Physiological Mechanisms Causing Sickness Behaviour and Suffering in Diseased Animals
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
1998 |
Authors: |
N.G. Gregory |
Publication/Journal: |
Animal Welfare |
Keywords: |
animal welfare, cytokines, disease, interleukins, sickness behaviour, suffering |
Abstract:
Disease is one of the most important causes of animal suffering. When diseases are treated the aim is to achieve rapid and permanent recovery and this helps to reduce the duration of suffering. It does not, however, alleviate suffering during the fulminant and recovery phases. Greater attention needs to be given to alleviating suffering and the signs of sickness during disease states. In this paper, the role of the cytokines in mediating sickness behaviour and suffering during disease is reviewed. The importance of sickness behaviour in improving the chances of recovery are considered, along with the potential use of anti-cytokine strategies in alleviating suffering in disease states.