How to assess pain in a dog?

The short form of the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale (CMPS-SF) was designed as a practical decision-making tool for dogs in acute pain, and can be applied quickly and reliably in a clinical setting. There are 30 descriptor options within 6 behavioral categories, including mobility. Within each category, the descriptors are ranked numerically according to their associated pain severity; the person carrying out the assessment chooses the descriptor which best fits the dog’s behavior/condition. It is important to carry out the assessment procedure as detailed overleaf. The pain score is the sum of the rank scores, with a maximum score of 24 (20 if mobility is impossible to assess). The total score is a useful indicator of analgesic requirement; the recommended analgesic intervention level is 6/24 (or 5/20). Note that the scale should be used only once dogs are fully conscious and ambulatory without assistance (except where mobility is contraindicated), so typically wait 2 hours after endotracheal extubation before assessment, but each case should be treated according to its individual circumstances. The suggested protocol for dogs in post-operative care using the CMPS-SF is as follows: Evaluate the dog once it has recovered sufficiently from anesthesia (as scores can be affected by the hangover effect of sedative and anesthetic drugs). If pain scores are greater than 5/20 or 6/24, consider giving analgesia. Allow the analgesic to take effect and reassess after an hour; if the score has decreased to below the intervention level, reassess in 2 hours.

In the clinic, pain assessment includes appetite, observation of demeanor, behavior, and palpation. Dogs adjust their demeanor, behavior, posture, and movement to minimize pain. Inappetence and calm behavior can represent subtle signs of pain. Findings are converted into a score, such as the Colorado State University Canine Acute Pain Scale or Glasgow short-form Composite Measure Pain scale, which can be tracked over time. Owners know their dogs’ normal behavior. Deviations from that behavior suggest the presence of pain. The review of short videos and photos by the veterinarian can facilitate pain-related conversations.

Pain plays a huge role in your pet’s quality of life. Each individual pet may express signs of pain differently, and they can’t tell us what’s wrong in our own language. That’s why it’s important to tune into their language and look for signs of pain through their actions and behaviors, which may often include very subtle changes. The BEAP Scale is designed to help you understand your pet’s quality of life by observing the behaviors and actions in their day-to-day life at home with you. “B” is for Breathing Pay attention to changes in your pet’s breathing patterns, like increased panting or faster breathing rate. “E” is for Eyes Look into your pet’s eyes to notice changes like dimness, depression, or a “something’s not quite right” look. “A” is for Ambulation Watch your pet walk around and look for new changes like slowing down, hesitation around stairs, stiffness or limping. “A” is for Activity Consider changes to your pet’s activity, like signs of agitation, decreased activity or engagement, and lack of response.