Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 26, 2026

Bovine Mammary Gland Biopsy Techniques
Published on: December 23, 2018
Comparison of an online learning module to hands-on training in teaching a cautery disbudding technique for dairy
Charlotte B Winder1, Stephen J LeBlanc1, Derek B Haley1
1Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1 (Winder, LeBlanc, Haley, Lissemore, Duffield); Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, 6484 Wellington Road 7, Unit 10, Elora, Ontario N0B 1S0 (Godkin).
Abstract:
Disbudding and dehorning are common procedures on dairy farms. In a recent survey of Ontario dairy producers, 38% reported not using local anesthetic for these procedures. Use of pain control is important for both calf welfare and industry sustainability. Use of local anesthetic requires technical training, typically provided by a veterinarian, although online training videos also exist. Neither method has been studied for efficacy. Our objective was to compare an online module to hands-on training in teaching naïve participants (veterinary students) to effectively carry out a cornual nerve block and disbud a dairy calf. Participants were assigned to either an online or hands-on training group. Although no statistical differences were seen in success of the nerve block, online learners were less confident and had poorer technical skills. While online learning was surprisingly effective for a psycho-motor skill, best practices should include hands-on training.
Related Concept Videos
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Intravenous Regional Anesthesia
One of the advantages of...
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Surface, Infiltration, and Conduction Block Anesthesia
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
Local Anesthetics: Differential Sensitivity of Nerve Fibers
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia
Local Anesthetics: Common Agents and Their Applications
Cocaine is an ester of benzoic acid and methylecgogine. It is used to anesthetize and vasoconstrict locally. Currently, it is used primarily for topical applications. It is beneficial for surgeries on the upper respiratory tract, providing anesthesia and shrinking the mucosa. Cocaine in the form of cocaine hydrochloride is...

