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VN develops pain assessment tool for cats
Tortie cat
Gillian and her team also assessed facial expressions as an indicator of acute pain in cats.
Tool based on psychometric methodology

A veterinary nurse has developed the world's first acute pain assessment tool for cats based on psychometric methodology.

The development follows the success of the behaviour-based Glasgow CMPS-SF for dogs, which is now generally accepted as a clinical standard for the measurement of acute pain in that species.

Senior practitioner nurse Gillian Calvo, along with her team of world renowned specialists in the field of pain management, spent many years developing and refining the clinically significant tool, known as the Composite Measure Pain Scale - Feline (CMPS-F).

The CMPS-F tool evaluates acute pain in six behavioural categories; vocalisation, activity/posture, attention to wound, response to people, response to touch, and demeanour. Each of the categories is given a score and a total score out of a possible 16 is derived. If a total score of four of higher is achieved, then users should consider intervention with analgesia.

Gillian and her team also assessed facial expressions as an indicator of acute pain in cats - the first study of its kind to demonstrate that facial features can be used to determine acute pain in cats.

The team are also determined to further develop the CMPS-F tool to include the incorporation of a facial expression component with the aim of improving sensitivity of the scale.

Gillian Calvo said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been part of the development of this ground-breaking CMPS-F tool which is available for veterinary professionals to use as an adjunct to their clinical judgement when assessing acute pain in cats. 

I feel immensely privileged to have had the opportunity to be the voice for so many felines and can’t wait to see the difference the CMPS-F tool will make to the lives of so many cats, vets and vet nurses worldwide”.

Gillian's paper “Development of a behaviour based measurement tool with defined intervention level for assessing acute pain in cats” is published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice.

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.