Tail amputation
Introduction
- Tail amputation involves the surgical removal of the tail.
- Anecdotal reports have suggested that the practice of routine tail amputation of dairy cattle improves working conditions for milking personnel (reduced tail switching at milking), improves udder cleanliness, reduces the risk of mastitis, improves milk quality and may reduce the transmission of leptospirosis to humans from cows. Research has failed to support these anecdotal reports and therefore there is little to gain from the practice of routine tail amputation in dairy cattle.
- Ethical and animals welfare concerns exist with the practice of routine tail amputation as it is an invasive procedure that may only improve milking personnel comfort. The practice in cattle is associated with short term adverse effects of acute pain and distress and possible long term adverse effects of increased tail sensitivity, development of neuromas and chronic pain and increased frequency of fly avoidance behaviors.
- Tail amputation as a routine procedure is not permitted in many countries around the world.
- In the author’s opinion, the procedure should be reserved for the therapeutic reasons outlined below.
Uses
- Removal of the tail may be indicated in the following situation:
- Neoplasia of the tail.
Advantages
- Relatively straight-forward technique to carry out.
- Successful surgery results in the animal remaining in the herd.
Disadvantages
- Cosmetically may be unsatisfactory due to the physical removal of the tail.
- Removal of the tail does not allow the animal to express the natural behaviour of tail swishing.
Technical problems
- Poor surgical technique may result in uncontrolled hemorrhage from blood vessels.
- Excessive removal of tail skin may make surgical closure difficult.
Alternative techniques
- Elastrator ring application.
- The author, reviewer and editor do not advocate the use of elastrator rings on tails, due to the welfare concerns raised by this procedure. However, it has been listed here as it is currently considered to be acceptable practice in parts of the world.
Time required
Preparation
- 15 min.
Procedure
- 10-30 min.
Requirements
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Preparation
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Technique
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Aftercare
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Outcomes
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
Other sources of information
- Cattle Standards and Guidelines Writing Group (2013) Cattle Standards and Guidelines- Tail Docking of Dairy Cows Discussion Paper. Accessed 5 April 2016. Available at: www.animalwelfarestandards.net.
- Anderson D E & Rings M (2008) Current Veterinary Therapy: Food Animal Practice. Elsevier Health Sciences.
- Divers T J & Peek S (2007) Rebhun's Diseases of Dairy Cattle. Elsevier Health Sciences.
- Fubini S L & Ducharme N (2004) Farm Animal Surgery. Elsevier Health Sciences.
- American Veterinary Medical Association (2014) Welfare Implications of Tail Docking of Cattle; Literature review. [online] Last accessed 4 January 2018. Available at: www.avma.org/.