Parasite and Pain Management Lecture

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to internal parasites in animals, particularly goats, and pain management strategies.

FAMACHA Scoring

A method used to assess the color of the conjunctiva of the eye, indicating anemia due to parasites, specifically useful for H. contortus.

Haemonchus contortus

A major internal parasite in goats that causes anemia, develops from egg to infective larvae in approximately 17-21 days.

Diarrhea

Common sign of many gastrointestinal issues; however, it's explicitly noted not to be a feature in clinical presentations of H. contortus.

Refugia

The population of parasites not exposed to dewormers, important for managing resistance.

Acute Pain

Sudden onset pain that may be severe, serves as a biological warning signal leading to protective behavioral changes.

Chronic Pain

Pain that lasts weeks to months and persists beyond expected healing time, imposing stress.

Anesthetics

Drugs that cause temporary loss of sensation (local) or consciousness (general).

Analgesics

Drugs that relieve pain, including opioids, NSAIDs, and local anesthetics.

Preemptive Analgesia

Administration of analgesics before a painful procedure to minimize pain perception.

Clinical Signs of H. contortus Infection

Can be hyperacute (sudden death), acute (severe anemia), or chronic (modest anemia and loss of body condition) without diarrhea.

Pain Management in Food Animals

Return to welfare considerations, speed recovery, and the economic impact of analgesic use post-painful procedures.

Opioids

Powerful pain relievers, commonly used analgesics, e.g., morphine.

NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce pain and inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin production.

Selective Flock Treatment

A strategy to treat only those animals with significant infections or high susceptibility to minimize drug resistance.

Grazing Program Alteration

Changes in grazing patterns, including pasture rotation, to reduce parasite infection.