Table 2 Post-operative pain scoring scale used at the WVS ITC
Pain score | Clinical signs often associated with degree of pain |
|---|---|
0 No pain | Bright, eating, sleeping comfortably, grooming, affectionate |
1 Mild discomfort | Eats, sleeps, resists surgical palpation, not depressed |
2 Mild pain | Picks at food, guards surgical area, slightly depressed |
3 Mild to moderate | Inappetant, guards/ looks/ licks/ chews surgical area, unrelaxed, whimpers |
4 Moderate | Depressed, reluctant to move, aggressive, may vocalise, mydriasis |
5 Increased moderate | As 4, but more pronounced |
6 Moderate to severe | Very depressed, will not move even to urinate, vocalises often |
7 Severe | Motionless, extremely depressed, vocalises |
8 Increased severe | As 7, hyperalgesic wherever touched, trembling |
9 Excruciating | Piercing screams, nearly comatose |