
Postoperative Severity Assessment in Sheep
Author(s) -
Zentrich Eva,
Wassermann Laura,
Struve Birgitta,
Selke Kristin,
Buettner Manuela,
Keubler Lydia Maria,
Reifenrath Janin,
Angrisani Nina,
Kempfert Merle,
Krause Annika,
Bellmann Olaf,
Kopaczka Marcin,
Merhof Dorit,
Bankstahl Marion,
Bleich André,
Häger Christine
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
european surgical research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.658
H-Index - 46
eISSN - 1421-9921
pISSN - 0014-312X
DOI - 10.1159/000526058
Subject(s) - research article
Sheep are frequently used in translational surgical orthopedic studies. Naturally, a good pain management is mandatory for animal welfare, although it is also important with regard to data quality. However, methods for adequate severity assessment, especially considering pain, are rather rare regarding large animal models. Therefore, in the present study, accompanying a surgical pilot study, telemetry and the Sheep Grimace Scale (SGS) were used in addition to clinical scoring for severity assessment after surgical interventions in sheep. Methods: Telemetric devices were implanted in a first surgery subcutaneously into four German black-headed mutton ewes (4–5 years, 77–115 kg). After 3–4 weeks of recovery, sheep underwent tendon ablation of the left M. infraspinatus. Clinical scoring and video recordings for SGS analysis were performed after both surgeries, and the heart rate (HR) and general activity were monitored by telemetry. Results: Immediately after surgery, clinical score and HR were slightly increased, and activity was decreased in individual sheep after both surgeries. The SGS mildly elevated directly after transmitter implantation but increased to higher levels after tendon ablation immediately after surgery and on the following day. Conclusion: In summary, SGS- and telemetry-derived data were suitable to detect postoperative pain in sheep with the potential to improve individual pain recognition and postoperative management, which consequently contributes to refinement.