Student Case Presentation
Evaluation of topical flunixin meglumine compared to antimicrobial treatment on BRD re-treatment and mortality in pre-weaned dairy calves
| Date/Time: |
9/12/2024 3:00 pm
|
| Presenter: |
Emma Sells |
| Veterinary School: |
WA |
Abstract:
Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) is associated with high economic losses on calf-raising operations and detrimental impacts on animal longevity. This includes increased mortality before 24 months of age and reduced reproductive capacity at maturity. There are many treatments and preventative options for BRD including antimicrobial therapies; however, these are associated with high rates of re-treatment, antimicrobial resistance concerns, and high cost of overall treatment. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as topical flunixin meglumine (Banamine Transdermal; BTD), are an ancillary therapy which can treat pain and pyrexia associated with BRD. To evaluate the efficacy of BTD in place of an antimicrobial on BRD re-treatment, pre-weaned dairy calves were eligible for this study when diagnosed with BRD by farm staff (average days in age at enrollment = 33.77 [Control], 31.15 [BTD]). All animals with a BRD diagnosis received tulathromycin injectable with ketoprofen (Draxxin KP). After a 5-day post-treatment interval (PTI), calves were eligible for a second BRD treatment with either Draxxin KP (Control) or BTD depending on random allocation to treatment (n = 836 [Control]; n = 787 [BTD]). Five days following the second BRD treatment, calves were eligible for a third BRD treatment with florfenicol injectable with flunixin meglumine (Resflor Gold) if clinical symptoms persisted. There were no differences (P = 0.72) in third treatment rate between the Control and BTD groups (87.2% vs. 87.8%, respectively). Additionally, BTD calves had lower (P = 0.02) mortality due to BRD compared to Control calves (2.37% vs. 4.28%, respectively). This study provides insight into the evolving treatment options for BRD, including ancillary treatments with NSAIDs. Broadening the treatment options available for BRD, while cost-effective, may additionally improve animal welfare and calf retention rates.
