CVS Equine introduces analgesia project to improve pain assessment in hospitalised horses

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CVS Equine has launched a new quality improvement project focused on improving analgesia and pain assessment in hospitalised equine patients.

The CVS Equine Analgesia Project aims to increase the consistent use of validated pain scoring systems within equine hospitals, supporting improved recognition, monitoring and management of pain across a range of clinical conditions.

The initiative follows findings from a CVS Equine internal clinical survey, which identified variation in analgesic approaches and highlighted that while pain scoring was already being used by some clinicians, it was not yet embedded as routine practice. Approximately half of respondents reported previous use of pain scoring, providing a clear baseline from which to measure improvement.

Initially, the project will focus on CVS Equine hospitals to ensure a structured, manageable and evidence‑led approach. Clinicians and nurses will review available validated equine pain scoring tools to determine which systems are most appropriate for use across defined patient groups, including medical, surgical and orthopaedic cases.

Charlotte Sinclair, CVS Equine Veterinary Medical Director, said:

Effective pain management is central to equine welfare, but it relies on our ability to recognise and assess pain accurately and consistently. 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.

By embedding pain scoring more consistently into hospital workflows, the project aims to support earlier identification of pain, more tailored analgesic plans, and improved clinical outcomes. The initiative also reflects the growing emphasis within veterinary medicine on objective assessment tools as part of evidence‑based practice.

Alongside its clinical focus, the project will explore how pain scoring principles could be incorporated into client communication. In the future, this may enable horse owners to convey clinical concerns more clearly when contacting practices, helping clinicians triage cases and formulate care plans more efficiently.

The Analgesia Quality Improvement Project will be led by CVS Equine clinicians and nurses, with specialist support from referral‑level anaesthesia expertise. Outcomes from the hospital‑based phase will inform future expansion across the wider CVS Equine division.

Kelly Tillett (Senior Equine Veterinary Nurse) added:

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.

CVS Equine provides a complete range of industry-leading veterinary services at 21 sites across the UK as well as its out-of-hours clinical and call answering services, Equicall and Equicomms. Its ambulatory veterinary surgeons are supported by a team of over 20 recognised Veterinary Specialists in internal medicine, surgery, dentistry, sports medicine, reproduction and diagnostic imaging based within a network of referral centres. The division offers a multi-disciplinary approach, along with the latest veterinary treatments, diagnostic services, advice, standards and support – as a result of unrivalled investment in people, equipment, facilities and research.