Zanusso et al. (2024) investigated whether qualitative methods could be reliably used to detect acute pain in dogs. The study tested Free Choice Profiling (FCP), which allows observers to describe animal behavior in their own words, across three groups of observers: dog owners, veterinary students, and veterinarians. Each group assessed 20 dogs—10 healthy and 10 experiencing acute pain—through video footage.
Analysis revealed that all observer groups reached a significant consensus on their qualitative profiles (p < 0.001). Healthy dogs were consistently described as “quiet” and “lively,” while pain-affected dogs were described as “suffering” or “in pain.” Notably, cultural background and personal experience did not significantly affect results. Correlations between FCP scores and the Glasgow Composite Pain Scale-Short Form (GCPS-SF) were strong, particularly for veterinary students (ρ = 0.77) and veterinarians (ρ = 0.92).
The findings support the use of FCP as a complementary tool alongside semi-quantitative methods like GCPS-SF, enabling veterinarians and caregivers to capture both the physiological and emotional components of canine pain. This dual approach may enhance diagnostic accuracy and welfare outcomes by ensuring pain-related emotions are recognized and addressed.
By validating qualitative behavioral assessment across multiple observer groups, the study highlights its potential for broader application in both veterinary practice and research into animal welfare.
Source: Zanusso, F., Contiero, B., Normando, S., Gottardo, F., & De Benedictis, G. M. (2024). Qualitative behavioral assessment of dogs with acute pain. PLOS ONE, 19. Authors: F. Zanusso, B. Contiero, S. Normando, F. Gottardo, G. M. De Benedictis. Journal: PLOS ONE.
