What opioids are approved for analgesia in cattle?

• A. None
• B. Butorphanol
• C. Morphine
• D. Fentanyl

Answer: (A)

The correct answer indicates that no opioids are specifically approved for analgesia in cattle. This is an important distinction in veterinary medicine, particularly regarding the regulatory and safety considerations associated with drug usage in food animals. While some opioids, such as butorphanol, morphine, and fentanyl, have been researched and may be utilized in practice for certain conditions and off-label usage, they are not officially approved by regulatory bodies like the FDA specifically for use in cattle for analgesia.

In practice, veterinarians may rely on opioid analgesics in certain scenarios, especially in research or if they believe the benefits outweigh the risks and lack of approval, but the absence of an official approval means that the use of these medications is not sanctioned under the same strict guidelines applied to other veterinary drugs. It's also crucial in food animals to consider the withdrawal times and potential impacts on meat and milk production in terms of food safety and consumer health. Therefore, understanding the approved status of these medications is essential for compliance with veterinary and food safety regulations.