Investigating the effect of anxiety on pain scores in dogs

Ellwood, B. and Murison, P. J. (2022) Investigating the effect of anxiety on pain scores in dogs. Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia, 49(1), pp. 135-142. (doi: 10.1016/j.vaa.2021.07.005) (PMID:34876383)

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Abstract

Objective: To investigate the relationship between anxiety and pain scores using the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale–Short Form (CMPS-SF) in dogs. Study: Prospective observational study. Animals: A group of 18 dogs undergoing surgical management of stifle disease. Methods: Preoperatively dogs were scored using the CMPS-SF, the anxiety behaviour-based Reactivity Evaluation Form (REF), a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for anxiety and a sedation score. Assessments of pain, anxiety and sedation were repeated approximately 2–6 hours postoperatively. Dogs were divided into groups based on preoperative REF (‘Low REF’ and ‘High REF’), and VAS scores (‘Low VAS’ and ‘High VAS’). Scores (CMPS-SF, REF, VAS and sedation) were compared between groups using Mann–Whitney U tests. Preoperative and postoperative CMPS-SF, REF and VAS scores were compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Relationships between anxiety and CMPS-SF scores were assessed using a Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Scores are presented as median (range). A p value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: When divided based on REF, CMPS-SF scores did not differ between groups preoperatively [Low REF: 2 (0–3), High REF: 2 (1–3); p = 0.509] or postoperatively [Low REF: 3 (2–5), High REF: 3 (2–5); p = 0.624]. When divided based on VAS, CMPS-SF scores did not differ between groups preoperatively [Low VAS: 2 (0–2), High VAS: 2 (1–3); p = 0.215] or postoperatively [Low VAS: 3 (2–5), High VAS: 3 (2–5); p = 1]. Postoperative REF [pre: 4.5 (2–8), post: 5 (4–10); p = 0.0105] and CMPS-SF scores [pre: 2 (0–3), post: 3 (2–5); p = 0.0318] increased significantly compared with preoperative scores. Conclusions and clinical relevance: No apparent relationship exists between baseline anxiety levels and CMPS-SF scores. Understanding the influence of anxiety when using the CMPS-SF is important when assessing pain in dogs. Anxiety and pain may increase postoperatively in dogs undergoing orthopaedic surgery.

Item Type:Articles
Keywords:Stifle surgery, pain assessment, anxiety, dog, pain.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Murison, Professor Pamela and Ellwood, Bethan
Authors: Ellwood, B., and Murison, P. J.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:1467-2987
ISSN (Online):1467-2995
Published Online:10 November 2021

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