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Objective Nociceptive Assessment in Ventilated ICU Patients: A Feasibility Study Using Pupillometry and the Nociceptive Flexion Reflex
Published on: July 4, 2018
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Objective pain assessment in horses (2014-2018).
J P A M van Loon1, M C Van Dierendonck2
1Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, NL-3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Veterinary Journal (London, England : 1997)
|December 4, 2018
Summary
Objective pain assessment in horses is advancing with composite and facial expression scales. These tools show promise for clinical use and improving equine welfare through better pain evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Equine Science
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Welfare
Background:
- Objective and reliable pain assessment in horses is a significant scientific challenge.
- Numerous pain assessment tools have been developed and validated for equine use.
- Composite and facial expression-based pain scales are currently leading methods for horse pain evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent scientific literature on composite and facial expression-based pain scales in horses.
- To discuss the validation (sensitivity, specificity, reliability) of these equine pain scales.
- To explore their clinical applicability and future research directions for equine pain management.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of scientific studies on equine pain assessment tools.
- Focus on composite pain scales and facial expression-based pain scales.
- Analysis of validation data and clinical utility of described pain scales.
Main Results:
- Composite and facial expression-based pain scales are the most promising tools for assessing pain in horses.
- Studies show varying degrees of validation, including sensitivity, specificity, and inter-observer reliability.
- These scales have potential for use in clinical settings, including hospitalized and ridden horses.
Conclusions:
- Current equine pain scales, particularly composite and facial expression types, offer improved objective assessment.
- Further validation and research are needed to optimize their use in clinical practice.
- Enhanced pain scoring can refine the evaluation of analgesics and improve overall equine welfare.
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