Sedation, Analgesia, Anaesthesia and Euthanasia

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This chapter details the principles and practical aspects of sedation, analgesia, anaesthesia and euthanasia in pigs, emphasizing welfare, legality and safety. It explains that azaperone is the only sedative licensed for pigs in the UK and describes its dosage, administration routes and various applications, such as preventing fighting, easing transport stress and assisting obstetric procedures. This chapter reviews the main non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) licensed for pigs (flunixin, ketoprofen, meloxicam and tolfenamic acid), highlighting their interchangeable use, dosage forms and application under the cascade principle. It discusses anaesthetic protocols for piglets, growing pigs and adults, including both inhalational and injectable combinations, stressing accurate dosing, careful monitoring and the importance of owner consent when using non-licensed drugs. Euthanasia methods are addressed according to age and size, covering physical and chemical approaches, operator competence and humane handling, with guidance for on-farm slaughter under welfare regulations. This chapter concludes with a summary of relevant UK legislation governing pig welfare during handling, transport and slaughter, including the Animal Welfare Act 2006, the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Regulations 2006 and the Welfare of Animals (Slaughter and Killing) Regulations 1995, reinforcing the veterinarian’s role in ensuring ethical and compliant practice.