Pain Scale for Bovines

At Pain Level = 0, bovine not bothered by palpation anywhere, and shows these behavioral/psychological traits:

• Content and quiet
• Grazing or eating at feeder
• Curious about surroundings
• Moves away when approached
• Normal interaction with herd and calf (if a cow)



At Pain Level = 1, bovine may or may not react to palpation of wound or surgery site (pull away, kick, vocalize), and shows these behavioral/psychological traits:

• Mild posture change
• Stiff or subtle lameness
• Less interested in surroundings
• May warn off herd mates by
• Head shaking or bunting

At Pain Level = 2, bovine reacts to palpation may try to run away or act aggressive when handled, and shows these behavioral/psychological traits:

• Away from herd
• Quiet, dull eyes
• Abnormal posture-stiff, not moving, arched back, lame
• Rough hair coat
• Decreased appetite
• Calf at foot may be hungry or bawling

At Pain Level = 3, bovine moves away from palpation may kick or bellow or be rigid, and shows these behavioral/psychological traits:

• Away from herd
• Stiff, unwilling to move
• Not eating
• Unkempt appearance
• Weight loss
• Abnormal posture-head down tucked tail, arched back, ears down

At Pain Level = 4, bovine is rigid or unresponsive, and shows these behavioral/psychological traits:

• Rapid shallow respirations
• Open mouth breathing
• Depressed
• Grunting
• Teeth grinding
• Not eating
• Rigid posture or down