Veterinary Pain Scoring Guide
Veterinary Pain Scoring Guide
Pain assessment is a critical clinical skill. Use these validated scoring systems for dogs and cats.
Canine Acute Pain Scale - CSU
| Score | Criteria | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Comfortable, resting quietly | None |
| 1 | Mild discomfort, restless but settles | Reassess 2-4h |
| 2 | Mild-moderate pain, whining, reluctant | Consider analgesia |
| 3 | Moderate pain, vocalizing, guarding, tachycardic | Administer analgesic |
| 4 | Severe pain, constant vocalization, thrashing | Multimodal STAT |
Feline Grimace Scale (FGS)
Score 0-2 each of 5 units. Max 10. Above 4/10 = analgesic needed.
| Unit | 0 (absent) | 1 (moderate) | 2 (marked) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ear position | Forward | Slightly flattened | Flattened and rotated |
| Orbital tightening | Eye open | Partially closed | Squinted shut |
| Muzzle tension | Relaxed | Mild tension | Elongated, tense |
| Whiskers | Relaxed, curved | Slightly straight | Straight forward |
| Head posture | Above shoulder | At shoulder | Below shoulder |
Glasgow CMPS-SF (Canine Short Form)
Score 0-24. Above 6/24 = analgesic intervention needed. Assesses vocalization, attention to wound, mobility, response to palpation, demeanor, posture.
Multimodal Analgesia Quick Reference
| Drug Class | Example | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Opioid | Methadone 0.1-0.3 mg/kg | IV/IM |
| NSAID | Meloxicam 0.1-0.2 mg/kg | PO/SC |
| Alpha-2 agonist | Dexmedetomidine 1-3 mcg/kg | IV/IM |
| NMDA antag | Ketamine 0.5 mg/kg CRI | IV |
| Local anesthetic | Lidocaine 1-2 mg/kg CRI | IV |
| Gabapentinoid | Gabapentin 10 mg/kg | PO q8-12h |
