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Simple Summary: Pain in animals is assessed by behavioral alterations presented on scales. We aimed to validate the CMPS-SF according to the COSMIN and GRADE guidelines, used to assess the validity and reliability of health instruments. Four trained evaluators assessed 208 videos in four periods (pre-operative, peak of pain, 1 h after peak of pain and analgesia, and 24 h after surgery) of 52 dogs, divided into negative control (animals without pain), soft tissue surgeries, and orthopedic surgeries. The videos were evaluated in two stages, with intervals of 21 days. The CMPS-SF is a unidimensional scale with good reliability both intra-observer and between different observers, and it showed a strong correlation with other scales. Pain scores were higher after than before surgery, reduced after analgesia, and reduced even further after 24 h, which demonstrates its responsiveness. Postoperative pain scores were higher in dogs undergoing surgery versus controls. The scale is homogeneous, and there is a good interrelationship between its items. The detection values for dogs truly with and without pain were 74–83% and 78–87%, respectively. The score for indicating analgesia was ≥5 and the GRADE classification was high, confirming the validity of the scale. We aimed to validate the CMPS-SF according to COSMIN and GRADE guidelines. Four trained evaluators assessed 208 videos (pre-operative-M1, peak of pain-M2, 1 h after the peak of pain and analgesia (rescue)-M3, and 24 h post-extubation-M4) of 52 dogs, divided into negative controls (n = 10), soft tissue surgeries (n = 22), and orthopedic surgeries (n = 20). The videos were randomized and blinded as to when they were filmed, and were evaluated in two stages, 21 days apart. According to confirmatory analysis, the CMPS-SF is a unidimensional scale. Intra-observer reliability was between 0.80 and 0.99 and inter-observer reliability between 0.73 and 0.86. Criterion validity was confirmed by the correlation between the CMPS-SF and other unidimensional scales (≥0.7). The differences between the scores were M2 ≥ M3 > M4 > M1 (responsiveness), and the scale presented construct validity (higher postoperative pain scores in dogs undergoing surgery versus control). Internal consistency was 0.7 (Cronbach's α) and 0.77 (McDonald's ω), and the item-total correlation was between 0.3 and 0.7, except for "A(ii)—Attention to wound". Specificity and sensitivity were 78–87% and 74–83%, respectively. The cut-off point for rescue analgesia was ≥5 or ≥4 excluding item B(iii) mobility, and the GRADE classification was high, confirming the validity of the scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study aimed to investigate the reliability and validity of the UNESP-Botucatu cattle pain scale (UCAPS) and the cow pain scale (CPS) for postoperative pain assessment in Bos taurus (Angus) and Bos indicus (Nelore) bulls undergoing general anaesthesia and castration. Video recording performed for 3 min at five different time points (M0 and M1 preoperative; M2, M3 and M4 postoperative), resulting in 95 randomised videos, were assessed by two evaluators in two phases. The pain was assessed with UCAPS, CPS, a numerical rating scale (NRS) and a visual analogue scale (VAS). There were no significant differences in the scores of any scale between breeds. Intra- and inter-rater reliability varied from good (>0.70) to very good (>0.81). The UCAPS and CPS were responsive, specific (81–85%) and sensitive (82–87%). The cut-off point for rescue analgesia was >4 for UCAPS and >3 for CPS. Both instruments are valid and reliable instruments to assess postoperative pain in Bos taurus and Bos indicus bulls. The defined cut-off point of both scales can guide decision-making for rescue analgesia. Pain assessment guides decision-making in pain management and improves animal welfare. We aimed to investigate the reliability and validity of the UNESP-Botucatu cattle pain scale (UCAPS) and the cow pain scale (CPS) for postoperative pain assessment in Bos taurus (Angus) and Bos indicus (Nelore) bulls after castration. Methods: Ten Nelore and nine Angus bulls were anaesthetised with xylazine–ketamine–diazepam–isoflurane–flunixin meglumine. Three-minute videos were recorded at -48 h, preoperative, after surgery, after rescue analgesia and at 24 h. Two evaluators assessed 95 randomised videos twice one month apart. Results: There were no significant differences in the pain scores between breeds. Intra and inter-rater reliability varied from good (>0.70) to very good (>0.81) for all scales. The criterion validity showed a strong correlation (0.76–0.78) between the numerical rating scale and VAS versus UCAPS and CPS, and between UCAPS and CPS (0.76). The UCAPS and CPS were responsive; all items and total scores increased after surgery. Both scales were specific (81–85%) and sensitive (82–87%). The cut-off point for rescue analgesia was >4 for UCAPS and >3 for CPS. Conclusions. The UCAPS and CPS are valid and reliable to assess postoperative pain in Bos taurus and Bos indicus bulls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Facial expression (FE) has been used for pain diagnosis in horses. The current study aimed to identify pain in horses undergoing under-skin polylactide-based polymer implantation. Five statistical methods for analyzing FE were used, including conventional and new approaches. First, we scored the seven FEs separately. Subsequently, the scores of the seven FEs were added (SUM). Subsequently, principal component analysis (PCoA) was performed using the scores of the seven FEs obtained using the first method. Afterwards, weights were created for each FE based on each variable's contribution variability obtained from the PCoA (SUM.W). Finally, we applied a general score to the animal's face (GFS). The horses were filmed before and 24 and 48 h after implantation. The tissue sensitivity to mechanical stimulation and skin temperature of the horses were assessed at the same time points. The results show no changes in the FEs analyzed separately or jointly. The horses with incision and suture but no polymer implant displayed a higher pain-related FE 48 h after implantation, while the horses implanted with polymers displayed more apparent alterations in the mechanical skin sensitivity and temperature. Our findings show that the five statistical methods used to analyze the faces of the horses were not able to detect low-grade inflammatory pain. Facial-expression-based analysis has been widely applied as a pain coding system in horses. Herein, we aimed to identify pain in horses undergoing subcutaneously polylactide-based polymer implantation. The sham group was submitted only to surgical incision. The horses were filmed before and 24 and 48 h after implantation. Five statistical methods for evaluating their facial expressions (FEs) were tested. Primarily, three levels of scores (0, 1, and 2) were applied to the seven FEs (ear movements, eyebrow tension, orbicularis tension, dilated nostrils, eye opening, muzzle tension, and masticatory muscles tension). Subsequently, the scores of the seven FEs were added (SUM). Afterwards, principal component analysis (PCoA) was performed using the scores of the seven FEs obtained using the first method. Subsequently, weights were created for each FE, based on each variable's contribution variability obtained from the PCoA (SUM.W). Lastly, we applied a general score (GFS) to the animal's face (0 = without pain; 1 = moderate pain; 2 = severe pain). The mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT) and cutaneous temperature (CT) values were collected at the same moments. The results show no intra- or intergroup differences, when evaluating each FE separately or in the GFS. In the intragroup comparison and 48 h after implantation, the control group showed higher values for SUM, PCoA, and SUM.W, although the horses implanted with polymers displayed more obvious alterations in the CT and MNT. Our findings show that the five statistical strategies used to analyze the faces of the horses were not able to detect low-grade inflammatory pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Pain is the leading cause of animal suffering, hence the importance of validated tools to ensure its appropriate evaluation and treatment. We aimed to test the psychometric properties of the short form of the Unesp-Botucatu Feline Pain Scale (UFEPS-SF) in eight languages. Methods. The original scale was condensed from ten to four items. The content validation was performed by five specialists in veterinary anesthesia and analgesia. The English version of the scale was translated and back-translated into Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish by fluent English and native speaker translators. Videos of the perioperative period of 30 cats submitted to ovariohysterectomy (preoperative, after surgery, after rescue analgesia and 24 h after surgery) were randomly evaluated twice (one-month interval) by one evaluator for each language unaware of the pain condition. After watching each video, the evaluators scored the unidimensional, UFEPS-SF and Glasgow composite multidimensional feline pain scales. Statistical analyses were carried out using R software for intra and interobserver reliability, principal component analysis, criteria concurrent and predictive validities, construct validity, item-total correlation, internal consistency, specificity, sensitivity, the definition of the intervention score for rescue analgesia and diagnostic uncertainty zone, according to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results. UFEPS-SF intra- and inter-observer reliability were -0.92 and 0.84, respectively, for all observers. According to the principal component analysis, UFEPS-SF is a unidimensional scale. Concurrent criterion validity was confirmed by the high correlation between UFEPS-SF and all other scales (-0.9). The total score and all items of UFEPS-SF increased after surgery (pain), decreased to baseline after analgesia and were intermediate at 24 h after surgery (moderate pain), confirming responsiveness and construct validity. Item total correlation of each item (0.68-0.83) confirmed that the items contributed homogeneously to the total score. Internal consistency was excellent (-0.9) for all items. Both specificity (baseline) and sensitivity (after surgery) based on the Youden index was 99% (97-100%). The suggestive cut-off score for the administration of analgesia according to the ROC curve was -4 out of 12. The diagnostic uncertainty zone ranged from 3 to 4. The area under the curve of 0.99 indicated excellent discriminatory capacity of UFEPS-SF. Conclusions. The UFEPS-SF and its items, assessed by experienced evaluators, demonstrated very good repeatability and reproducibility, content, criterion and construct validities, item-total correlation, internal consistency, excellent sensitivity and specificity and a cut-off point indicating the need for rescue analgesia in Chinese, French, English, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The UNESP-Botucatu multidimensional feline pain assessment scale (UFEPS) is a valid and reliable instrument for acute pain assessment in cats. However, its limitations are that responsiveness was not tested using a negative control group, it was validated only for ovariohysterectomy, and it can be time-consuming. We aimed to evaluate the construct and criterion validity, reliability, sensitivity, and specificity of the UFEPS and its novel short form (SF) in various clinical or painful surgical conditions. Methods. Ten client-owned healthy controls (CG) and 40 client-owned cats requiring pain management for clinical or surgical care (20 clinical and 20 surgery group (12 orthopedic and eight soft tissue surgeries) were recruited. Three evaluators assessed pain, in real-time, in clinical cases before and 20 min after rescue analgesia and in surgical cases before and up to 6.5 hours postoperatively, by using the visual analog, numerical ratio, and a simple descriptive scale, in this order, followed by the UFEPSSF, UFEPS and Glasgow multidimensional feline pain (Glasgow CMPS-Feline) in random order. For the surgical group, rescue analgesia (methadone 0.2 mg/kg IM or IV and/or dipyrone 12.5 mg/kg IV) was performed when the UFEPS-SF score was -4 or exceptionally according to clinical judgement. If a third interventional analgesia was required, methadone (0.1-0.2 mg/kg IM) and ketamine (1 mg/kg IM) were administered. For the clinical group, all cats received rescue analgesia (methadone 0.1-0.2 mg/kg IM or IV or nalbuphine 0.5 mg/kg IM or IV), according to the clinician in charge, regardless of pain scores. Construct (1-comparison of scores in cats undergoing pain vs pain-free control cats by unpaired Wilcoxon-test and 2-responsiveness to analgesia by paired Wilcoxon test) and concurrent criterion validity (Spearman correlation of the total score among scales), inter-rater reliability, specificity and sensitivity were calculated for each scale (α D0:05). Results. Reliability ranged between moderate and good for the UFEPS and UFEPS-SF (confidence intervals of intraclass coefficients D 0.73-0.86 and 0.63-0.82 respectively). The Spearman correlation between UFEPS and UFEPS-SF was 0.85, and their correlation with Glasgow CMPS-Feline was strong (0.79 and 0.78 respectively), confirming criterion validity. All scales showed construct validity or responsiveness (higher scores of cats with clinical and postoperative pain vs healthy controls, and the reduction in scores after rescue analgesia). The sensitivity and specificity of the UFEPS, UFEPSSF and Glasgow CMPS-Feline were moderate (sensitivity 83.25, 78.60% and 74.28%; specificity 72.00, 84.67 and 70.00%, respectively). Conclusions. Both UFEPS and UFEPS-SF showed appropriate concurrent validity, responsiveness, reliability, sensitivity, and specificity for feline acute pain assessment in cats with various clinical and orthopedic and soft tissue surgical conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recognising pain in donkeys is challenging because they are stoic. Objectives: To identify the responses of donkeys before and after surgical pain. Study design: Prospective, short‐term longitudinal pre‐ and post‐intervention observations. Methods: Forty adult donkeys underwent surgical castration after sedation with intravenous (IV) xylazine, induction with guaiphenesin/thiopental IV and maintenance of anaesthesia with isoflurane and local anaesthetic blockade. Four hours after recovery from anaesthesia, flunixin meglumine 1.1 mg/kg, dipyrone 10 mg/kg and morphine 0.2 mg/kg IV were administered. Behavioural responses exhibited by the animals housed in individual stalls were recorded in four 30‐min videos: before castration (M0), and 3.5‐4.0 hours (M1), 5.5‐6.0 hours (M2) and 23.5‐24.0 hours after recovery from anaesthesia (M3). To exclude the influence of insects, the behaviour of six apparently pain‐free donkeys was compared with and without the presence of faeces and urine in the stall. Results: When compared with presurgical baseline behaviours (M0), after surgery (M1) donkeys raised their pelvic limbs more (P =.003). When compared with M1, after analgesia (M2), the median frequencies of ear movements (44 vs 16; P <.001), head shaking (7 vs 1; P <.001), head turning (5 vs 0; P <.001) and lifting of the both limbs (7 vs 0; P =.008) decreased; feeding (0 vs 29; P <.001) and water intake (0 vs 0, range 0‐1 vs 0‐7; P =.05) increased. The dirty stall increased tail (53 vs 80; P =.03), head (16 vs 30; P =.03) and ear movements (50 vs 78; P =.04). Main limitations: The dirty stall and presence of insects possibly contributed to the expression of behaviours unrelated to pain. Conclusion: Lifting the pelvic limbs was the only specific pain behaviour after castration in donkeys. Analgesia restored appetite and water intake and reduced the frequency of head shaking and turning, ear movement and lifting the limbs. Tail, head and ear movements are unspecific responses related both to pain and a dirty stall, and are confounding factors when pain is assessed in donkeys in the presence of insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of intranasal (IN) flunixin meglumine (FM) and intra-inguinal (IG) lidocaine on castration inflammation using prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentration as a biomarker. METHODS This randomized controlled trial was conducted in March 2022. Blood was collected at -24, 1, and 24 hours postcastration for PGE2 quantification from 195 piglets that received 1 of 8 treatments: (1) saline (1.5 mL) applied IG and IN (0.2 mL) followed by surgical castration (n = 24); (2) saline (1.5 mL) IG and IN (0.2 mL) followed by sham castration (25); (3) lidocaine (20 mg/kg or 1.5 mL) IG followed by surgical castration (24); (4) lidocaine (20 mg/ kg or 1.5 mL) IG followed by sham castration (25); (5) FM (2.2 mg/kg) IN followed by surgical castration (25); (6) FM (2.2 mg/kg) IN followed by sham castration (24); (7) lidocaine (20 mg/kg or 1.5 mL) IG and FM (2.2 mg/kg) IN followed by surgical castration (24); and (8) lidocaine (20 mg/kg or 1.5 mL) IG and FM (2.2 mg/kg) IN followed by sham castration (24). RESULTS Prostaglandin E2 concentrations did not increase following the castration procedure and were not an effective biomarker of castration inflammation. Piglets that received lidocaine demonstrated no difference in PGE2 levels across all time points. Piglets administered FM had lower PGE2 concentrations at 1 hour and 20 minutes postdrug administration in both the sham and castrated piglets. CONCLUSIONS Prostaglandin E2 was not an effective biomarker to quantify castration inflammation. Flunixin meglumine was able to reduce PGE2 concentration in piglets regardless of castration procedure, but lidocaine had no impact. Decreased PGE2 levels in FM-treated pigs are likely associated with the drug's ability to mitigate a noncastration-associated inflammatory process occurring independent of the castration procedure. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Flunixin meglumine reduced circulating PGE2 concentration in the blood, regardless of the castration procedure, indicating a potential for the drug to mitigate an inflammatory process unrelated to castration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the effect of intranasal (IN) flunixin meglumine (FM) and intra-inguinal (IG) lidocaine on castration inflammation using prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentration as a biomarker., Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in March 2022. Blood was collected at -24, 1, and 24 hours postcastration for PGE2 quantification from 195 piglets that received 1 of 8 treatments: (1) saline (1.5 mL) applied IG and IN (0.2 mL) followed by surgical castration (n = 24); (2) saline (1.5 mL) IG and IN (0.2 mL) followed by sham castration (25); (3) lidocaine (20 mg/kg or 1.5 mL) IG followed by surgical castration (24); (4) lidocaine (20 mg/kg or 1.5 mL) IG followed by sham castration (25); (5) FM (2.2 mg/kg) IN followed by surgical castration (25); (6) FM (2.2 mg/kg) IN followed by sham castration (24); (7) lidocaine (20 mg/kg or 1.5 mL) IG and FM (2.2 mg/kg) IN followed by surgical castration (24); and (8) lidocaine (20 mg/kg or 1.5 mL) IG and FM (2.2 mg/kg) IN followed by sham castration (24)., Results: Prostaglandin E2 concentrations did not increase following the castration procedure and were not an effective biomarker of castration inflammation. Piglets that received lidocaine demonstrated no difference in PGE2 levels across all time points. Piglets administered FM had lower PGE2 concentrations at 1 hour and 20 minutes postdrug administration in both the sham and castrated piglets., Conclusions: Prostaglandin E2 was not an effective biomarker to quantify castration inflammation. Flunixin meglumine was able to reduce PGE2 concentration in piglets regardless of castration procedure, but lidocaine had no impact. Decreased PGE2 levels in FM-treated pigs are likely associated with the drug's ability to mitigate a noncastration-associated inflammatory process occurring independent of the castration procedure., Clinical Relevance: Flunixin meglumine reduced circulating PGE2 concentration in the blood, regardless of the castration procedure, indicating a potential for the drug to mitigate an inflammatory process unrelated to castration.

Small animal caregivers' perceptions and previous life experiences play a pivotal role in patient care, making effective communication fundamental within the veterinary business. Despite the large and growing scale of the pet industry, data on small animal client-centered information about veterinary services in Mainland China (MC) and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) China are lacking. The objective of this study was to investigate the perceptions and opinions of small animal caregivers about surgery, pain management, and anesthesia in dogs and cats in these geographical regions through a validated online survey using content validity index. A total of 2080 valid answers were collected by convenience sampling over 45 days. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data; the chi-square test and generalized linear models were used to test the associations between demographics and responses. Overall, caregivers appeared favorable toward the use of analgesia in their pets, with concerns over the potential adverse effects produced by analgesic drugs. Joint pain and ear infections were generally rated as conditions that would be less prone to require analgesia. Significant associations were observed for demographic factors such as gender, age, and geographical area, whether participants were healthcare providers, and whether their pets had undergone surgery before. Although many respondents expressed uncertainty in recognizing pain in their pets and administering analgesics, they also expressed a desire to learn and to be informed. This study highlights areas and factors that may determine the perceptions and opinions of small animal caregivers that form a unique human-animal bond in China. Client communication should be addressed on a case-by-case basis and adapted to the geographical area, as the individual background and demographics may have an ultimate impact on treatment goals and patient care., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper: The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Paulo V Steagall reports financial support was provided by 10.13039/100012895Zoetis. If there are other authors, they declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Pain assessment guides decision-making in pain management and improves animal welfare. We aimed to investigate the reliability and validity of the UNESP-Botucatu cattle pain scale (UCAPS) and the cow pain scale (CPS) for postoperative pain assessment in Bos taurus (Angus) and Bos indicus (Nelore) bulls after castration., Methods: Ten Nelore and nine Angus bulls were anaesthetised with xylazine-ketamine-diazepam-isoflurane-flunixin meglumine. Three-minute videos were recorded at -48 h, preoperative, after surgery, after rescue analgesia and at 24 h. Two evaluators assessed 95 randomised videos twice one month apart., Results: There were no significant differences in the pain scores between breeds. Intra and inter-rater reliability varied from good (>0.70) to very good (>0.81) for all scales. The criterion validity showed a strong correlation (0.76-0.78) between the numerical rating scale and VAS versus UCAPS and CPS, and between UCAPS and CPS (0.76). The UCAPS and CPS were responsive; all items and total scores increased after surgery. Both scales were specific (81-85%) and sensitive (82-87%). The cut-off point for rescue analgesia was >4 for UCAPS and >3 for CPS., Conclusions: The UCAPS and CPS are valid and reliable to assess postoperative pain in Bos taurus and Bos indicus bulls.

Background: Recognising pain in donkeys is challenging because they are stoic., Objectives: To identify the responses of donkeys before and after surgical pain., Study Design: Prospective, short-term longitudinal pre- and post-intervention observations., Methods: Forty adult donkeys underwent surgical castration after sedation with intravenous (IV) xylazine, induction with guaiphenesin/thiopental IV and maintenance of anaesthesia with isoflurane and local anaesthetic blockade. Four hours after recovery from anaesthesia, flunixin meglumine 1.1 mg/kg, dipyrone 10 mg/kg and morphine 0.2 mg/kg IV were administered. Behavioural responses exhibited by the animals housed in individual stalls were recorded in four 30-min videos: before castration (M0), and 3.5-4.0 hours (M1), 5.5-6.0 hours (M2) and 23.5-24.0 hours after recovery from anaesthesia (M3). To exclude the influence of insects, the behaviour of six apparently pain-free donkeys was compared with and without the presence of faeces and urine in the stall., Results: When compared with presurgical baseline behaviours (M0), after surgery (M1) donkeys raised their pelvic limbs more (P = .003). When compared with M1, after analgesia (M2), the median frequencies of ear movements (44 vs 16; P < .001), head shaking (7 vs 1; P < .001), head turning (5 vs 0; P < .001) and lifting of the both limbs (7 vs 0; P = .008) decreased; feeding (0 vs 29; P < .001) and water intake (0 vs 0, range 0-1 vs 0-7; P = .05) increased. The dirty stall increased tail (53 vs 80; P = .03), head (16 vs 30; P = .03) and ear movements (50 vs 78; P = .04)., Main Limitations: The dirty stall and presence of insects possibly contributed to the expression of behaviours unrelated to pain., Conclusion: Lifting the pelvic limbs was the only specific pain behaviour after castration in donkeys. Analgesia restored appetite and water intake and reduced the frequency of head shaking and turning, ear movement and lifting the limbs. Tail, head and ear movements are unspecific responses related both to pain and a dirty stall, and are confounding factors when pain is assessed in donkeys in the presence of insects., (© 2020 The Authors. Equine Veterinary Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of EVJ Ltd.)