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Chiavaccini L, Gupta A, Chiavaccini G. From facial expressions to algorithms: a narrative review of animal pain recognition technologies. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1436795. [PMID: 39086767 PMCID: PMC11288915 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1436795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Facial expressions are essential for communication and emotional expression across species. Despite the improvements brought by tools like the Horse Grimace Scale (HGS) in pain recognition in horses, their reliance on human identification of characteristic traits presents drawbacks such as subjectivity, training requirements, costs, and potential bias. Despite these challenges, the development of facial expression pain scales for animals has been making strides. To address these limitations, Automated Pain Recognition (APR) powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers a promising advancement. Notably, computer vision and machine learning have revolutionized our approach to identifying and addressing pain in non-verbal patients, including animals, with profound implications for both veterinary medicine and animal welfare. By leveraging the capabilities of AI algorithms, we can construct sophisticated models capable of analyzing diverse data inputs, encompassing not only facial expressions but also body language, vocalizations, and physiological signals, to provide precise and objective evaluations of an animal's pain levels. While the advancement of APR holds great promise for improving animal welfare by enabling better pain management, it also brings forth the need to overcome data limitations, ensure ethical practices, and develop robust ground truth measures. This narrative review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview, tracing the journey from the initial application of facial expression recognition for the development of pain scales in animals to the recent application, evolution, and limitations of APR, thereby contributing to understanding this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovica Chiavaccini
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Anjali Gupta
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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Scholler D, Wittenberg J, Zablotski Y, May A. Do tight nosebands have an effect on the upper airways of horses? Vet Med Sci 2024; 10:e1478. [PMID: 38885311 PMCID: PMC11182419 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES The public perception relating to the welfare of horses involved with equestrian sports is associated with training methods used and the presentation of horses at events. In this context, very tight nosebands, which are intended to prevent the horse from opening its mouth, also attract a lot of attention. Various studies have evaluated the impact of tight nosebands on stress parameters, whereas the effect of tight nosebands on upper airway function is unknown. Therefore, the aim of the study was to use overground endoscopy to evaluate changes in pharyngeal and laryngeal function when a tight noseband is fitted. Moreover, the ridden horse pain ethogram (RHpE) was applied to investigate signs of discomfort (Dyson et al., 2018). STUDY DESIGN A randomized, blinded, and prospective study was performed. METHODS Sixteen warmblood horses consisting of twelve mares and four geldings with a mean age of 11.63 ± 3.53 years were ridden on 2 consecutive days with either loose or tight nosebands (two fingers or no space between bridge of the nose and noseband, respectively) and inserted endoscope in a random order. Videos were taken in a riding arena during a standardized exercise protocol involving beginner level tasks for 30 min in all gaits. For video analysis, freeze frames were prepared and analyzed at the beginning of the expiration phase. Pharyngeal diameter was measured using the pharynx-epiglottis ratio. Other findings (swallowing, pharyngeal collapse, soft palate movements, and secretion) were also evaluated. Moreover, the RHpE was applied. Descriptive statistics and generalized linear mixed effects models were used. Results with a p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS While the pharynx-epiglottis ratio did not change significantly in horses ridden with loose versus tight nosebands, there was an increase in mean grade and total counts of parameters assessed in the pharyngeal region, for example, grade of secretion (1.5 [±SD 0.89] vs. 3.13 [±SD 0.96]; p = 0.0001), axial deviation of the aryepiglottic folds (0.29 [±SD 0.73] vs. 1.33 [±SD 1.44]; p = 0.01), and pharyngeal collapse (0.69 [±SD 0.87] vs. 1.88 [±SD 1.54]; p = 0.005) in horses ridden with tight nosebands. There was no RHpE score above 8 indicating musculoskeletal pain, but the RHpE scores were significantly higher in horses ridden with tight nosebands (p < 0.001). MAIN LIMITATIONS Video quality was limited when horses showed large amounts of secretion. Another limitation was the small number of horses. CONCLUSIONS Results add to the evidence obtained in other studies that tight nosebands do not only cause adverse reactions based on the RHpE score such as head behind the vertical or intense staring but also contribute to changes in the pharyngeal region, such as increased secretion and collapse of pharyngeal structures. This may provide further support for future decisions regarding regulations on nosebands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Scholler
- Equine Clinic of Ludwig Maximilians UniversityOberschleissheimGermany
| | | | - Yury Zablotski
- Clinic for RuminantsLudwig Maximilians University MunichOberschleissheimGermany
| | - Anna May
- Equine Clinic of Ludwig Maximilians UniversityOberschleissheimGermany
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Dyson S, Pollard D. Determination of Equine Behaviour in Subjectively Non-Lame Ridden Sports Horses and Comparison with Lame Sports Horses Evaluated at Competitions. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1831. [PMID: 38929449 PMCID: PMC11200720 DOI: 10.3390/ani14121831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE) was developed to facilitate the identification of musculoskeletal pain. The aim of the current study was to collate behavioural data using the RHpE from horses at competitions assumed by their owners and/or riders to be fit for competition. The objectives were to quantify the frequency of occurrence of behaviours in pain-free horses and those with lameness or abnormalities of canter and to determine any differences between disciplines and levels of competition. The RHpE was applied to 1358 horses competing in Grand Prix (GP) dressage (n = 211), 5* three-day events (TDE) (n = 137), or low-level one-day events (ODE) (n = 1010). The median RHpE score for all horses was 4 (interquartile range [IQR] 2, 5; range 0, 12) and the median lameness grade was 0 (IQR 0, 1; range 0, 4). The Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by Dunn's test for pairwise comparisons, found a difference in median RHpE scores between low-level ODE and GP dressage (p = 0.001), but not between 5* TDE and low-level ODE (p = 0.09) or between GP dressage and 5* TDE (p = 1.00). The median RHpE score was highest for low-level ODE. The Chi-square/Fisher's exact test identified a significant difference in prevalence of most of the 24 behaviours of the RHpE in non-lame compared with lame horses. Recognition of the behaviours of non-lame horses may improve equine welfare and performance, and rider comfort, confidence, and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue Dyson
- Independent Researcher, Church Road, Market Weston, Diss IP22 2NX, Suffolk, UK
| | - Danica Pollard
- Independent Researcher, Rodham Road, Christchurch, Wisbech PE14 9NU, Cambridgeshire, UK;
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Springer S, Mihatsch DI, Grimm H, Jenner F. Between Leisure and Pressure-Veterinarians' Attitudes towards the Care of Competition Horses in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2126. [PMID: 37443925 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Equine veterinarians face a range of challenges when attending competition horses. Athletic goals may significantly impact veterinary decision making, and the veterinarian's work can be complicated by reputational considerations and rival opinions during an assessment of whether a horse is "fit to compete". Using an online questionnaire, we found that the majority of German, Austrian and Swiss equine veterinarians (N = 172) surveyed agreed that the owners of competition horses are more likely than owners of leisure horses to approach them with clear treatment ideas, and that the former have higher expectations of the medical services provided. The data also show that the veterinarian's reputation plays a more important role in the competition sphere. Using a case vignette, we established that, on the grounds of equine welfare, the majority of respondents indicated that they would decide against starting a dressage horse with low-grade lameness in a competition. Those respondents who indicated that they would approve a start of the dressage horse indicated that a horse with a low-grade lameness was fit enough "to compete". We conclude that clearer definitions of phrases, such as "fit to compete", may be helpful in guiding veterinarians as they discharge their professional responsibilities during competitions and reduce the reputational stress they experience in this working context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Springer
- Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Messerli Research Institute, Unit of Ethics and Human-Animal-Studies, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, University of Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Denise Isabell Mihatsch
- Department of Companion Animals and Horses, Equine Hospital, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Herwig Grimm
- Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Messerli Research Institute, Unit of Ethics and Human-Animal-Studies, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, University of Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Florien Jenner
- Department of Companion Animals and Horses, Equine Hospital, Equine Surgery Unit, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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Dyson S, Pollard D. Application of the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram to 150 Horses with Musculoskeletal Pain before and after Diagnostic Anaesthesia. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1940. [PMID: 37370450 DOI: 10.3390/ani13121940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE) was developed to facilitate the recognition of musculoskeletal pain. The aim of this study was to document changes in RHpE scores before and after diagnostic anaesthesia was performed to alleviate pain ± when the saddle was changed. One hundred and fifty horses underwent ridden exercise as part of an investigation of poor performance. The RHpE was applied before and after the interventions. Fifty-two (34.7%) horses exhibited a bilaterally symmetrical short step length and/or restricted hindlimb impulsion and engagement. Fifty-three (35.3%) horses had episodic lameness; only forty-five (30.0%) horses were continuously lame. The median maximum lameness grade when ridden was 2/8 (interquartile range [IQR]: 0-3; range: 0-4). Fifty-six (37.3%) horses had an ill-fitting saddle, which was considered likely to influence performance. The median RHpE scores after the interventions (2/24 [IQR: 1-3, range: 0-12]) were significantly lower than before the interventions (9/24 [IQR: 8-11, range: 2-15]) (Wilcoxon signed-rank z = 10.6, p < 0.001). There was no correlation between the RHpE score and maximum lameness grade before diagnostic anaesthesia (Spearman's rho = 0.09, p = 0.262). It was concluded that the absence of overt lameness does not preclude primary musculoskeletal pain. Gait quality and performance can be improved by diagnostic anaesthesia, with substantial reductions in RHpE scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue Dyson
- The Cottage, Church Road, Market Weston, Diss IP22 2NX, UK
| | - Danica Pollard
- The Rodhams, Rodham Road, Christchurch, Wisbech PE14 9NU, UK
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Potier JFN, Louzier V. Evaluation of stress markers in horses during hippotherapy sessions in comparison to being ridden by beginners. Anim Welf 2023; 32:e10. [PMID: 38487430 PMCID: PMC10936384 DOI: 10.1017/awf.2023.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Hippotherapy has been used for decades and its benefits to human patients have largely been proven, whether being applied to those with physical or mental disabilities. There have been a plethora of animal welfare studies recently, pertaining especially to ridden horses. This study aimed to investigate stress markers in horses during hippotherapy sessions to address the ethical considerations raised by using horses for therapy. A ridden stress ethogram was established and validated specifically for this study via subjective observation and video recording of a ridden session involving intermediate-level riders. The experiment entailed eight healthy horses undergoing two ridden sessions on separate days, one with disabled riders and one with beginners. Several parameters associated with physiological responses to stress were evaluated at rest, such as heart rate, plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone [ACTH], serum and salivary cortisol. These parameters as well as the behavioural stress score from the ethogram scale were measured during both sessions. No significant differences were found between heart rate, plasma ACTH, and stress scores. Serum and salivary cortisol were significantly lower during the hippotherapy session than during the session with beginners. The current study found no evidence of compromised welfare when horses were used as a therapeutic aid during hippotherapy sessions compared to their usual ridden activity. Although these results indicate that hippotherapy may be ethically justified as it benefits humans without causing harm to the horses, the present study was small, and the results should be interpreted with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vanessa Louzier
- APCSe Agressions Pulmonaires et Circulatoires dans le Sepsis, Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup – Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, 1 Avenue Bourgelat, 69280, Marcy-l’Étoile, France
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Berger J, Bondi A, Dyson S, Ellis A, Lindegaard C, Martin C, Mullard J, Pollard D, Quiney L, Routh J, Thomson K. Commentary on Ladewig et al.: The uses, values, and limitations of the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram. J Vet Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Ladewig J, McLean AN, Wilkins CL, Fenner K, Christensen JW, McGreevy PD. A review of The Ridden Horse pain Ethogram and its potential to improve ridden horse welfare. J Vet Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Application of the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram to Horses Competing in British Eventing 90, 100 and Novice One-Day Events and Comparison with Performance. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12050590. [PMID: 35268159 PMCID: PMC8909886 DOI: 10.3390/ani12050590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE) was applied to 1010 competition starts at British Eventing (BE) 90, 100 and Novice one-day events and compared with performance. The overall median RHpE score was 4/24 (IQR 2,6; range 0,12). There were moderate positive correlations between RHpE scores and dressage penalties (Spearman’s rho = 0.508, 0.468, 0.491, all p < 0.001 for BE 90, 100 and Novice, respectively). There were weak positive correlations between RHpE scores and final placings (Spearman’s rho = 0.157, p = 0.033, BE90; rho = 0.263, p < 0.001, BE 100; rho = 0.123, p = 0.035, Novice). In showjumping, 1.7% of starters were eliminated or retired, compared with 9.8% of cross-country starters. Horse or rider falls occurred in 2.6% of cross-country starts. Horses placed first, second or third had lower median RHpE scores (2/24, IQR 1,4; range 0,8) than other horses that finished (p < 0.001), those that were eliminated or retired (p < 0.001) or were withdrawn (p < 0.001). The RHpE score was ≥8/24 for 9.3% of starters; horses with a RHpE score ≥8/24 had higher total penalty scores (p < 0.001) than horses with a RHpE score <8/24. The overall low median RHpE score supports the social licence to compete, but 9% of starters had a RHpE score ≥8/24. Investigation and treatment of these horses may improve both welfare and performance.
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Sellon DC, Sanz M, Kopper JJ, Mattei D. Pain severity scores for common equine disorders as provided by horse owners and equine veterinarians. Equine Vet J 2022; 54:1094-1102. [PMID: 35034381 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding factors influencing assessment of pain in horses will facilitate communication between veterinarians and horse owners. OBJECTIVES To compare estimates of pain experienced by horses as provided by veterinarians and horse owners and to determine factors associated with individuals who perceive horses to be experiencing extreme pain or minimal pain. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study. METHODS Internet-based questionnaires for horse owners and veterinarians included items related to recognition of pain in horses, estimated degree of pain experienced by horses, and demographic information. Variables associated with perception of a high or low degree of pain were investigated using logistic regression analyses. RESULTS Final data sets included responses from 553 horse owners and 263 veterinarians. Pain scores varied widely and differences in median scores from horse owners and veterinarians were small. Horse owners providing high pain ratings were more likely to have < 10 horses (odds ratio [OR] = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.1 - 3.5) and to not have a college degree (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.0-2.2). Those providing low pain ratings were less likely to own < 10 horses (OR = 0.6, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 0.4 - 0.9). Veterinarians providing high pain ratings were more likely to be employed in a mixed animal practice (OR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.3 - 5.9) and to lack board-certification in a veterinary specialty (OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.1 - 4.2). Veterinarians providing low pain ratings were more likely to be male (OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.3 - 4.2). MAIN LIMITATIONS The respondent population may be biased because of the method of questionnaire distribution and associated sampling bias. Respondents were primarily from the United States. CONCLUSIONS Assessments of the degree of pain horses are experiencing vary widely among horse owners and equine veterinarians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra C Sellon
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Macarena Sanz
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Jamie J Kopper
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA.,Iowa State University, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Des Moines, Iowa, USA
| | - Debora Mattei
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA.,Hamad Bin Khalifa University Equine Veterinary Medical Center, member of Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
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Dyson S, Pollard D. Application of the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram to Horses Competing at the Hickstead-Rotterdam Grand Prix Challenge and the British Dressage Grand Prix National Championship 2020 and Comparison with World Cup Grand Prix Competitions. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:1820. [PMID: 34207251 PMCID: PMC8235099 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE) comprising 24 behaviours was developed to facilitate the identification of musculoskeletal discomfort, with scores of ≥8/24 indicating the presence of pain. The median RHpE score for 147 competitors at World Cup Grand Prix events from 2018 to 2020 was three (interquartile range [IQR] 1-4; range 0-7). The aim of the current study was to apply the RHpE to 38 competitors at the Hickstead-Rotterdam Grand Prix Challenge and 26 competitors at the British Dressage Grand Prix National Championship in 2020. The median RHpE scores were four (IQR 3-6; range 0-8) and six (IQR 4-7; range 1-9), respectively, which were both higher (p = 0.0011 and p = 0.0000) than the World Cup competitors' scores. Ears back ≥ 5 s (p = 0.005), intense stare ≥ 5 s (p = 0.000), repeated tail swishing (p = 0.000), hindlimb toe drag (p = 0.000), repeated tongue-out (p = 0.003) and crooked tail-carriage (p = 0.000) occurred more frequently. These were associated with a higher frequency of lameness, abnormalities of canter, and errors in rein-back, passage and piaffe, canter flying-changes and canter pirouettes compared with World Cup competitors. There was a moderate negative correlation between the dressage judges' scores and the RHpE scores (Spearman's rho -0.66, p = 0.0002) at the British Championship. Performance and welfare may be improved by recognition and appropriate treatment of underlying problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue Dyson
- The Cottage, Church Road, Market Weston, Diss IP22 2NX, UK
| | - Danica Pollard
- The Rodhams, Rodham Road, Christchurch, Wisbech PE14 9NU, UK;
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