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Exotic Animal Formulary5

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Table 10-18

Clinical Signs and Behavioral Changes Used in the Assessment of Pain in Rabbits. a

Clinical Signs

Change of body posture; tensing of abdominal

muscles, pressing abdomen onto ground

Change of body posture; tucking of abdomen,

hunched body; abdominal splinting on

palpation

Eyelids squinted; lack of focus; orbit may be

retracted or bulging

Muzzle and nares contracture; increased intensity

associated with level of pain

Increased teeth grinding (bruxism)

Ears pinned back, held close to head

Increased heart rate; increased frequency and

depth of respirations

Decreased body weight over time

Behavioral Changes

Decreased grooming activity;

piloerection; unkempt and ruffled fur

coat

Decreased interest in food or cessation of

food intake

Decreased frequency and duration of

exploring/searching

Decreased frequency and duration of

movement or response to stimuli

Decreased conspecific interaction

Irritable or aggressive temperament

Stiff gait, lameness, staggering; difficulty

finding comfortable resting position

Decreased fecal output or decreased size

of fecal pellets

a

Modified from Fisher (2010). 42 749

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