Assessment of severity of post-operatrive pain based on behavioural changes in ovario-hysterectomized bitches

The study was conducted in six clinical healthy bitches to evaluate post-operative behavioural changes as indicators of severity of pain following elective ovariohysterectomy. Behavioural changes viz., activity.posture.response to palpation, vocalization and mental status were recorded at 0,2,4,8,14 and 20 hours after surgery. Pain scores in general increased following surgery. Among various behaviours, response to manipulation of the wound was found to be the main and an important indicator of pain.