Aspirin For Pigs

It is generally agreed that all mammals experience pain in a similar manner to humans. Some species such as pigs attempt to hide the effects of pain. Possibly in the wild this behaviour was protective, because a pig showing signs of pain might attract the attention of a predator. Therefore, one problem in minimising pain in pork production has been the difficulty in detecting pain and assessing the severity of the pain.

A second challenge has been the scarcity of products licensed for use in food-producing animals that are effective in treating pain. This area of medicine has expanded greatly over the past decade but the pharmacological options approved for use in swine are still very limited. There are other potential reasons that have limited the advancement of pain control in the pork industry including economics and labour requirements. On the other hand, there are important reasons why we need to carefully examine this issue and determine where there are opportunities to improve pain control. In certain areas, pain management might improve productivity but more importantly, an on-farm programme to minimise pain will be considered part of responsible animal husbandry by the general public.

Description

Aspirin Liquid Concentrate is a concentrated solution for use in drinking water for swine, cattle and poultry. Directions/Dosage: Add 1 oz. to 1 gallon water for stock solution then use 1 oz. to 1 gallon drinking water. For seven day continuous use, mix 4 oz. stock solution to 1 gallon drinking water on day one and 1 oz. stock solution to 1 gallon drinking water for remaining six days.

Features of Aspirin For Pigs

Treatment of cases of “dippity pig” should first and foremost be aimed at controlling the pig’s pain and hopefully relieving it’s”terror”. This can be dome with anti-inflammatories, such as aspirin or cortisone, or pain killers such as butorphanol. In my experience, aspirin is usually adequate. More severe cases might need the more “potent” medications, cortisone or butorphanol.Cortisone and butorphanol will usually require a visit to the veterinarian and Murphy’s Law of Veterinary Medicine requires that most cases of “dippity pig” occur at night or on weekends or holidays. This is probably why aspirin is the most often used pain killer for “dippity pig”; because most pet owners have this in their home already. The clinical course of “dippity pig”appears to be very short, with most pigs recovering within 24 hours, regardless of treatment. Many cases of “dippity pig” have been treated with antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (plain Benadryl) and antibiotics. Since the cause is still unknown, and since so many pigs recover with no treatment, it is impossible at this time to determine if those treatments are helpful. It is unlikely that they are harmful.

The standard dose of diphenhydramine for animals is one mg. per pound. This means that a 25 pound pig can be given one Benadryl capsule (it contains 25 mg. of diphenhydramine). When treating a hundred pound pig, I usually decrease the dose a little because of the sedating effects of antihistamines, so I suggest three capsules per 100 pound pig. Aspirin can be given to a pig at a dose of 5 mg. per pound (equivalent to 1 1/2 regular aspirin per 100 pound pig). A word of caution about aspirin: pigs are susceptible to the irritating affect of aspirin on the stomach and I recommend that aspirin always be given to a pig with food! Aspirin should only be given at twelve hour intervals and should not be given for more than 24 – 48 hours unless under a veterinarians supervision. If vomiting or diarrhea develop, aspirin should be immediately discontinued. Do not give pigs any product containing acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen. The use of these products in the potbellied pig have not been documented to be safe at this time.

Uses/benefits of Aspirin For Pigs

  • To be used orally as an aid in reducing fever and in relief of minor muscular aches and joint pains in cattle and horses
  • For use on cattle and horses
  • Powerful 240 grain boluses give the animal quick relief
  • Relaxes smooth muscles of the blood vessels relieving pain
  • Salicylates will not Affect the Heart of the animal

Prices of Aspirin For Pigs

$19.47 – $124.67

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