Veterinary Pain Recognition: Advances in Assessment Tools

Pain recognition in animals has been transformed by validated assessment tools. These advances improve veterinary care and enable evidence-based pain management across species.

Key Facts

Animal pain was historically underestimated and undertreated based on the assumption animals felt pain less than humans
Validated pain assessment tools now exist for dogs, cats, horses, rodents, sheep, and pigs
The Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale (CMPS) was the first validated pain tool for dogs and is widely used
Grimace scales measure facial action units in rodents, rabbits, horses, cats, and other species to quantify pain
Post-operative pain is still undertreated in many veterinary contexts, particularly in small companion animals
Pain recognition training for veterinary staff significantly improves pain management outcomes

Welfare Considerations

The development of validated animal pain assessment tools represents a major advance in veterinary welfare science. Prior to these tools, pain management in animals was based on subjective impression rather than objective measurement, resulting in systematic undertreatment. Grimace scales in particular have demonstrated that animals reliably communicate pain through facial expression changes that can be trained observers can detect and quantify. The welfare implication is significant: animals that previously received inadequate post-operative pain management now receive treatment protocols guided by objective assessment. Continuing challenges include adoption across veterinary practices and developing tools for species where validated scales don't yet exist.

What You Can Do

Ask your veterinarian about the pain assessment protocols used for your animal after procedures
Advocate for post-operative pain management as standard practice for all surgical procedures in animals
Support veterinary education programs that include validated pain assessment tool training
Observe your animal for signs of pain using species-appropriate behavioral indicators
Report any concern about under-treated pain after procedures to your veterinarian and request reassessment
Support research developing pain assessment tools for species where validated options don't yet exist