Journal of Animal Health and Behavioural Science

Grimace scores have emerged as a vital tool in the identification and assessment of pain in mammals. These scores, derived from systematic observations of facial expressions, offer a non-invasive and objective method for evaluating pain. This article explores the development, application, and significance of grimace scores in research and veterinary practice. It delves into the historical context, methodology, and the current state of research on grimace scales, providing a comprehensive review of their efficacy and limitations. The discussion highlights the broader implications of grimace scores in enhancing animal welfare and guiding pain management strategies, while the conclusion emphasizes the need for further research and standardization in this evolving field.

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is a valuable indicator of autonomic nervous system activity and overall well-being in dogs, particularly those in shelter environments. The stress experienced by shelter dogs can have significant negative impacts on their physical and emotional health, making it crucial to explore interventions that can alleviate this stress. This article examines the impact of auditory and olfactory enhancement on HRV in shelter dogs. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature and analysis of recent studies, we aim to understand how sensory enrichment, specifically auditory and olfactory stimuli, can influence HRV and thereby improve the well-being of shelter dogs. Our findings suggest that both auditory and olfactory enhancements can positively affect HRV, indicating reduced stress levels and improved welfare.

This article examines the behavior of zoo-housed little penguins (E. minor) when the visitor viewing area window is covered. Zoos play an essential role in wildlife conservation, research, and education, and understanding the impact of visitor presence on animal behavior is crucial for improving animal welfare. The study focuses on little penguins, which are known for their unique behaviors and social structures. By covering the visitor viewing area window, we aim to determine whether the presence of visitors influences the penguins' behavior significantly. Observations were conducted over a specified period, recording various behaviors such as foraging, swimming, resting, and social interactions. The results indicated that covering the window resulted in notable changes in the penguins' behavior, suggesting that the presence of visitors does have a significant impact. This study provides valuable insights for zoo management to enhance the welfare of zoo-housed animals by considering the effects of visitor presence.

This paper explores the views of UK stakeholders on co-produced care in veterinary services through a qualitative lens. Co-produced care involves collaboration between veterinary professionals and clients, ensuring decisions about animal health and welfare are made jointly. This study delves into the perceptions, benefits, challenges, and overall impact of co-produced care on the veterinary profession. Data was gathered through interviews and focus groups with veterinary professionals, pet owners, and other relevant stakeholders. The findings suggest that coproduced care can enhance client satisfaction and improve animal health outcomes, although challenges such as time constraints and varying levels of client knowledge must be addressed. The study concludes with recommendations for implementing co-produced care more effectively in the UK veterinary sector.