Dr. med. vet. Lydia Kuhnert

Institute for Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Toxicology
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Germany

Biosketch

Education and Employments

After studying veterinary medicine at Leipzig University (2008-2014), Dr. Kuhnert started her doctoral thesis at the group of Prof. Dr. Walther Honscha at the Institute for Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Toxicology (Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University) supported by a PhD scholarship of H. Wilhelm Schaumann Foundation (2014-2016). Since 2016, she is employed as scientist in the group of Prof. Honscha and finished her doctoral thesis in 2019. Since 2016, she gives lectures in veterinary pharmacology and pharmacy courses. Dr. Kuhnert is specialist for veterinary pharmacology and toxicology and since 2022, started to habilitate in pharmacology at Leipzig University. Additionally, she is head of laboratory at the Institute for Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Toxicology and since 2024, project leader of the biosafety laboratory S2 at the Institute for veterinary anatomy (Leipzig University).

Her research focuses on the development of new-anticancer drugs, interactions of drugs with membrane transporters and the establishment of cell culture models for farm animals to reduce animal testing. Therefore, she collaborates with research groups in Italy, Argentina, Serbia, Netherlands, France and Germany. Furthermore, Dr. Kuhnert publishes educational articles and gives talks for veterinary practitioners.

Further Committee Activities:

  • Since 2023: Examination board for veterinary examinations
  • Since 2023: Member of European Organ-on-Chip Society (EuroOoCS)
  • since 2022: Member of educational committee
  • Since 2019: Member of leading group for the research focus “EMBI” (Epithelial Metabolism, Barrier and Inflammation)

Short Abstract

Does Pigs know pain? – Recognition, evaluation and treatment of pain in pigs

Lydia Kuhnert and Elisabeth grosse Beilage

This presentation will provide an overview about pain recognition, evaluation, the mechanism of action of different analgesics and their effect on common diseases.

Untreated pain in pigs causes suffering, distress and welfare concerns. The recognition, evaluation and treatment of pain in pigs, especially from spontaneously occurring diseases and injuries, is often disregarded compared with other farm animals. In contrast, pain associated with procedures such as castration or tail docking has been more extensively studied, probably because it is directly induced by human intervention. Veterinarians are responsible to alleviate pain in pigs, so identifying and grading pain in spontaneously occurring diseases and injuries needs to become an inevitable part of the clinical examination in pigs.

In the EU, NSAIDs such as salicylates, flunixin, meloxicam, ketoprofen and tolfenamic acid are approved for pain management in pigs. In addition, NSAID-like drugs acetaminophen and metamizole are available, but no strong opioids are approved. For PPDS (postpartum dysgalactia syndrome), flunixin, meloxicam, ketoprofen and tolfenamic acid have effective anti-inflammatory properties. Less information is available on treatment of musculoskeletal pain but an analgesic effect of meloxicam, flunixin, and ketoprofen is reported. Antipyretic effects can only be achieved if a drug overcome the blood-brain-barrier. While Meloxicam only has peripheral effects, acetaminophen, salicylates, ketoprofen, flunixin and metamizole have antipyretic effects. However, tolfenamic acid and flunixin is less effective on fever in some respiratory infections.

Veterinarians need to be aware of Article 106 of EU Regulation 2019/6 regarding the use of veterinary medicinal products in accordance with the marketing authorization.