Initial validation of the LSPain scale: a behaviour-based clinical tool for canine lumbosacral pain

Introduction: This study aimed to validate the LSPain Scale, a novel 4-point ordinal instrument for assessing lumbosacral pain in dogs based on behavioural responses to palpation of the lumbosacral region. Methods: A preliminary analysis was conducted using clinical data to inform sample size estima...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Sanchis Mora, Sandra, Medina-Serra, Roger, Conde Ruiz, Clara, Aprea, Francesco, Belda, Eliseo, Laredo, Francisco G., Cabezas, Miguel Ángel
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir
Repositorio:RIUCV. Repositorio de la Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:riucv.ucv.es:20.500.12466/7307
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12466/7307
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Lumbosacral pain
Pain assessment
Pain scale
Canine degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (CDLSS)
Dog
3109 Ciencias Veterinarias
Descripción
Sumario:Introduction: This study aimed to validate the LSPain Scale, a novel 4-point ordinal instrument for assessing lumbosacral pain in dogs based on behavioural responses to palpation of the lumbosacral region. Methods: A preliminary analysis was conducted using clinical data to inform sample size estimation and to explore the scale’s convergent validity and responsiveness. Subsequently, a prospective validation was performed using 50 anonymised clinical videos retrospectively collected from client-owned dogs evaluated for suspected lumbosacral pain. Dogs represented a broad clinical spectrum and were graded using the LSPain Scale, where scores range from 0 (no pain) to 3 (severe pain). Trained observers, including pain specialists and general practitioners, independently scored the videos while blinded to clinical data. Results: Psychometric evaluation demonstrated strong convergent and discriminant validity, responsiveness to treatment, inter- and intra-rater reliability, and usability across experience levels. Discussion: The findings support the LSPain Scale as a valid and reliable clinicianbased tool for standardised assessment and monitoring of lumbosacral pain in dogs.