Pain Assessment in Feline Dental Patients: Understanding Pain Scales
- zeropainphilosophy
- Apr 13
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 3
In this pain update, we discuss the effective pain scales available for assessing feline dental patients.
Insights from the British Veterinary Dental Association Conference
During the recent British Veterinary Dental Association conference, Matt utilized Slido to connect with the audience about the pain scales they are currently using. A total of 85 participants cast their votes. The results were as follows:
47% of the audience use the Short Form of the Glasgow Composite Pain Scale for cats.
44% use the Feline Grimace Scale.
4% utilize the Botucatu pain scale.
4% have an in-house option.
2% reported using other methods.
Understanding Feline Pain Behaviour
Each of these pain scales focuses on the presence or absence of normal or abnormal behaviours. Therefore, it's crucial to consider these factors when scoring pain in your feline patients. Understanding the baseline behaviours of each cat is vital, especially with dental diseases, which can involve both acute and chronic pain.
When assessing pain, if you believe a cat is in pain, analgesia should be administered. Following treatment, reassessment at an appropriate interval is essential, taking into account the type of analgesic used. If a cat responds positively to the medication, it supports your initial pain hypothesis. Conversely, repeatedly medicating animals that aren't in pain can lead to adverse effects from the drugs.
Research Findings on Feline Pain Behaviours
A notable study published in 2020 by Watanabe et al involved pain behaviour assessments through video evaluations. This study aimed to document pain-induced behaviours in cats both before and after treatment of oral diseases.
Twenty-four shelter cats participated, divided into two groups—one undergoing minimal dental treatment and the other multiple dental extractions. Video evaluations, analyzed by a behaviourist, allowed for an in-depth look at specific pain-related behaviors.
Key Behaviours Associated with Feline Pain
The researchers identified that certain behaviours like:
Pawing at the face
Restlessness
Difficulty grasping dry food
These behaviours correlate strongly with pain in cats. Incorporating such behaviours into a modified version of existing pain scales can enhance pain assessment during dental treatments. This study underlined the importance of recognising these pain indicators for effective pain management in cats.
Conclusions and Recommendations
The study noted that pain might be underestimated in less active cats. Thus, behaviours documented may provide additional insights into feline pain assessment in dental cases. This information is crucial as it can lead to improved strategies for managing pain in cats effectively.
When considering pain management, if the pain score is low (like 3/20 on the SFGCPS-F), it's advisable to administer analgesia and reassess without needing to wait for a certain threshold. The same group of researchers found that both dry and soft food intakes were significantly lower in cats with severe oral disease. Communication about these findings can be paramount for pet owners.
The Role of the Feline Grimace Scale
Next, we focus on the Feline Grimace Scale, which also plays a crucial role in assessing dental pain in felines. A separate study by Watanabe et al validated the FGS as a reliable tool for evaluating pain during dental extractions, providing veterinary professionals with a second, effective assessment option.
Modifying Existing Pain Scales
Our two viable pain assessment options for cats undergoing dental procedures are the SFGCPS-F and the Feline Grimace Scale. However, we should also include further observations in our assessments:
Is the cat pawing at its face?
How much time does the cat spend resting?
Does the cat struggle with dry food?
Considering these factors can provide a well-rounded perspective on the pain levels of affected cats. The positive takeaway is that we have effective methods available for scoring pain in cats experiencing dental issues.
Additional Resources on Pain Assessment
For a comprehensive overview of pain scores, the Vet Pain app is an excellent resource. In a separate pain update, Professor Stelio Luna from the University of São Paulo State discusses the development of this app.
This post was written by Matt Gurney.
Matt and Carl founded Zero Pain Philosophy to provide educational resources and telemedicine to veterinary professionals globally, enabling optimal pain management.
Matt sees referrals in the pain clinic at Eastcott Referrals. You can also receive telemedicine advice from us here for any challenging pain cases.
About the Authors
Matt Gurney is an RCVS & European Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia & Analgesia based at Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists. He is a Past President of the European College of Veterinary Anaesthesia & Analgesia and works at Eastcott Referrals in the UK.
Carl Bradbrook is also an RCVS & European Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia & Analgesia. He has served as Past President of the Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and works at Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists in the UK.
The intended audience for this pain update is veterinary professionals. The information contained in this update is based on clinical experiences and independent opinions.
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