Honour bestowed upon Massey Vet
‘‘[But] under anaesthesia they can give the animal pain relief and still measure the pain.’’ Craig Johnson
A massey University scientist who has developed a ground breaking way of studying pain in animals has been honoured at graduation.
Massey professor of veterinary neurophysiology and director of research ethics Craig Johnson graduated with an honorary doctor of science at a ceremony at the Regent on Broadway yesterday.
It is the highest doctoral qualifications conferred by Massey in recognition of original research contributions of special excellence to knowledge. Johnson was humbled about the recognition.
Johnson has developed the minimal anaesthesia model and its application in animal welfare.
The technique measures brain waves of animals who have been given pain relief when under general anaesthesia. ‘‘We’ve used it to measure pain in lots of different circumstances in lots of different animals, I think in about 13 different species of animals and in lots of different surgical procedures or lots of husbandry procedures. Notably in slaughter.’’
The brain waves reflect pain reception as if the animal has been awake, which is a new way of measuring pain.
The technique can be used when doing procedures like castrating horses, horn removal of cattle or surgical procedures in rats.
‘‘Say you’re looking at castration. Traditionally they were given no pain relief to look at the pain.
‘‘But under anaesthesia they can give the animal pain relief and still measure the pain.’’
Johnson said it was more humane because the animals were anaesthetised and fewer animals were needed for the study. The work has taken him 20 years. Now it is being used around the world and in animals including sheep, pigs and wallabies.
Johnson’s colleague John Munday, a professor of veterinary pathology and research director of the school of veterinary science, also received the degree for his research into cancer in animals and the causes and ways of predicting biological behaviour. His research has revealed numerous previously unknown viruses associated with cancers in cats, dogs and horses.
He hopes to develop new ways to prevent cancer in animals, as well as developing safer, more effective treatments for cancers in pets.
The prestigious massey University Medal was awarded to chairman of the Riddet Institute, Kevin marshall, for his service to the university and the community.