{"id":22182,"date":"2020-10-05T20:03:37","date_gmt":"2020-10-05T20:03:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/?p=22182"},"modified":"2022-04-05T15:12:45","modified_gmt":"2022-04-05T15:12:45","slug":"update-on-clinical-acute-pain-assessment-in-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/pain_management\/update-on-clinical-acute-pain-assessment-in-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"Update on Clinical Acute Pain Assessment in Cats"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Pain is defined as \u201ca distressing experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage with sensory, emotional, cognitive, and social components.\u201d<sup>1<\/sup> Failure to recognize acute pain states and provide adequate analgesia, known as oligoanalgesia, can have a variety of immediate and long-term deleterious effects (<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><b>TABLE 1<\/b><\/span><span class=\"s1\">).<sup>2<\/sup> Perioperative oligoanalgesia can result in peripheral and central sensitization, a condition in which lowering of the patient\u2019s sensitivity threshold to noxious and non-noxious stimuli intensifies the patient\u2019s painful state, leading to chronic, maladaptive pain.<sup>3<\/sup> Increased sensitivity to noxious stimuli is called hyperalgesia; when a stimulus (e.g., a gentle touch) that otherwise would be considered nonpainful results in intense pain, it is called allodynia. Both can result from inadequate pain treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_NovDec20_FelinePainAssessment_Table1-1.jpg\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-30273\" src=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_NovDec20_FelinePainAssessment_Table1-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1834\" height=\"627\" srcset=\"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_NovDec20_FelinePainAssessment_Table1-1.jpg 1834w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_NovDec20_FelinePainAssessment_Table1-1-300x103.jpg 300w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_NovDec20_FelinePainAssessment_Table1-1-1024x350.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_NovDec20_FelinePainAssessment_Table1-1-768x263.jpg 768w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_NovDec20_FelinePainAssessment_Table1-1-1536x525.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1834px) 100vw, 1834px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The key in treating pain is to first identify if a patient is experiencing it via the use of a pain assessment tool (PAT). This article discusses the <\/span>state of acute clinical pain assessment in cats, with specific focus on the usage and implementation of <span class=\"s1\">PATs during the perioperative period. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p2\">Challenges in Feline Pain Assessment<\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The saying \u201ccats are not small dogs\u201d holds true when evaluating pain. Signs of pain in cats are often subtle and more difficult to identify than those in dogs (<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><b>BOX 1<\/b><\/span><span class=\"s1\">).<sup>4<\/sup> For example, cats have fewer social behavioral displays, often due to their solitary hunting lifestyle, which contributes to their lack of identifiable pain expressions.<sup>9<\/sup> Domestication of cats has also introduced \u201ctolerance\u201d of human proximity, increasing the likelihood for hidden pain-related behaviors (stoic nature) and expressions.<sup>10<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n<p><div class=\"su-box su-box-style-soft\" id=\"\" style=\"border-color:#003d45;border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-box-title\" style=\"background-color:#007078;color:#ffffff;border-top-left-radius:1px;border-top-right-radius:1px\">BOX 1 Clinical and Physiologic Signs of Acute Pain in Cats<sup>5-8<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"su-box-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"border-bottom-left-radius:1px;border-bottom-right-radius:1px\"><strong>Autonomic system changes<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Arterial hypertension <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Tachypnea <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Tachycardia <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Mydriasis <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>Postural changes<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Hunched, rigid posture <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Lowered head position (below shoulder line or tilted down) <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>Facial changes<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Orbital tightening (narrowing of the orbital area) <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Muzzle tension (flattening and stretching of the muzzle) <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Tightly closed or squinted eyes <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Altered ear position (tips of ears pulled apart and rotated outwards) <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>Behavioral changes<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Growling and vocalizations <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Reduced activity and\/or interactions with people <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Hiding <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Decreased grooming <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Decreased appetite <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Intention to wound or self-mutilate <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"s1\"><strong>Adverse reaction to palpation<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Growling and vocalization <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Tries to bite observer performing the palpation <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Hides or flees to avoid palpation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"s1\"><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Feline pain assessment in a veterinary hospital possesses separate challenges. Cats are less likely to visit veterinary hospitals than dogs,<sup>11<\/sup> reducing their ability to acclimate themselves to a hospital setting. Cats also require a means of transport that may not be habitual in their everyday lifestyle (i.e., carrier), further exacerbating stress and anxiety. These emotions in the hospital may alter physiologic variables,<sup>12<\/sup> thereby artificially increasing pain scores when using certain feline pain scales.<sup>13<\/sup> For example, the white-coat phenomenon of increased blood pressure could influence pain scores reported on the <a href=\"http:\/\/animalpain.com.br\/assets\/upload\/escala-en-us.pdf\">UNESP-Botucatu <\/a><\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/animalpain.com.br\/assets\/upload\/escala-en-us.pdf\">Multidimensional Composite Pain Scale<\/a>. It is important for practitioners to always evaluate all components<span class=\"s1\"> of pain (sensory, emotional, cognitive, and social).<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p2\">Selecting an Acute Pain Assessment Tool<\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Choosing a pain scale can be overwhelming for any veterinary practitioner. Limited exposure to PATs (due to their lack of incorporation into veterinary school curricula) and to advances in feline pain assessment in the past 5 to 10 years may increase uncertainty.<sup>2<\/sup> In a U.K. survey, only 8% of practices used a formal pain scoring system, although 80% of veterinary staff members agreed a scale would be a useful clinical tool.<sup>14<\/sup> Several PATs are available (unidimensional versus multidimensional, validated versus nonvalidated), and each possesses its own intricacies, further complicating implementation.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"su-box su-box-style-soft\" id=\"\" style=\"border-color:#003d45;border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-box-title\" style=\"background-color:#007078;color:#ffffff;border-top-left-radius:1px;border-top-right-radius:1px\">Box 2 Characteristics of an Effective Pain Assessment Tool<\/div><div class=\"su-box-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"border-bottom-left-radius:1px;border-bottom-right-radius:1px\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Differentiates between presence and absence of pain <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Provides an intervention point for when to administer an analgesic agent <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Evaluates the sensory, emotional, and physiologic aspects of pain <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Categorizes the intensity, frequency, duration, and quality of the painful condition (acute versus chronic, transient and intermittent versus sustained, mild versus severe) <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Practical; requires minimal training and equipment <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Has minimal intra- and interuser variability<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div><\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">When choosing a PAT, veterinarians should look for one that possesses the characteristics listed in <\/span><span class=\"s2\"><b>BOX 2<\/b><\/span><span class=\"s1\"><b> <\/b>and is<b> <\/b>practical for the individual clinic. To improve clinic compliance for pain assessment, staff should be educated on the PAT before its implementation. Short, didactic training sessions and educational seminars to improve knowledge of pain management and assessment can reduce incidences of oligoanalgesia.<sup>15<\/sup> Seminars can be delivered by in-house veterinarians, obtained from online resources, or attended at regional and national continuing education meetings. <\/span><span class=\"s2\"><b>TABLE 2<\/b><\/span><span class=\"s1\"> lists several starting points.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_2020_1112_FelinePainAssessment_Table2-1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-30271\" src=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_2020_1112_FelinePainAssessment_Table2-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2073\" height=\"1608\" srcset=\"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_2020_1112_FelinePainAssessment_Table2-1.jpg 2073w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_2020_1112_FelinePainAssessment_Table2-1-300x233.jpg 300w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_2020_1112_FelinePainAssessment_Table2-1-1024x794.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_2020_1112_FelinePainAssessment_Table2-1-768x596.jpg 768w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_2020_1112_FelinePainAssessment_Table2-1-1536x1191.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_2020_1112_FelinePainAssessment_Table2-1-2048x1589.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2073px) 100vw, 2073px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p2\">Currently Available Acute Pain Assessment Tools for Cats<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"p3\">Unidimensional Scales<\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Several varieties of acute PATs exist for cats.<sup>5,16<\/sup> The simplest are unidimensional scales. Examples of these include visual analogue scales (VASs), numerical rating scales (NRSs), and simple descriptive scales (<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><b>FIGURE 1<\/b><\/span><span class=\"s1\">). A VAS allows the observer to measure pain along a single 100-mm line ranging from 0 mm (absence of pain) to 100 mm (maximal pain). An NRS is similar to a VAS, but the scale is divided into numerical units (e.g., 0 to 10, absence of pain to worst pain, respectively). Simple descriptive scales allow the observer to choose a rating that best describes the patient\u2019s pain. Descriptions include the degree of pain intensity (e.g., mild, moderate, severe) and a descriptor to help the observer identify what constitutes this degree. On some occasions, the description is converted to a numeric score.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_30272\" style=\"width: 2035px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_NovDec20_FelinePainAssessment_Fig1-1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30272\" class=\"size-full wp-image-30272\" src=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_NovDec20_FelinePainAssessment_Fig1-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2025\" height=\"1160\" srcset=\"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_NovDec20_FelinePainAssessment_Fig1-1.jpg 2025w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_NovDec20_FelinePainAssessment_Fig1-1-300x172.jpg 300w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_NovDec20_FelinePainAssessment_Fig1-1-1024x587.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_NovDec20_FelinePainAssessment_Fig1-1-768x440.jpg 768w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_NovDec20_FelinePainAssessment_Fig1-1-1536x880.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2025px) 100vw, 2025px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-30272\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Figure 1. General examples of unidimensional acute pain assessment scales used in cats. (A) Simple descriptive scale, (B) visual analog scale, (C) numerical rating scale.<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">These PATs require the user to record a subjective score for pain intensity and evaluate only the sensory component of pain. They often do not consider psychologic features and the different characteristics of pain (i.e., dull, throbbing, burning, or sharp). Advantages associated with these scales include their practicality, requirements for minimal training, and ease of use (<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><b>BOX 3<\/b><\/span><span class=\"s1\">). However, due to their subjective nature, they can be affected by observers\u2019 implicit bias (e.g., age, gender, cultural differences, personal health, clinical experience),<sup>2,18<\/sup> leading to observer variability in scoring.<sup>17<\/sup> These PATs also do not require the veterinarian to interact with the patient, but rather to observe from a distance. These scales do not describe an intervention level (i.e., value at which analgesia should be administered), which is left to the user to determine. For these reasons, unidimensional scales lack validation for assessing acute pain in cats and should be used with prudence.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"su-box su-box-style-soft\" id=\"\" style=\"border-color:#003d45;border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-box-title\" style=\"background-color:#007078;color:#ffffff;border-top-left-radius:1px;border-top-right-radius:1px\">Box 3 Advantages and Disadvantages of Unidimensional Acute Pain Scales6,16,17<\/div><div class=\"su-box-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"border-bottom-left-radius:1px;border-bottom-right-radius:1px\"><strong>Advantages<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Practical <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Quick and easy to complete <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Simple to use and incorporate into daily practice routines <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Require little training <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Can be customized to meet clinic needs <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Allow rapid institution of a preventive analgesic plan <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Potentially easy for owners to use at home <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Disadvantages<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Significant variability (up to 36%) in results when used by nonexpert observers <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Observer bias can affect score <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Only evaluate one dimension of pain (sensory) <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Intervention level for analgesic administration is not previously determined <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Lack validation <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Often not standardized <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Limited number of available response options <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Lack sensitivity when detecting slight changes in pain intensity<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div><\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">A refinement of the VAS was designed to include a dynamic and interactive visual analog scale. This alteration allows it to act more like a multidimensional scale. Using this model, the patient would receive 3\u00a0scores based on (1) observing for signs of pain from a distance, (2) as approached and with interaction, and (3) following palpation of the area of insult.<sup>6<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p3\">Multidimensional Scales<\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Multidimensional acute pain scales consider the complex, multifaceted experience associated with pain and, compared with unidimensional systems, can provide a more accurate assessment of the presence or absence of pain and its intensity. These PATs evaluate several patient behaviors from a distance and how the patient interacts with the observer and responds to palpation of nonpainful and painful regions. They may or may not include physiologic parameters (e.g., blood pressure). These PATs offer enhanced reliability when used by observers of varying experiences;<sup>19<\/sup> however, interobserver differences in scoring are still possible.<sup>18<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">To date, 2 validated multidimensional PATs exist to assess acute pain in cats: the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale-Feline (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aprvt.com\/uploads\/5\/3\/0\/5\/5305564\/cmp_feline_eng.pdf\">Glasgow CMPS-Feline<\/a>) and the UNESP-Botucatu Multidimensional Composite Pain Scale (<a href=\"http:\/\/animalpain.com.br\/assets\/upload\/escala-en-us.pdf\">UNESP-Botucatu MCPS<\/a>). Despite their validation, the use of these tests is limited in cats that are aggressive and fearful, in states of dysphoria, and those receiving ketamine-based anesthetic protocols.<sup>7,20,21<\/sup> Other acute PATs for cats have gained popularity, but these currently lack validation and therefore proof of negligible variability in observer scoring (<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><b>TABLE 3<\/b><\/span><span class=\"s1\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_NovDec20_FelinePainAssessment_Table3-1-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-30274\" src=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_NovDec20_FelinePainAssessment_Table3-1-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2010\" height=\"2560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_NovDec20_FelinePainAssessment_Table3-1-scaled.jpg 2010w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_NovDec20_FelinePainAssessment_Table3-1-236x300.jpg 236w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_NovDec20_FelinePainAssessment_Table3-1-804x1024.jpg 804w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_NovDec20_FelinePainAssessment_Table3-1-768x978.jpg 768w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_NovDec20_FelinePainAssessment_Table3-1-1206x1536.jpg 1206w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_NovDec20_FelinePainAssessment_Table3-1-1608x2048.jpg 1608w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2010px) 100vw, 2010px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"p4\"><b>Glasgow CMPS-Feline<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aprvt.com\/uploads\/5\/3\/0\/5\/5305564\/cmp_feline_eng.pdf\">Glasgow CMPS-Feline<\/a> is a structured, easy-to-use questionnaire. Observers assess spontaneous and induced behaviors during clinical observations and interactions with the animal, respectively. It has been refined from the original version to improve performance sensitivity and now includes a 3-point face scale evaluating ear and muzzle positions.<sup>23<\/sup> It also provides a validated cutoff value (score \u22655 out of 20) indicating when analgesic intervention is required. The latest version validated its utility in patients with pain from a variety of sources (postsurgical, trauma, and medical cases) assessed by observers with varying experiences.<sup>23<\/sup> <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p4\"><b>UNESP-Botucatu MCPS<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The <a href=\"http:\/\/animalpain.com.br\/assets\/upload\/escala-en-us.pdf\">UNESP-Botucatu MCPS<\/a> evaluates 3 dimensions of pain: (1) pain expression (response to palpation of the surgical area, abdomen, and flank; vocalizations; and miscellaneous behaviors), (2) physiologic variables (blood pressure and appetite), and (3) psychomotor change (posture, comfort, activity, and attitude).<sup>13<\/sup> This PAT requires more training for the observer and time to perform the evaluation compared with the Glasgow CMPS-Feline, which may pose difficulty in high-volume veterinary hospitals with limited staff. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">To facilitate staff training and reduce variability among observers, the creators of this PAT designed a website that provides video examples of varying levels of pain intensity for each dimension (<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><b>TABLE 3<\/b><\/span><span class=\"s1\">). An intervention level is reported (score \u22658 out of 30), along with classification of overall scores as absence of pain (0), mild pain (1 to 8), moderate pain (9 to 21), and severe pain (22 to 30). Although it includes blood pressure measurement, this measure can be omitted without compromising global pain assessment and altering intervention level.<sup>13<\/sup> This suggestion is based on the poor internal consistency of blood pressure measurement in cats, the low contribution of this parameter to total variance in score, and the lack of feasibility in awake cats.<sup>13<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p4\"><b>Nonvalidated Scales<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Several nonvalidated multidimensional acute pain scales are available for use in cats. These scales evaluate dimensions of the pain response similar to those in the validated PATs, but they have reduced reported reliability<sup>24<\/sup> and lack similar scrutiny. The <a href=\"https:\/\/navc.com\/todaysveterinarynurse\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2016\/02\/Feline_Pain-Scale-Handout.pdf\">Colorado State University Feline Acute Pain Scale<\/a> (CSU-FAPS) is simple to use with moderate to good interobserver reliability when used by veterinarians with advanced training in anesthesia (<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><b>TABLE 3<\/b><\/span><span class=\"s1\">).<sup>24<\/sup> It uses a description-based scaling system evaluating psychologic and behavioral expressions of pain, responses to palpation, and body tension, with accompanying pictures to help assess visual degrees of pain intensity. Other acute PATs used in cats include the University of Melbourne Pain Scale and 4A-Vet Pain Scale; however, they do not provide additional advantages over the validated alternatives.<sup>22,25<\/sup> <\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p3\">Feline Grimace Scale<\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Grimace scales use simple, rapid methods to evaluate a <\/span>set number of facial characteristics specifically associated<span class=\"s1\"> with pain. Recently, the <a href=\"http:\/\/felinegrimacescale.com\">feline grimace scale<\/a> (FGS) proved reliable and valid for use in assessing acute pain in cats.<sup>8<\/sup> The FGS assesses 5 action units (AUs): ear position, orbital tightening, muzzle tension, whisker position, and head position. A score of 0 (absent), 1 (moderate or uncertain), 2\u00a0(obvious), or \u201cnot possible to score\u201d is appointed to each of the 5 AUs. The scores from all AUs are combined, excluding any marked as \u201cnot possible to score,\u201d then divided by the maximum possible score (10) to determine a single total pain score.<sup>8<\/sup> Intervention to administer analgesia is recommended when the total score is &gt;0.39 out of 1.0. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The FGS validation article is open-access, and an easy-to-use training manual can be downloaded from a dedicated website (<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><b>TABLE 2<\/b><\/span><span class=\"s1\">) to be printed and laminated for everyday clinical use. An online video that discusses the utility of the FGS in clinical practice is also available to watch on the website.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p2\">Implementing a Pain Assessment Strategy<\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Frequency of monitoring acute pain is as important as choosing a PAT. Pain assessment should be incorporated along with measurement of other vital signs and physical examination. Pain should be assessed more frequently closest to the time of insult; as the patient\u2019s comfort level improves, the frequency can be gradually tapered (<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><b>TABLE 4<\/b><\/span><span class=\"s1\">). If analgesic intervention is immediately required or pain is intensifying, assessment should be more frequent. Frequency of pain assessment is always best determined on a case-by-case basis and depends on the analgesic drug\u2019s duration of action.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_NovDec20_FelinePainAssessment_Table4-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-30275\" src=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_NovDec20_FelinePainAssessment_Table4-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2031\" height=\"490\" srcset=\"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_NovDec20_FelinePainAssessment_Table4-1.jpg 2031w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_NovDec20_FelinePainAssessment_Table4-1-300x72.jpg 300w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_NovDec20_FelinePainAssessment_Table4-1-1024x247.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_NovDec20_FelinePainAssessment_Table4-1-768x185.jpg 768w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/10\/TVP_NovDec20_FelinePainAssessment_Table4-1-1536x371.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2031px) 100vw, 2031px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Limitations in assessing pain may be associated with insufficient daily staffing, lack of after-hours staff, aggressive or fractious patients, or outpatient procedures limiting pain assessment past 8 to 12 hours postsurgery (e.g., neutering procedures). Despite these limitations, pain assessment should never be overlooked, regardless of veterinary practice type. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Simple PATs, such as the unidimensional scales, can be used at home by clients to assess pain in pets that cannot remain in the hospital after painful procedures. To improve the effectiveness of these scales, clients should be educated on their use during discharge. Alternatively, clients can be asked to send a short video of their pet to their veterinarian via text or email to aid in determining the status of pain.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p2\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Inadequately diagnosed and treated acute pain can result in serious, lifelong physiologic and psychologic consequences. Implementation of PATs can improve a veterinary hospital\u2019s success in pain management. It is important that veterinarians review a variety of PATs to determine which suits their veterinary practice best. Resources on pain management are available online to educate veterinarians, staff, and clients on how to improve observer reliability and increase staff and owner compliance. <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Inadequately diagnosed and treated acute pain can result in serious, lifelong physiologic and psychologic consequences.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":22103,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"iawp_total_views":1975,"footnotes":""},"categories":[330],"tags":[13],"class_list":["post-22182","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-november-december-2020","tag-peer-reviewed","column-features","clinical_topics-diagnostics","clinical_topics-pain_management"],"acf":{"hide_sidebar":false,"hide_sidebar_ad":false,"hide_all_ads":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO 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