Recognising pain, suffering and distress

Question 1

Where should an animal’s behaviour initially be observed?

Answer 1

In it’s home cage/pen, as some animals may no longer show signs of distress when disturbed

Question 2

What are signs of poor health in mice/rats?

Answer 2

Poor coat condition, hunched body posture, moving/behaving abnormally, discoloured ears/tail

Nose should be pink, eyes should be bright and have no discharges, coat should be well groomed, no hair loss/matting or discolouration, tail should be rounded and pink

Question 3

To compare the condition of rats/mice, what system can be used?

Answer 3

Scoresheets. Interventions should be considered if the score exceeds 8.

Question 4

What factors should be considered when making a score sheet?

Answer 4

General signs of good/poor health, specific signs to recognise if problems have occurred as a result of a procedure.
Guide as to what interventions should be made (and when), a record of any treatments given, and what humane endpoints will be used.

Question 5

What is the main limitation of using score sheets?

Answer 5

It is not always clear which clinical signs best reflect changes in the animal’s welfare.

Question 6

What can be used to improve animal welfare and reduce stress/suffering?

Answer 6

Optimise animal housing conditions, providing enrichment, expert handling + restraint

Question 7

What are mild procedures?

Answer 7

Cause a minor transient disturbance to normal behaviour, and generally have no lasting effects on the animals

Question 8

What are moderate procedures?

Answer 8

Cause a significant and easily detectable disturbance in an animal’s normal state. May be for short periods, or to a limited extent for longer periods

Question 9

What are severe procedures?

Answer 9

Animals are likely to experience long-lasting moderate pain, suffering or distress. Such procedures cause a major departure from the animal’s usual state of health and well-being