Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 29, 2025
09:38
Determining Pain Detection and Tolerance Thresholds Using an Integrated, Multi-Modal Pain Task Battery
Published on: April 14, 2016
12.8K
Bristol Rabbit Pain Scale (BRPS): clinical utility, validity and reliability
L Benato1, J Murrell2, N Rooney3
1Animal Welfare and Behaviour, School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford, UK. livia.benato@bristol.ac.uk.
BMC Veterinary Research
|September 9, 2022
Summary
The Bristol Rabbit Pain Scale (BRPS) is a clinically useful, valid, and reliable tool for assessing rabbit pain. This study confirmed its effectiveness in quantifying pain in rabbits for veterinary use.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Welfare Science
- Pain Assessment
Background:
- The Bristol Rabbit Pain Scale (BRPS) was developed using focus groups and behavioral observation.
- It is a composite scale with six categories and four pain intensities, yielding a total score of 0-18.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the clinical utility, validity, and reliability of the Bristol Rabbit Pain Scale (BRPS).
Main Methods:
- Clinical utility was evaluated via a 10-question Likert scale questionnaire administered to veterinary professionals.
- Construct validity was assessed by observer ratings pre- and post-surgery.
- Criterion validity was determined by correlating BRPS scores with a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS).
- Inter-rater and intra-rater reliability were tested using video clip assessments.
Main Results:
- The BRPS demonstrated good clinical utility with a median score of 4 (range 2-5) and high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.811).
- Strong construct validity (p < 0.001) and criterion validity (Rho = 0.851, p < 0.001) were observed.
- Excellent inter-rater (alpha = 0.863) and intra-rater (alpha = 0.861) reliability were confirmed.
Conclusions:
- The Bristol Rabbit Pain Scale (BRPS) is a suitable tool for quantifying rabbit pain.
- It is clinically useful, valid, and reliable for assessing pain in rabbits.
