Calves (4-6 week old) were observed during an initial sham dehorning (handled but not dehorned) and then again during and for 4 hours after actual dehorning using a heated iron. Physiological measurements were also obtained. The calves were assigned to three treatments related to anesthetics. One group received a local anesthetic (lidocaine), another group received saline injections, and the third group received no injections (Control). Both the Control and saline injected animals demonstrated more frequent tail wagging, head moving, tripping, rearing, abnormal backward-locomotion, and head shaking than did the calves receiving anesthetic. Plasma levels of vasopressin, ACTH and cortisol were elevated in the Control and saline injected animals. Dehorning calves using heat cauterization is accompanied by considerable pain and distress, which can be significantly alleviated during and for up to 2 hours afterward by local anesthesia