1/ Creation and validation of the Italian version of the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale-Short Form (ICMPS-SF)

Giorgia Della Rocca, Rodolfo Colpo, Jacqueline Reid, Alessandra Di Salvo and E. Marian Scott
Vet. Ital., 2018, vol. 53, n° 3, p. 251-260

Résumé : 
Objective To validate the Italian translation of the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale – Short Form (ICMPS-SF) in order to assess acute pain in dogs. The original English-version of the scale (the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale – Short Form – CMPS-SF) was translated into Italian according to a standard protocol to ensure linguistic and cultural validity. Nine Italian veterinary surgeons then recorded pain scores in dogs undergoing orthopaedic or soft tissue surgery using the ICMPS-SF at 2, 6, and 24 hours post-extubation. Construct validity was demonstrated using hypothesis testing. A total of 95 dogs were recruited into the study. Thirty-seven dogs underwent orthopaedic procedures and 58 dogs underwent soft tissue procedures. Twenty-three, 45, and 27 procedures were classified as mild, moderate, and severe, respectively. Statistically significant differences in the median pain scores were demonstrated between orthopaedic and soft tissue cases as well as among mild, moderate, and severe cases. Median pain scores decreased with time and changes were statistically significant. The ICMPS-SF demonstrated construct validity similar to the original English-language scale, resulting in a valid and reliable instrument for the assessment of acute pain in dogs by Italian veterinarians. 

2/ Qualitative study of owner perceptions of chronic pain in their dogs

Kelly N. Davis, Peter W. Hellyer, Eloise C. J. Carr RN, Jean E. Wallace, Lori R. Kogan
JAVMA, 2019, Vol. 254, No. 1, Pages 88-92

Résumé :
OBJECTIVE To understand the experiences of owners of dogs with chronic pain and explore owner perceptions of their pets’ pain. DESIGN Observational study. SAMPLE 10 owners of dogs with chronic pain. PROCEDURES Owners were interviewed by means of a semistructured and conversational technique. Interviews were then transcribed and analyzed with standard qualitative methodology to code for major themes. RESULTS Major themes that were identified included changes in owner schedule, effects on owner relationships, and necessary resources when owning a pet with chronic pain. Owners discussed their perceptions of their pets’ pain, and several participants referred to empathizing with their pet owing to their own experiences with pain. Owners also suggested ways that veterinarians can support them during the experience of owning a dog with chronic pain. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE By understanding the impact of chronic pain on dog owners and appreciating how owners perceive pain in their pets, veterinarians may be able to provide better care for patients and clients.