Pain measurement scales in domestic animals: a review

Abstract

Concern for animal pain has increased exponentially over the years, and studies have significantly enhanced our understanding of how pets experience and express pain. The welfare of our pets is closely tied to this knowledge, and addressing animal pain is a crucial aspect of veterinary ethics. Effective pain management begins with the accurate identification and quantification of pain. This review focuses on this critical first step, providing veterinarians with the tools to manage and alleviate pain in domestic animals. This bibliographic review analyzed 30 articles from Web of Science, focusing on the identification and quantification of pain. The search targeted studies related to dogs and cats, exploring topics such as the origin of pain, its consequences, various methods to measure it in both species, and the implications for anesthetist’s work. Additionally, the review examined the current status of this tool’s usage. After extensive research, first it has been revealed that there is a wall between the identification of pain and its resolution, reaching analgesia regardless of the patient’s pain level. To tear down this wall, tools are being developed to relate pain intensity to appropriate patient-specific management, methods that focus primarily on how these animals externalize pain through facial expressions or behavioral changes, even though there are other ways to identify it. Following the search, the conclusion obtained was that the tools that have been refined to identify pain are highly effective, versatile, and simple to use. This field of science has only just started to be studied and has a thriving future. This promising future is supported by emerging studies, and by owners and veterinarians who seek the best possible welfare for our pets.