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The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice2002; 18(1); 1-v; doi: 10.1016/s0749-0739(02)00009-3

Diagnosing and treating pain in the horse. Where are we today?

Abstract: This chapter begins by providing an overview of current philosophies relevant to equine pain management. Objective and subjective techniques for assessing pain and the limitations of these are then described in depth. The conclusion emphasizes the need for an evidence based approach to managing pain in the horse and sets the stage for subsequent chapters in this edition.
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Publication Date: 2002-06-18 PubMed ID: 12064173DOI: 10.1016/s0749-0739(02)00009-3Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article discusses the current approaches to diagnosing and treating pain in horses, for which both objective and subjective techniques are used, and also underlines the importance of evidence-based strategies in managing equine pain.

Current Philosophies on Equine Pain Management

In the first part, the chapter outlines the existing perspectives related to managing pain in horses. These current philosophies are important in understanding the approaches taken by veterinary professionals, and essentially frame the way they:

  • Approach the recognition of pain indications
  • Assess the levels of pain
  • Determine suitable interventions and treatment strategies

Assessment Techniques for Equine Pain

Going forth, the chapter delves into the assessment techniques that are used to diagnose pain in horses.

  • Objective techniques: employ quantifiable and measurable criteria such as physiological changes in heart rate or cortisol levels. It can also include behavioural observations like changes in appetite, movement or interaction with herd mates.
  • Subjective techniques: rely on the personal judgement and experience of the veterinarian. It could include assessments based on the horse’s posture, expression, reactions to touch and judgements on what is ‘normal’ behaviour for that particular horse.

However, the study also points out the limitations of these techniques. For instance, objective techniques may require expensive equipment or invasive procedures. On the other hand, subjective techniques can vary considerably depending on the individual veterinarian’s experience and interpretational bias.

Emphasis on Evidence-Based Pain Management

The chapter concludes by underlining the importance of applying an evidence-based approach when managing pain in horses. Such an approach would use the best available external clinical evidence from systematic research. This is vital for:

  • Identifying the most effective treatment options
  • Ensuring treatment strategies are up-to-date with latest findings
  • Optimizing the welfare of the horse by preventing undertreatment or overtreatment of pain

The conclusion also sets the stage for further chapters in the edition that will continue to explore this area of study, thus highlighting the ongoing evolution of understanding and best practice regarding pain management in horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Taylor PM, Pascoe PJ, Mama KR. (2002). Diagnosing and treating pain in the horse. Where are we today? Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract, 18(1), 1-v. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0749-0739(02)00009-3

Publication

The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice
ISSN: 0749-0739
NlmUniqueID: 8511904
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 18
Issue: 1
Pages: 1-v

Researcher Affiliations

Taylor, Polly M
  • Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK CB30ES.
Pascoe, Peter J
    Mama, Khursheed R

      MeSH Terms

      • Analgesia / veterinary
      • Animal Welfare
      • Animals
      • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
      • Horse Diseases / therapy
      • Horses
      • Pain / diagnosis
      • Pain / veterinary
      • Pain Management
      • Pain Measurement / instrumentation
      • Pain Measurement / methods
      • Pain Measurement / veterinary

      Citations

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