New Concepts in Bovine Anesthesia

Abstract

The importance of inducing anesthesia and analgesia to ensure the humane treatment of cattle destined to undergo surgical procedure has been overlooked by some members of the veterinary profession. The reasons for this appear to be diverse. The ability to effectively mechanically restrain cattle has also had a significant influence upon the direction of investigation into new
anesthetic / analgesic techniques for the bovine species by veterinary anesthesiologists and other investigators. Two new concepts, "electroanesthesia" and "electroacupuncture anesthesia," have been advanced or reintroduced in recent years to implement restraint, anesthesia, and analgesia of the bovine. Assessment of electroanesthesia for dehorning of cattle has been recently reported.  Results from this trial indicated that the application of an electroimmobilizing stimulus may be painful and should not be considered as capable of inducing analgesia. In contrast to the questionable results observed with electroimmobilization techniques, data showing the effectiveness of acupuncture techniques in achieving analgesia and even anesthesia in the bovine are more positive.