Livestock

Chronic Pain Management in Cattle

Chronic pain conditions in cattle including lameness, mastitis, and musculoskeletal disease require proactive veterinary management to maintain welfare standards.

Key Facts

Lameness affects 20-40 percent of dairy cows in conventional systems
Chronic mastitis causes persistent inflammatory pain
NSAIDs are effective for pain management but underused in farm practice
Pain assessment in cattle relies on behavioural indicators including facial expression
Chronic pain reduces milk yield, fertility, and immune function

Welfare Considerations

Many cattle suffer from undertreated chronic pain due to insufficient recognition and lack of economic incentive for treatment. Evidence-based pain assessment tools like the bovine pain scale are improving recognition. Veterinary leadership in pain management protocols is essential for welfare improvement.

What You Can Do

Support adoption of bovine pain scales in veterinary practice
Advocate for mandatory NSAID use in lame cow treatment protocols
Donate to farm animal pain research
Engage with Quality Milk Partnership welfare frameworks