Rabbit grimace scale
Read the training manual:
Rabbit Grimace Scale (RbtGS): The Manual
Read the original paper:
Keating SCJ, Thomas AA, Flecknell PA, Leach MC (2012) Evaluation of EMLA cream for preventing pain during tattooing of rabbits: Changes in physiological, behavioural and facial expression responses. PLOS ONE 7(9): e44437. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0044437
Read papers that have validated this technique:
Hampshire V, Robertson S. 2015. Using the facial grimace scale to evaluate rabbit wellness in post-procedural monitoring. Lab Animal 44(7): 259-260. doi:10.1038/laban.806
Modified version of the scale with additional images of each action unit:
Action units |
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Not present “0” |
Moderately present “1” |
Obviously present “2” |
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Orbital tightening
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Cheek flattening
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Nostril shape
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Whisker shape and position
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Ear shape and position
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Images kindly provided by Dr Matthew Leach, Newcastle University, and Dr Patricia Hedenqvist, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.
The Rabbit Grimace Scale would not have been developed without the continuing work of the Pain and Animal Welfare Sciences Group (PAWS) at Newcastle University.