Peter Beard
Territory Manager – Farm Animals (WA & NT)
Dechra Veterinary Products
In previous editions, we discussed how best practice guidelines recommend the provision of acute AND chronic pain relief (i.e. multi-modal programs) during surgical procedures in calves.1,2 Ideally, this should involve the administration of an anaesthetic to manage acute pain and an analgesic to manage chronic pain.
In most situations, best practice pain relief during and after surgical procedures in calves will involve the concurrent use of Tri-Solfen plus an Analgesic (e.g. Butec® OTM paste or Meloxicam Injectable).
During disbudding or dehorning, Tri-Solfen is administered at 4 mL per horn. Apply using the Tri-Solfen applicator fitted with the spray tip. Perform disbudding or dehorning on each horn according to acceptable procedures. Immediately after disbudding or dehorning the first horn, apply Tri-Solfen to completely cover the wound including the surrounding burn wound (if using cautery) or the surrounding cut skin edge (if using excision). Repeat for the second horn, ensuring the wound and surrounding affected tissues are completely covered. Do not spray to run-off and take care not to get Tri-Solfen in the eyes of treated calves.
During castration, Tri-Solfen is administered at 6 mL for small calves (30–100 kg) and 9 mL for larger calves (>100 kg). Note that the total dose per animal is administered as three equal, smaller doses. For example, the total dose for calves under 100 kg is 6 mL, which is applied as three 2 mL doses: one 2 mL dose inside the vaginal tunic around the spermatic cord of each testis before the testis is removed and one 2 mL dose administered to the edges of the scrotal skin wounds.
Apply using the Tri-Solfen applicator fitted with the castration nozzle, which can also be used to generate the gelling foam needed for treating dehorning wounds. Cut through skin of the scrotum with a scalpel, as per normal procedure, and gently extrude the testis to expose the spermatic cord (without cutting or tearing it).
Ensuring best practice instrument hygiene, insert the nozzle through the skin incision and carefully advance the applicator along the length of exposed spermatic cord as far as possible within the scrotum. Eject one-third of the total Tri-Solfen dose as the applicator is withdrawn from the scrotum to coat the spermatic cord. Repeat the procedure for the other side of the scrotum. Remove the testes using normal procedure. Apply the final one-third of the total dose of Tri-Solfen to the edges of the scrotal skin wounds.
General application guidelines
- Always read and follow the label directions.
- Disinfect surgical equipment before use.
- Determine the dose rate for procedure and liveweight.
- Apply using the Tri-Solfen applicator fitted with a spray tip (disbudding and dehorning) or castration nozzle (castration).
- Pull the trigger firmly and quickly to generate the gelling foam.
- Apply the product evenly over the complete area of the wound.
When used in calves, Tri-Solfen has a Meat Withholding Period and an Export Slaughter Interval of 90 days, while Butec OTM has a Meat WHP of 14 days and an ESI of 21 days.
Dechra is proudly sponsoring and attending the upcoming NTCA Conference in Darwin next week – Be sure to check your satchel for a TriSolfen branded EID Tag or come along to our booth, collect your Tag and Scan it with us for a chance to WIN!
For more information about how Tri-Solfen helps to deliver Gold Standard pain relief during surgical procedures, please contact your Dechra territory manager, rural reseller or veterinarian.
| Candice Cottrell Territory Sales Manager – Farm Animal (Qld) Dechra Veterinary Products 0456 881 335 | Peter Beard Territory Sales Manager – Farm Animal (WA & NT) Dechra Veterinary Products 0456 866 174 |
®Tri-Solfen is a registered trademark of Animal Ethics Pty Ltd. ®Registered trademarks. ©Dechra Veterinary Products (Australia) Pty Ltd, 2024. DEC25020.
