There are many types of pain scales used to assess acute pain in cats. To some, this may seem like an overwhelming task, but it is important for cat owners and veterinarians to be familiar with the different types of scales in order to provide the most accurate and effective treatment for cats in pain.
In this blog post, we will discuss three of the most commonly used pain scales: The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), The Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and The Modified Liverpool University Pain Scale (MLPPS). By understanding these different scales, cat owners can more effectively communicate their cat’s level of pain to their veterinarian and work together towards providing relief.
What Is an Acute Pain Scale?
An acute pain scale is a tool used to measure and quantify an individual’s pain. Pain scales are important in both human and veterinary medicine, as they provide a way to standardize the assessment of pain. There are many different types of pain scales, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The three most commonly used pain scales in cats are the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and the Modified Liverpool University Pain Scale (MLPPS).
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Visual Analog Scale
The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is a scale that uses a 10 cm line to rate pain intensity. The left end of the line represents “no pain” while the right end of the line represents “worst possible pain”. Cat owners can use this scale by estimating how far along the 10 cm line their cat’s pain would fall. For example, if a cat’s pain is estimated to be at the 5 cm mark, this would represent moderate pain intensity.
Numerical Rating Scale
The Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) is a scale that uses numbers to rate pain intensity, with 0 representing “no pain” and 10 representing “worst possible pain“. Cat owners can use this scale by simply assigning a number to their cat’s level of pain. For example, if a cat is estimated to be at a 4 on the NRS, this would represent moderate pain.
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Modified Liverpool University Pain Scale
The Modified Liverpool University Pain Scale (MLPPS) is a scale that rates pain intensity in cats based on changes in behavior. The MLPPS has four levels of pain: no pain, mild pain, moderate pain, and severe pain. To rate a cat’s pain on this scale, owners should observe their cat’s behavior and look for any changes from their baseline (normal) behavior. For example, if a normally active cat becomes less active and more withdrawn when in pain, this would be indicative of moderate to severe pain on the MLPPS.
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Pain Expression:
It’s Not Just About the Scale
While pain scales are important tools for measuring and quantifying pain, it is important to remember that pain is more than just a number. In fact, pain is a complex experience that is different for every individual. For this reason, it is important to consider all aspects of an individual’s pain when making treatment decisions. In addition to using a pain scale, cat owners should also pay attention to their cat’s body language and behavior. Behavioral changes can be indicative of pain and can help owners and veterinarians better understand an individual’s level of discomfort.
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Some common behavioral changes that may indicate pain in cats include:
- Decreased activity level
- Increased vocalization
- Decreased appetite
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Reduced grooming
- Hiding
Aggression If you notice any of these changes in your cat’s behavior, it is important to discuss them with your veterinarian. Together, you can determine if your cat is in pain and develop a plan to provide relief.
Scoring the Pain
0-10: No pain
11-20: Miner pain
21-30: Moderate pain
31-40: Severe pain
Result:
By understanding these different types of pain scales, cat owners can more effectively communicate their cat’s level of pain to their veterinarian. This, in turn, will help veterinarians provide the most appropriate pain relief for cats in need.
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