Project Objectives
- Validate nociceptive withdrawal reflex (NWR) — a direct measure of spinal cord sensitivity — as an objective, real‑time nociception measure across species.
- Compare NWR with autonomic markers.
- Assess the feasibility of continuous NWR monitoring using the PainTracker (Dolosys GmbH) monitoring device.
- Evaluate whether NWR‑guided analgesia improves intraoperative management.
- Collect multi‑species data for cross‑species recommendations.
- Support adoption of NWR as a standard monitoring tool for nociception.
How This Advances 3Rs Implementation
- Establishes validated nociception monitoring to improve animal welfare.
- Enhances reproducibility via consistent analgesia management.
- Prevents compromised data and reduces the need for additional animals.
- Produces guidelines adoptable internationally.
- Encourages integration of NWR monitoring into routine practice.
Background
During general anaesthesia, animals do not consciously perceive pain, yet their spinal cord can still register harmful stimuli, a process known as nociception. Failure to recognise and treat intraoperative nociception can destabilise anaesthesia and contribute to post‑operative and chronic pain. Current monitoring relies mainly on autonomic indicators such as heart rate and blood pressure, which are unreliable during cardiovascular procedures. A major knowledge gap therefore exists in validated, real‑time methods to objectively assess nociception.
This project tests the nociceptive withdrawal reflex (NWR), which is a direct measure of spinal cord sensitivity, across a range of species, such as rabbits, sheep, pigs, and calves. It aims to establish a feasible, robust approach to improve intraoperative nociception detection and analgesic management. Animals monitored with this method are expected to receive more tailored and effective analgesia during surgery, supporting a smoother recovery and higher post‑operative welfare.
