@article{lopez-soriano_merenda_anderson_trindade_leidig_messenger_ferreira_pairis-garcia_2023, title={Efficacy of inguinal buffered lidocaine and intranasal flunixin meglumine on mitigating physiological and behavioral responses to pain in castrated piglets}, volume={4}, ISSN={["2673-561X"]}, DOI={10.3389/fpain.2023.1156873}, abstractNote={Managing castration pain on US sow farms is hindered by the lack of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved products for mitigating pain. Previous work assessing flunixin meglumine (FM) efficacy in mitigating castration pain has shown the drug to be effective in pigs, meanwhile, results from previous work evaluating lidocaine efficacy are contradictory. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the efficacy of inguinal buffered lidocaine (BL) and FM in mitigating castration pain in piglets. This study was divided into Part I (physiological response) and Part II (behavioral response). For part I piglets were randomly assigned to the following treatments: T1: (C) Castration plus physiological saline; T2: (S) Sham plus physiological saline; T3: (CL) Castration plus BL; T4: (SL) Sham plus BL; T5: (CF) Castration plus FM; T6: (SF) Sham plus FM; T7: (CLF) Castration plus BL and FM; T8: (SLF) Sham plus BL and FM. Blood was collected 24 h prior to castration, 1 h, and 24 h post castration for cortisol quantification. For Part II another cohort of piglets was enrolled and randomly assign to the following treatments: T1: (C) Castration plus physiological saline and T7: (CLF) Castration plus BL and FM. Behavior scoring was obtained in real-time by observing each piglet for 4-min continuously using Unesp-Botucatu pig acute pain scale (UPAPS) at the following timepoints: 1 h before castration (−1 h), immediately post-castration (0 h), and 3 h post-castration (+3 h). Average cortisol concentrations did not differ at −24 h (P > 0.05) or at 24 h post-castration (P > 0.05) between treatments. At 1 h post-castration, castrated piglets (C and CL) demonstrated greater cortisol concentrations (P < 0.05). Castrated piglets in the CF and CLF group had lower cortisol concentrations compared to C and CL-treated pigs (P < 0.05). For behavioral response, there were no differences between treatments on total UPAPS scores (C and CLF, P > 0.05). Intranasal FM was able to effectively reduce the physiological piglet's response immediately post-castration. Inguinal buffered lidocaine had no effect on the either physiological or behavioral response to pain. Long-term research should focus on refining injection techniques for inguinal BL and consider administration frequency and dosing of intranasal FM to control pain for a longer period post-castration.}, journal={FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH}, author={Lopez-Soriano, Magdiel and Merenda, Victoria Rocha and Anderson, Stephanie and Trindade, Pedro Henrique Esteves and Leidig, Martin S. and Messenger, Kristen and Ferreira, Juliana Bonin and Pairis-Garcia, Monique Danielle}, year={2023}, month={Jun} }
 @article{merenda_oliveira_lopez-soriano_arruda_robbins_pairis-garcia_2023, title={Interactive euthanasia training program for the dairy industry: Implementation and perceived respondent knowledge change}, volume={106}, ISSN={["1525-3198"]}, DOI={10.3168/jds.2022-22928}, abstractNote={This study described the development of an interactive euthanasia training program and its potential to improve dairy workers' perceived euthanasia decision-making skills and awareness of timely euthanasia by using a survey instrument before and after the program. Training material encompassed euthanasia information over 2 production stages (calves and cows or heifers) and material was delivered on-farm in a case-scenario format (14 cases). During a 3-mo period, 30 different dairy farms were visited and 81 participants were enrolled in this study. Each participant was required to complete a survey pretraining, to complete the case studies from the production stage in which their job responsibility was more closely aligned with (estimated completion time of 1 h), and to complete a survey post-training. Surveys contained 8 statements regarding participants' perceived knowledge of euthanasia practices. The questions were answered on a 5-point scale: (1) strongly disagree, (2) disagree, (3) neither agree nor disagree, (4) agree, or (5) strongly agree. Multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression models were created for each question to investigate the effect of age, sex, dairy experience, farm size, role at the farm, race, previous experience with euthanasia, veterinarian degree, and production stage in the score change, defined by the presence or absence of an increase in the 5-point scale score. Upon completion of the training, respondents were more confident in identifying compromised animals (score change = 0.35), determining when an animal should be euthanized (score change = 0.64), and understanding the importance of timely euthanasia (score change = 0.26). Age and euthanasia experience were significantly associated with the respondents' perceived knowledge; suggesting that younger, less-experienced caretakers on-farm should be prioritized to receive training. The proposed interactive case-based euthanasia training program has proven to be valuable to dairy participants and veterinarians as it provides a means to improve dairy welfare.}, number={8}, journal={JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE}, author={Merenda, Victoria R. and Oliveira, Eduardo B. and Lopez-Soriano, Magdiel and Arruda, Andreia G. and Robbins, Ashley and Pairis-Garcia, Monique D.}, year={2023}, month={Aug}, pages={5659–5671} }
 @article{robles_luna_trindade_lopez-soriano_merenda_viscardi_tamminga_lou_pairis- garcia_2023, title={Validation of the Unesp-Botucatu pig composite acute pain scale (UPAPS) in piglets undergoing castration}, volume={18}, ISSN={["1932-6203"]}, DOI={10.1371/journal.pone.0284218}, abstractNote={To accurately assess pain and support broadly-based analgesic protocols to mitigate swine pain, it is imperative to develop and validate a species-specific pain scale. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical validity and reliability of an acute pain scale (UPAPS) adapted for newborn piglets undergoing castration. Thirty-nine male piglets (five days of age, 1.62 ± 0.23 kg BW) served as their own control, were enrolled in the study and underwent castration in conjunction with an injectable analgesic administered one-hour post-castration (flunixin meglumine 2.2 mg/kg IM). An additional 10, non-painful female piglets were included to account for the effect of natural behavioral variation by day on pain scale results. Behavior of each piglet was video recorded continuously at four recording periods (24 h pre-castration, 15 min post-castration, 3 and 24 h post-castration). Pre- and post-operative pain was assessed by using a 4-point scale (score 0–3) including the following six behavioral items: posture, interaction and interest in surroundings, activity, attention to the affected area, nursing, and miscellaneous behavior. Behavior was assessed by two trained blinded observers and statistical analysis was performed using R software. Inter-observer agreement was very good (ICC = 0.81). The scale was unidimensional based on the principal component analysis, all items except for nursing were representative (rs ≥ 0.74) and had excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha ≥ 0.85). The sum of scores were higher in castrated piglets post-procedure compared to pre-procedure, and higher than in non-painful female piglets confirming responsiveness and construct validity, respectively. Scale sensitivity was good when piglets were awake (92.9%) and specificity was moderate (78.6%). The scale had excellent discriminatory ability (area under the curve > 0.92) and the optimal cut-off sum for analgesia was 4 out of 15. The UPAPS scale is a valid and reliable clinical tool to assess acute pain in castrated pre-weaned piglets.}, number={4}, journal={PLOS ONE}, author={Robles, I and Luna, S. P. L. and Trindade, P. H. E. and Lopez-Soriano, M. and Merenda, V. R. and Viscardi, A. V. and Tamminga, E. and Lou, M. E. and Pairis- Garcia, M. D.}, year={2023}, month={Apr} }
 @article{merenda_oliveira_fowler_pairis-garcia_2022, title={Dairy Cattle Euthanasia-Focus Groups Exploring the Perspectives of Brazilians Working in the Dairy Cattle Industry}, volume={12}, ISSN={["2076-2615"]}, url={https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/4/409}, DOI={10.3390/ani12040409}, abstractNote={Simple Summary Euthanasia is the practice of ending the life of an animal that has no possibility of improvement and aims at minimizing suffering and mitigating poor animal welfare. Concerns regarding animal welfare are an international priority given that euthanasia standard requirements have the potential to impact the global trade of animal products. To ensure positive dairy cattle welfare by minimizing suffering via euthanasia, we must first understand how euthanasia is viewed within the Brazilian dairy community and identify barriers that prevent timely euthanasia from occurring. Therefore, we aimed to explore perspectives and attitudes about euthanasia specific to the Brazilian dairy industry using focus groups. Upon analysis of the discussions, three main themes were revealed: Euthanasia Training and Farm and Human Components. Several subthemes are discussed. The lack of nationally recognized euthanasia guidelines for dairy cattle paired with ineffective and inaccessible euthanasia tools makes it difficult for dairy veterinarians to implement humane protocols for on-farm euthanasia. In addition, logistical factors, particularly, the financial cost of euthanasia and the human–animal bond, play a role in the failure to perform euthanasia when warranted. Future studies should focus on the development of science-based standards and producer training to improve the consistency of on-farm euthanasia in Brazilian dairy operations. Abstract The objective of this study was to explore perspectives and attitudes about euthanasia specific to the Brazilian dairy cattle industry. Twenty-five Brazilian citizens (13 veterinarians, 4 animal scientists, 3 professors, 3 researchers, 1 dairy owner, and 1 caretaker) participated in one of three focus groups conducted and recorded online (10, 8, and 7 participants per group). Questions regarding euthanasia were posed by a moderator, and the focus group discussions were then transcribed verbatim for analysis. After the initial data analysis, themes were evaluated and collapsed into three major categories: Euthanasia Training and Farm and Human Components. A complex interconnection between the three main themes and multiple subthemes specific to dairy cattle euthanasia was also revealed. The lack of nationally recognized euthanasia guidelines for dairy cattle paired with ineffective and inaccessible euthanasia tools makes it difficult for dairy veterinarians to implement humane protocols for on-farm euthanasia. In addition, logistical factors, particularly, the financial cost of euthanasia and the human–animal bond, play a role in the failure to perform euthanasia when warranted. Future studies should focus on the development of science-based standards and producer training to improve the consistency of on-farm euthanasia in Brazilian dairy operations.}, number={4}, journal={ANIMALS}, author={Merenda, Victoria R. and Oliveira, Eduardo B. and Fowler, Heather N. and Pairis-Garcia, Monique D.}, year={2022}, month={Feb} }
 @article{lopez-soriano_merenda_trindade_luna_pairis-garcia_2022, title={Efficacy of transdermal flunixin in mitigating castration pain in piglets}, volume={3}, ISSN={["2673-561X"]}, DOI={10.3389/fpain.2022.1056492}, abstractNote={Castration is a painful procedure performed in swine and to date, there are no approved products available in the US to alleviate this pain. Previous work evaluating the efficacy of flunixin meglumine has shown promise in mitigating pain in swine, but no work to date has evaluated transdermal flunixin efficacy in mitigating castration pain in piglets. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of transdermal flunixin (TDF) in mitigating castration pain utilizing a previously validated behavioral pain scale. A total of 98 Large White x Duroc cross male piglets from 98 litters were enrolled in this study. Piglets were randomly assigned to the following treatments: (1) TDF plus castration (3.33 mg/kg; CF; n = 24), (2) TDF plus sham castration (3.33 mg/kg; SF; n = 26), (3) topical physiological saline plus sham castration (S; n = 24), or (4) topical physiological saline plus castration (C; n = 24). All treatments were administered 24 h prior to castration. Four-min continuous videos clips were collected 24 h before castration (−24 h), immediately post-castration (0 h), and 24 h post-castration (+24 h). Video clips were then observed and scored by one trained observer using a 4-point pain scale (score 0–3) encompassing the five behavioral domains of the pig acute pain scale (UPAPS). Total pain score averages were analyzed as repeated measures by analysis of variance applying a multilevel model. The UPAPS effectively distinguished varying levels of painful and non-painful states in castrated piglets as observed via deviations in total pain scores across timepoints (P < 0.0001), treatment (P < 0.001) and treatment*timepoint (P < 0.0001). Immediately post-castration (0 h), piglets in the C and CF group demonstrated greater total average pain scores than piglets in the S (P < 0.03) and SF (P < 0.01) groups and castrated piglets treated with TDF demonstrated lower total pain scores (P < 0.05) and required less analgesic intervention immediately post-castration compared to castrated piglets receiving no treatment (P < 0.0001). For C group 54% required rescue analgesia compared to 29%, 8% and 0% for CF, SF and S piglets respectively. Future work should evaluate implementation of this pain management protocol on a wide scale commercial farm setting.}, journal={FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH}, author={Lopez-Soriano, Magdiel and Merenda, Victoria Rocha and Trindade, Pedro Henrique Esteves and Luna, Stelio Pacca Loureiro and Pairis-Garcia, Monique Danielle}, year={2022}, month={Nov} }
 @article{merenda_wagner_arruda_soriano_montgomery_coetzee_pairis-garcia_2022, title={Impact of transdermal flunixin administration on serum prostaglandin E-2 and cortisol concentrations in piglets following castration}, volume={83}, ISSN={["1943-5681"]}, DOI={10.2460/ajvr.21.12.0201}, abstractNote={OBJECTIVE
To assess the effects of transdermal flunixin administration on serum prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and cortisol concentrations in piglets undergoing castration.


ANIMALS
104 litters with at least 4 male piglets/litter.


PROCEDURES
Litters were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments: transdermal flunixin (3.33 mg/kg) administration followed by surgical castration (CF; n = 28), transdermal flunixin administration followed by sham castration (SF; n = 26), application of physiologic saline solution followed by sham castration (S; n = 26), and application of physiologic saline solution followed by surgical castration (C; n = 24). Blood samples were collected 24 hours before and 1, 4, and 25 hours after castration or sham castration.


RESULTS
Serum PGE2 concentrations for piglets in the C and CF groups did not differ at any time. Piglets in the S group tended to have higher serum PGE2 concentrations 1 hour after sham castration compared with piglets in the SF group. One hour after the procedure, piglets that underwent castration had higher serum cortisol concentrations than did piglets that underwent sham castration. Piglets in the CF group had higher serum cortisol concentrations than did piglets in the SF group 4 hours after the procedure, but serum cortisol concentrations did not differ between the C and S groups.


CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Further studies are needed to explore dosing regimens, including effective doses and administration frequencies, and the pharmacokinetics of flunixin following transdermal administration in piglets undergoing castration.}, number={9}, journal={AMERICAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY RESEARCH}, author={Merenda, Victoria R. and Wagner, Brooklyn K. and Arruda, Andreia G. and Soriano, Magdiel Lopez and Montgomery, Shawnee and Coetzee, Johann F. and Pairis-Garcia, Monique D.}, year={2022}, month={Sep} }
 @article{oliveira_araujo_silva_hayashi_merenda_papa_2021, title={Fractionated semen collection as a diagnostic tool for reproductive pathologies in stallions}, ISSN={["2042-3292"]}, DOI={10.1111/eve.13584}, abstractNote={Summary The alterations found in the ejaculate of stallions, obtained through fractionated semen collection, may be used as a diagnostic tool for identifying the origin of the pathology. The occurrence of seminal vesiculitis, lacerations and urethral rents, bulbourethritis, and prostatitis may be accurately identified through the use of fractionated semen collection. However, because findings can at times be vague or misleading, if possible, one should pursue complimentary examinations for a definitive diagnosis. The clinical findings obtained through the fractionated semen collection should be reasonably interpreted by the veterinarian. Thus, we aimed to illustrate the findings obtained through fractionated semen collection in stallions with ejaculate alterations, which may allow the identification of the origin of pathological alterations.}, journal={EQUINE VETERINARY EDUCATION}, author={Oliveira, S. N. and Araujo, E. A. B. and Silva, L. F. M. C. and Hayashi, R. M. and Merenda, V. R. and Papa, F. O.}, year={2021}, month={Nov} }