CVS Equine, a provider of veterinary services in the UK and Australia, has launched a new project focused on improving pain recognition and management for hospitalised horses.
The aim of the CVS Equine Analgesia Project is to ensure consistent use of validated pain scoring systems within equine hospitals and support the improved recognition, monitoring and management of pain across a range of clinical conditions.
The initiative has come about after findings from a CVS Equine internal clinical survey revealed significant variation in how clinicians identified and managed pain across different facilities. Pain scoring was used by some clinicians but it was not embedded as routine practice.
Standardising pain assessment
“Effective pain management is central to equine welfare, but it relies on our ability to recognise and assess pain accurately and consistently,” said Charlotte Sinclair, CVS Equine Veterinary Medical Director.
“This project is about building confidence and consistency in pain assessment, so our teams can make better‑informed decisions and continually improve the care we provide to our patients.”
Phased hospital rollout
The initial phase targets CVS equine hospitals to test earlier pain detection and personalized analgesic regimens in a controlled environment.
“Starting in our hospitals allows us to evaluate what works in a controlled, measurable way,” added senior equine veterinary nurse Kelly Tillett.
“Once we understand the impact on patient care, we can use that learning to drive wider improvements across the division.”
The project forms part of CVS Equine’s broader commitment to clinical governance, evidence‑based medicine and continuous improvement in equine welfare and patient outcomes.
Image © CVS Equine.
