Observations on the use of a pain numbing device for repetitive percutaneous sampling in sheep

Abstract

Aims To evaluate the success of a commercially available analgesic device (CoolSense; Coolsense Ltd, Tel Aviv, Israel) in ameliorating pain while sampling from subcutaneous tissue cages in sheep. Methods The CoolSense device was used as part of a major parent study involving repetitive percutaneous sampling of subcutaneous tissue cages in seven sheep. Sampling was performed by passing a hypodermic needle through the skin and withdrawing fluid from the tissue cage. Each sheep had 10 tissue cages that were individually sampled 14 times over 74 h. The device was placed on the skin of the sampling site immediately before sampling cooling and numbing the skin. The reaction of the sheep was observed by the operators, flinching or jumping as the needle was passed through the skin was deemed to be a failure. We recorded the success or failure of the device for each needle stick. This was opportunistic data collection as part of a pharmacokinetic trial, therefore no controls were included. Results A total of 1655 observations were recorded and then analysed using a generalised linear mixed model. Overall, 1380 of 1655 (83.4%) observations were recorded as successfully providing analgesia. Marked inter‐occasion variability was noted with success ranging from 61.42% to 92.86% across sheep:period (approximately 140 observations each). As no controls were available, the effect of treatment could not be evaluated. Conclusions and clinical relevance The CoolSense device is a viable option for veterinary research and clinical applications.

The Surface Area to Volume Ratio Changes the Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Parameters in the Subcutaneous Tissue Cage Model: As Illustrated by Carprofen in Sheep

“…Each end was sealed with silicone putty and 24 holes were created in each using a 4 mm biopsy punch. Once the putty had set, the (29).…”

“…To prepare the animals, under general anesthesia, five hollow silicone cylinders were implanted subcutaneously on each side of the neck of each wether to form ten tissue cages as described previously (29). The cages were inserted in size order, with the shortest cage being most cranially positioned.…”

“…Analgesia was provided by the Coolsense device (Coolsense, Balance Medical, Kenmore East, QLD). Details of the use of the Coolsense device have been reported elsewhere (29). At each time point, a blood sample was also obtained via the catheter or by direct venipuncture.…”

Moxidectin is a candidate for use as an in vivo internal standard in pharmacokinetic studies, as demonstrated with use in simultaneous tissue cage and ultrafiltration fluid collection

“…Pellets (Sheep & Cattle Rumevite, Townsville QLD Australia) and lucerne chaff were provided daily. Ventilation was provided by passive air movement through doors and windows, and experiments were conducted between October and November 2020 in Werribee, Victoria, Australia ( 18 ).…”

Treatment considerations for bluetongue virus serotype‐3 cases in sheep

“…There is an authorised paracetamol in the UK (Pracetam; Ceva Animal Health) for use in drinking water for pigs which could be prescribed for sheep under the cascade. Although there are limited reports of the pharmacokinetics and effectiveness of the analgesic effects of paracetamol in sheep, and a risk of hepatotoxicity if prolonged treatment, there are reports of its use in sheep (Munn and others 2021) and goats (Elbadawy and others 2015) in the literature. In the Netherlands, a dose of 10 to 20 mg/kg three times daily was advised for sheep, and it seems reasonable to suggest equivalent dose rates to those recommended in pigs (up to 30 mg/kg bodyweight, or 0.75 ml of 400 mg/ml oral solution per 10 kg bodyweight in drinking water for five days).…”