Pain Scale for Baboons

1. Observe animal from a distance
2. Observe animal from cage side
3. Do you note the following observations in the criteria outlined below?

• If ‘yes’ to one of the following, the baboon may be in pain. Repeat assessment in 30 minutes and if symptoms persist, treat accordingly.
• If ‘yes’ to more than one of the following, the baboon is likely to be in pain and an analgesia plan should be developed and the animal treated accordingly.

Comfort

• Quiet, sitting calm, being groomed or grooming friend or sitting with baby
• Lying down more than normal but responding to other animals passing by
• Sitting in same spot, crouching or huddling
• Moving around restlessly

Movement

• Normal
• Reduced
• Increased

Appearance

• Shiny, coat flat, pink face
• Mothy, hairs standing up, bold areas in coat, face pale
• Greasy, dirty, coat smeared with feces

Behavior

• Normal
• Depressed, crouching or huddling, not eating or eating less or very slow
• Obsessive, licking, picking or scratching, not eating or eating less
• Aggressive

Interactive

• Normal
• Extremely shy or hiding, not coming for treats
• Aggressive (or other animals overly protective and aggressive towards human)

Vocalization

• Abnormal signs like teeth grinding; screaming

Respiration

• Obvious increased respiratory frequency
• Coughing
• Breathing with open mouth, difficulty breathing