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Part I: understanding pain in pigs-basic knowledge about pain assessment, measures and therapy
Julia Kschonek1, Lara Twele2, Kathrin Deters3
1Institute for Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing (IBEI), University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Bünteweg 2, 30559, Hannover, Germany. julia.dorothee.kschonek@tiho-hannover.de.
Porcine Health Management
|March 12, 2025
Summary
Pain in pigs is often overlooked, impacting their welfare and longevity. This review highlights methods for identifying, evaluating, and treating pain to improve veterinary care and pig well-being.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Science
- Animal Welfare
Background:
- Pain in pigs from diseases, injuries, and farrowing is frequently neglected.
- Increased knowledge and awareness are crucial for addressing this welfare issue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a scoping review of methods for identifying, evaluating, and treating pain in pigs.
- To increase awareness of pain assessment and management in swine.
Main Methods:
- Scoping review of 49 publications (2015-2023) from VetSearch and CABI databases.
- Narrative synthesis of findings guided by the PRISMA ScR guideline.
Main Results:
- Pain should be recognized as a critical welfare indicator, not just a disease symptom.
- Unassessed pain and its causes risk pig longevity and prosperity.
- Veterinarians must understand pain intricacies for adequate patient treatment.
Conclusions:
- Enhancing knowledge of pain mechanisms and behavioral signs in pigs is essential.
- Improved methods for evaluating pig pain are needed.
- This review aims to update practitioners' knowledge for improved clinical practice.
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