Signs of Pain and Distress in Mice

• Eyelids partially closed
• Changes in respiration
• Rough hair coat
• Increased vibrissal movements
• Unusually apprehensive or aggressive
• Possible writhing, scratching, biting, self-mutilation
• Hunched posture
• Sudden running movements (escape)
• Aggressive vocalization when handled or palpated
• Guarding

• Weight loss (decreased appetite)*
• Dehydration
• Incontinence
• Soiled hair coat
• Eyes sunken, lids closed
• Wasting of muscles on back
• Sunken or distended abdomen
• Decreased vibrissal movements
• Unresponsive
• Separates from group
• Hunched posture
• Ataxia, circling
• Hypothermia
• Decreased vocalization
• Reduced rearing

*May see weight loss even with moderate pain/distress.

Signs of Pain and Distress in Rats

• Eyelids partially closed
• Porphyrin staining around eyes, nose
• Rough hair coat and/or hair loss
• Increased aggression (towards humans and cage mates)
• Reduced exploratory behavior
• Aggressive vocalization when handled
• Licking, biting and/or scratching
• Guarding

• Eyes closed
• Poor skin tone
• Muscle wasting along back
• Dehydration
• Weight loss (decreased appetite)*
• Incontinence
• Soiled hair coat
• Depressed/unresponsive
• Sunken or distended abdomen
• Self-mutilation
• Recumbent position with head tucked into abdomen
• Decreased vocalization
• Hypothermia
• Reduced rearing
• Eating of bedding

*May see weight loss even with moderate pain/distress.