; analgesia; welfare

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.2008.00285.x

Affiliations: 1: Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, PMB 3, Camden, New South Wales, 2570 2: Animal Ethics Pty Ltd, PO Box 363, Yarra Glen, Victoria 3775

Publication date: 2008-05-01

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