A Canadian veterinary researcher was recognized this week by the Alberta Farm Animal Care organization for his innovative approach to managing pain from cattle castration.
Dr. Merle Olson, DVM, MSc, worked closely with veterinarians and producers for more than six years to develop Meloxicam Oral Suspension—a new veterinary pharmaceutical from Solvet that delivers a minimum of 56 hours of pain relief during cattle castration. It is the first medication of its kind in North America with a label claim for reducing pain associated with castration.
And it was developed right here, in Canada.
Based in Calgary, Solvet specializes in veterinary pharmaceuticals that are created for—and with—producers. Solvet uses a different approach to R&D: the team consults with producers at the start of research into a new product, so that the end-product meets their needs.
“Meloxicam is a good example of how we worked with industry to support a need,” says Dr. Olson. “They are the ones who asked for this and advocated for a pain management solution for their animals. Meloxicam was developed to meet their needs. It took an innovative approach to develop this product, and many trials to show a true benefit to controlling the pain. It’s an honour for AFAC to recognize our work.”
Pain management and welfare for farm animals has been an important call-to-action across the entire industry. Canadian consumers are also increasingly demanding humanely raised cattle. Alberta Farm Animal Care highlighted this at the recent Livestock Care Conference by encouraging producers, industry and others to consider livestock care and welfare as a priority issue.
Dr. Olson stresses the continued need for pain management innovations. “Animals cannot express themselves if they are in pain, so it is up to us to advocate for them. To succeed as a veterinarian, you must have a passion for animals, and a true compassion for them,” he says. “It is why I do what I do.”