Volume 16, Issue 2: 2026 - Article 247

Abstract
Assessment of post-operative pain is crucial in ensuring effective analgesia in order to promote well-being among patients. The current study investigated the association between post-operative pain in dogs and selected physiological parameters (temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate) using the Glasgow composite measure pain scale-short form (CMPS-SF). Fourteen dogs from the undergraduate students' Wetlab and the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Maiduguri, which have undergone various surgeries, were observed for five consecutive days after surgery. Assessment of the level of pain was made using the Glasgow CMPS-SF and the physiological variables at specific time intervals. Seven dogs needed rescue analgesia during the observation period. CMPS-SF scores were highest on the first post-operative day and progressively reduced in subsequent days; a common pattern in acute pain. The correlation between CMPS-SF scores and temperature was positive, weak to moderate and not significant (r = 0.335; p = 0.242), while the correlation between CMPS-SF scores and heart rate was positive, moderate and not significant (r = 0.448; p = 0.108). A very weak inverse (negative) correlation that was not significant was recorded between CMPS-SF scores and respiratory rate (r = - 0.075; p = 0.799). This implied that none of the three physiological parameters was a good predictor of pain level. These results validate the use of CMPS-SF scores as a more effective and feasible instrument for pain evaluation after surgery in canines, but the success of the instrument is contingent on regular pain evaluation procedures, the correct use of analgesics and environmental management. Improving supervision, the implementation of standard post-operative practices, and regular training on pain assessment will positively impact the students’ Teaching wetlab experience.

Keywords: Analgesia; Post-operative pain; Pain assessment; Dogs; CMPS-SF scores; Physiological parameters (temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate).

How to cite this article:
Yusuf ZB, Zaifada AU, Idris MA and Kafi MM (2026). Assessment of post-operative pain in dogs using the Glasgow composite measure pain scale–short form (CMPS-SF), and the relationship between CMPS-SF scores and selected physiological parameters. Journal of Veterinary and Applied Sciences, 16(2): 1722 – 1732.

Correspondence: E-mail:     zainabbyusuf@unimaid.edu.ng     Phone: +2347038378140

Assessment of post-operative pain in dogs using the Glasgow composite measure pain scale–short form (CMPS-SF), and the relationship between CMPS-SF scores and selected physiological parameters

Zainab B. Yusuf ¹ *, Aishatu U. Zaifada ², Mohammed A. Idris ³ and Muhammad M. Kafi ^4
1 Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
² Department of Veterinary Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, P.M.B. 117, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria.
³ Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
⁴ Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.

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