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Primate veterinarians' knowledge and attitudes regarding pain in macaques
Author(s) -
MiyabeNishiwaki Takako,
Gris Vanessa Nadine,
Muta Kanako,
Nishimura Ryohei,
Mills Daniel Simon
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of medical primatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.31
H-Index - 42
eISSN - 1600-0684
pISSN - 0047-2565
DOI - 10.1111/jmp.12537
Subject(s) - macaque , primate , medicine , pain assessment , musculoskeletal pain , pain management , physical therapy , psychology , neuroscience
Background Assessment of pain in macaques is challenging. The aims of this study were (1) to investigate current knowledge and attitudes of primate veterinarians concerning acute pain in macaques; (2) to synthesise current knowledge and opinion to facilitate pain assessment. A primary question of interest was whether more confident individuals differ in their knowledge and attitudes from less‐confident individuals. Methods An online survey was conducted amongst primate veterinarians serving both laboratories and zoos/sanctuaries. The questionnaire consisted of demographic information, attitudes towards pain, pain rating and analgesics, pain recognition and confidence in recognising pain and sources of information used. Results and Conclusions There was generally good use of analgesia by respondents. More confident individuals reported that they recognise pain both behaviourally and in facial expressions, rated all pain signs more highly and used more analgesics. Specialist support networks aimed at increasing veterinarian confidence in macaque pain assessment could be beneficial.