Abstract
Background: The objective of this study was to determine the threshold of the Bristol Rabbit Pain Scale (BRPS) indicating the need for intervention analgesia.
Methods: Fourteen members of veterinary staff were recruited to rate rabbits (n = 71) in acute pain. Observers in group A (n = 7) were asked to score each rabbit using the BRPS, while observers in group B (n = 7) independently answered the question ‘In your clinical capacity, do you think this animal requires analgesia?’ with either 'Yes' or 'No'. The answers from the two groups were then compared.
Results: Rabbits for which group B answered ‘No’ (n = 36) had a median BRPS score (range) of 4 (0–10), while those for which group B answered ‘Yes’ (n = 42) had a median BRPS score of 9 (1–18; Z = –7.48; p < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.85 (95% confidence interval: 0.77–0.93; p < 0.001), indicating excellent discrimination of the BRPS with a cut-off score of 5.5 (sensitivity 88.1% and specificity 69.4%). However, for practicality, a score of 5 was deemed a feasible cut-off.
Limitations: The main limitations of this study are the small rabbit sample size and the subjective nature of pain scoring in animals. Conclusions: Analgesic intervention should be considered in rabbits with a pain score equal to or greater than 5 on the BRPS.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | e2995 |
| Journal | Veterinary Record |
| Volume | 193 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| Early online date | 25 May 2023 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 8 Sept 2023 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:The authors would like to thank the Alumni Association of the University of Bristol who supported this work, T. Knowles for statistical advice and all the observers for their time and feedback. This study was supported by the Alumni Association of the University of Bristol. The Alumni Association of the University of Bristol also provided support via salary to Livia Benato. Highcroft Veterinary Referrals provided support via salary to Joanna Murrell, but they did not have any additional role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish or preparation of the manuscript.
Funding Information:
The authors would like to thank the Alumni Association of the University of Bristol who supported this work, T. Knowles for statistical advice and all the observers for their time and feedback. This study was supported by the Alumni Association of the University of Bristol. The Alumni Association of the University of Bristol also provided support via salary to Livia Benato. Highcroft Veterinary Referrals provided support via salary to Joanna Murrell, but they did not have any additional role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish or preparation of the manuscript.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 British Veterinary Association.