Measuring and Assessing Pain

Question 1

what are pressure thresholds used for?

Answer 1

assessing clinical pain
wound palpation, joint flexion, weight bearing

Question 2

is there an objective indicator of the amount of pain experienced by an animal?

Answer 2

no

Question 3

when is cortisol elevated?

Answer 3

pain
fear
stress
non-specific

Question 4

is abnormal blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate useful for cage side assessment of pain?

Answer 4

not really
definitely not for chronic pain

Question 5

what are some things that animals do when they are painful?

Answer 5

be immobile
be stiff
be grumpy or non-interactive
display abnormal postures
focus on self

Question 6

how can you assess pain in a non socialized animal?

Answer 6

observe engaged in task, walking, climbing

Question 7

if analgesic administration changes behavior, was pain probably present?

Answer 7

yes

Question 8

how can you assess acute pain?

Answer 8

orientation in cage
posture and movement
facial expression
response to treatment, handling, palpation

Question 9

what is the current gold standard in veterinary medicine?

Answer 9

composite measure pain scales