Characterization of short- and long-term mechanical sensitisation following surgical tail amputation in pigs

Tail injuries in pigs are a cause for concern in modern pig production, due to the risk of potential pain arising following tail docking of neonates or tail biting in adult animals. This study looked at the effects that a simulated surgical model of tail biting may have on peripheral pain sensitivity in the short- and long-term stage of the injury. Through the application of quantitative sensory testing, Pierpaolo Di Giminiani and colleagues at Newcastle University and SRUC were able to demonstrate that a tail injury occurring in pigs at both grower and finisher age can evoke sustained changes in peripheral mechanical sensitivity up to several weeks following surgery. These alterations resemble features of neuropathic pain reported in humans and other species, therefore suggesting a lengthy effect potentially linked to a condition of chronic hypersensitivity. Their findings provide new information on implications for the welfare of animals subjected to this type of injury and contribute to our understanding of the mechanistic features of the pain experience.

 

Pierpaolo Di Giminiani, Sandra A. Edwards, Emma M. Malcolm, Matthew C. Leach, Mette S. Herskin & Dale A. Sandercock (2017).

Characterization of short- and long-term mechanical sensitisation following surgical tail amputation in pigs. Scientific Reports 7, Article number: 4827. 

doi:10.1038/s41598-017-05404-y

 

Full article can be found here.