Facial Expressions of Horses Using Weighted Multivariate Statistics for Assessment of Subtle Local Pain Induced by Polylactide-Based Polymers Implanted Subcutaneously.
- Journal Article
Summary
The research closely scrutinizes how effectively facial expressions in horses can hint towards subtle pain caused by the subcutaneous placement of polylactide-based polymers. Despite the utilization of five different statistical strategies, the research concedes that none of these techniques proved successful in diagnosing low-grade inflammatory pain in the subjects.
Objective
The research endeavored to identify and evaluate pain in horses after undergoing implantation of polylactide-based polymers, which was tracked via an observational analysis of the horses’ facial expressions. Five different statistical methods were tested in an attempt to accurately assess any subtle pain felt by the horses.
Methodology
- Horses were reviewed before the procedure and after 24 and 48 hours of having the polymer implants.
- A series of facial expressions, specifically ear movements, eyebrow tension, orbicularis tension (surrounding the eye), dilated nostrils, eye opening, muzzle tension, and masticatory muscles tension, were allocated a score from 0 to 2.
- These scores were then added to create a total score(SUM).
- A principal component analysis (PCoA) was conducted, using the scores from the seven facial expressions.
- Weighing scales were then set for each facial expression, based on the variability contribution of each variable gleaned via PCoA (SUM.W).
- Lastly, a general face score (GFS) was calculated, ranging from 0 (denoting no pain) to 2 (severe pain).
- Cutaneous temperature (CT) and mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT) metrics were also collected at the same intervals.
Results
- The results suggested that neither singular facial expression analysis nor the GFS demonstrated any significant intra-group or inter-group differences.
- A deeper examination revealed that while the control group had higher SUM, PCoA, and SUM.W metrics 48 hours after implantation, the horses with polymer implants revealed more pronounced alterations in CT and MNT readings.
Conclusion
The study concludes that facial expression analysis via the five statistical methods employed could not reliably detect low-grade inflammatory pain in horses post implantation. Therefore, alternatives to these statistical strategies should be explored for improved detection of pain in horses.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University, FCAV/UNESP, Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil.
- Department of Veterinary Surgery and Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, FMVZ/UNESP, Botucatu 18618-681, SP, Brazil.
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University, FCAV/UNESP, Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil.
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Surgery, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, FCAV/UNESP, Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil.
- Department of Technology, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, FCAV/UNESP, Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil.
- Department of Materials Engineering, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo, EESC/USP, São Carlos 13563-120, SP, Brazil.
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Surgery, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, FCAV/UNESP, Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil.
- Department of Materials Engineering, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo, EESC/USP, São Carlos 13563-120, SP, Brazil.
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University, FCAV/UNESP, Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil.
Grant Funding
- 2017/10959-4 / Su00e3o Paulo Research Foundation
Conflict of Interest Statement
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Citations
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