Investigating conditioned pain modulation in horses

Can the lip-twitch be used as a conditioning stimulus?

Based on the current findings, the question of whether lip twitching in horses should be utilized as a conditioning method in CPM studies appears debatable.

On one hand, if conditioning is to effectively induce pain, aversive behavioural signs must be inherently tolerated to some extent; on the other, it is imperative to establish stringent cut-off criteria to prevent exposing sensitive individuals to elevated stress and excluding them from testing.

Similar considerations should apply to the general use of the lip twitch as a restrain technique in horses.

Investigating conditioned pain modulation in horses: can the lip-twitch be used as a conditioning stimulus? (PDF, 433 Ko)