Assessing pain in animals putting research into practice
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2004 |
Authors: |
Flecknell, P.A.; Roughan, J.V. |
Publication/Journal: |
Animal Welfare |
Keywords: |
analgesia, animal, animal welfare, pain, pain assessment, pain scoring |
Abstract:
Our ability to assess pain in animals in clinical situations is slowly developing, but remains very limited. In order to develop appropriate pain scoring schemes, numerous practical problems need to be overcome. In addition, we need to appraise realistically our current poor state of knowledge. Development of new scoring systems must be coupled with the increased education and training of those responsible for pain management, so that both the assessment and the alleviation of pain are steadily improved.