1) Posture
Videos
Before the evaluation, it is indicated to include in the rabbit’s cage/pen a new motivational item (toy, pine cone, etc.) and a palatable food (snacks, vegetables such as carrots or fresh leaves).
Behavioral pain scale in rabbits (RPBS)
1) Posture
Videos
A) Moves around normally and/or jumps
B) Presents bipedal or quadrupedal position
C) Walks at a very slow pace
D) Lies for most of the time
E) Does not move for most of the time
Score
Presence of state A and/or B only
0
Presence of one of states C, D, or E
1
Presence of two or more of states C, D, or E
2
2) Activity
Videos
A) The rabbit moves normally and/or when stationary performs normal activity *
B) The rabbit moves little and does not perform normal activity
C) The rabbit is immobile and does not perform normal activity
Score
Presence of state A
0
Presence of state B
1
Presence of state C
2
* Interacts with environmental enrichment objects (pine cone, toy and others), eats, drinks water, digs shavings, presents self-cleaning behavior, sniffs the environment
3) Interaction and Appetite
Videos
A) Interacts with environmental enrichment objects *
B) Eats **
C) Sniffs the environment
D) Presents self-cleaning behavior (grooming), except at the affected area
Score
The rabbit presents more than one of these behaviors
0
The rabbit presents one of these behaviors
1
The rabbit does not present any of these behaviors
2
* Pine cone, toy, pen substrate
** Food, vegetables, greens, or snacks
4) Facial Expression
Videos
A) Keeps eyes wide open and ears erect all the time
B) Keeps eyes semi-closed or closed at any moment*
C) Presents drooping ears at any moment
Score
The rabbit displays expression A
0
The rabbit displays expression B or C
1
The rabbit displays expressions B and C
2
*Do not consider blink of eyes as semi-closed or closed eyes
5) Attention to the affected area
Videos
A) Licks the affected area
B) Presses the abdomen against the floor
C) Keeps one limb suspended
Score
The rabbit does not present any of these behaviors
0
The rabbit presents one of these behaviors
1
The rabbit presents more than one of these behaviors
2
6) Miscellaneous behaviors
Videos
A) Attempts to stand up, but remains lying down
B) Rapid dorsal movement of the body (flinches)
C) Retracts and closes the eyes (winces)
D) Tremors *
Score
The rabbit does not present any of these behaviors
0
The rabbit presents one of these behaviors
1
The rabbit presents more than one of these behaviors
2
* More easily observed in the head and ears