Pain Scale for Baboons
- Observe animal from a distance
- Observe animal from cage side
- 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
