References
Pain recognition in reptiles and investigation of associated behavioural signs
Abstract
Background:
There is minimal research into reptile pain management and analgesic protocols, and current opinions surrounding this topic are outdated; the last significant study was carried out by Read in 2004. The aim of this current study was to consider the current ideas and highlight any advancements in reptile analgesia.
Objective:
To investigate current ideas within analgesia in reptiles, with focus on the creation of a behavioural ethogram for clinical reference.
Methods:
A survey was created using an online platform and distributed to experts in the field of reptile pain management (veterinarians and veterinary nurses) as well as experienced animal carers (herpetoculturists and pet owners).
Results:
A chi-square test revealed no statistical significance in behavioural signs recognised between veterinary professionals and animal carers. Continuity existed between the behavioural signs recognised by both expert groups.
Conclusion:
A lack of confidence was identified when assessing pain in reptiles. The top three behavioural signs of pain in the three subgroups were statistically agreed on across both groups of expert individuals, indicating a good basis for a behavioural ethogram.
In mammals, it is well documented that perioperative pain protocols facilitate healing and recovery, and decrease morbidity and mortality rates, resulting in a faster return of normal behaviour (Sladky and Mans, 2012). In order to facilitate this, veterinary professionals must have an understanding of normal behaviour for different species. Typically an ethogram is used as an early development of a pain score, however one does not exist for reptiles due to a lack of consensus of the normal behaviours.
In human medicine, a pain scale for young infants which encompasses facial expressions can help to interpret pain when speech is limited or not possible (Bellieni, 2012). Similarly in veterinary medicine, pain scales must have the ability to interpret pain without verbal input, and instead focus on changes in an animal's normal behaviour. The Glasgow Pain Scale (Murrell et al, 2008), and the Colorado pain scoring system for cats (Hellyer et al, 2006) amongst others have been produced to overcome this barrier, with a focus on physiological and behavioural assessment (Barrett, 2014).
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