title: The influence of demeanor on scores from two validated feline pain assessment scales during the perioperative period.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effects of demeanor on validated pain assessment scales.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective, blind, clinical trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty three adult domestic cats scheduled for orchiectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cats were assessed for pain pre (baseline) and 1, 2, 4 hours postoperatively using two validated pain scales [Composite Measures Pain Scale-Feline (rCMPS-F) and UNESP-Botucatu multidimensional composite pain scale (psychomotor and pain expression subscales; U-B MCPS-psych and -painex)], and a demeanor scale. Return of sternal recumbency and postoperative feeding were recorded. Anesthesia consisted of a single intramuscular injection of dexmedetomidine-ketamine-hydromorphone with intratesticular lidocaine and atipamezole and meloxicam postoperatively. Following data collection, cats were assigned to two groups based on baseline demeanor scores (LO ≤ 5/21, 18 cats; HI ≥ 6/21, 15 cats) and data from each group compared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Baseline demeanor predicted pain scores with the U-B MCPS-psych scale: baseline [LO 0 (0-0), HI 2 (0-6), p = 0.0005], 1 hour [LO 1 (0-5), HI 3 (1-5), p = 0.02], and 4 hours [LO 0 (0-2), HI 1 (0-6), p = 0.01]. A similar pattern was observed with the rCMPS-F. This resulted in more crossings of the analgesic intervention threshold in the HI group: U-B UNESP-psych (9 versus 1, p = 0.005) and rCMPS-F (23 versus 3, p < 0.0001). In contrast, U-B MCPS-painex scores did not differ between LO/HI groups: baseline (p > 0.99), 1 hour (p = 0.34), 2 hours (p > 0.99) and 4 hours (p = 0.31). LO cats ate sooner (61% versus 33% by 1 hour, p < 0.0001) despite similar times to sternal recumbency (p = 0.48).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Demeanor affected pain assessment with U-B UNESP-psych and rCMPS-F scales, but not U-B UNESP-painex scale. Demeanor had a significant effect on postoperative feeding. These data highlight the potential for demeanor to confound pain assessment.
authors.affiliation: Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada. Electronic address: daniel.pang@umontreal.ca.
authors.forename: Mandy
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Buisman
authors.affiliation: Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
authors.forename: Michelle M M
authors.initials: MMM
authors.lastname: Hasiuk
authors.affiliation: City of Calgary Animal Services Centre Clinic, Calgary, AB, Canada.
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gunn
authors.affiliation: Groupe de recherche en pharmacologie animale du Québec (GREPAQ), QC, Canada.
authors.forename: Daniel S J
authors.initials: DSJ
authors.lastname: Pang
mesh_terms: D000758:Anesthesia / Q000662:veterinary; D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats; D020927:Dexmedetomidine; D004091:Hydromorphone; D007093:Imidazoles; D007649:Ketamine; D008012:Lidocaine; D008297:Male; D000077239:Meloxicam; D009919:Orchiectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000662:veterinary*; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000662:veterinary*; D059035:Perioperative Period; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013843:Thiazines; D013844:Thiazoles
chemical_list: D007093:Imidazoles; D013843:Thiazines; D013844:Thiazoles; C050701:atipamezole; D020927:Dexmedetomidine; D007649:Ketamine; D008012:Lidocaine; D004091:Hydromorphone; D000077239:Meloxicam
keywords: behavior; castration; enhanced recovery after surgery; feline; temperament