Critical appraisal of pain assessment scales in small animal models used in research: Mini review

Animal experimentation is a long-standing practice in biological study and medicine. Animal models have been used to answer a wide range of scientific problems, ranging from basic science through the creation and evaluation of new vaccines and medicines. Recognizing pain in animals has its challenges. Observing behavior is considered as the “gold standard” and a more accurate technique in identification of pain. Generally, in animal models, disruption from regular behavior has been considered as a possible sign of pain. These behavioral categories are organized into an ethogram by animal researchers. Traditionally, to evaluate pain, behavioral ethograms and assessment scales specific for each animal species are carried out. However, the assessment scales for small animal model post-intervention are limited when compared to large animal models. This calls upon further research and development of pain assessment scales specific to small animals considering the fact that they are widely researched than larger animals.