Table 2 Behavioural items recorded after the end of the procedure (Post MI). The score was obtained at multiple evaluations, starting from extubation until 12 h after sternal recumbency.
Appearance** | Lying and restlessness ** | Tremors/ Spasms | Vocalisation | Food interest | Agitation at human approaching * | Response to touch (neck, head, thorax and forelimbs) * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | Normal appearance | Normal lying | No evidence of tremors/ spasms | No vocalisation or vocalisation related to food/interest in human/mate approach | Normal appetite | Curious, interactive, may vocalise | No response |
1 | Salivation | Lying guarding one part of the body/moves without external stimulation | Tremors/ spasms in one part of the body | Vocalisation without a purpose/ unmotivated excitation | Reduced appetite, eat special/ tasty food | Moves away when approached | Mild response: the animal looks uncomfortable and worried; retraction of the interested body part can be present |
2 | // | Move often/ poor wake times | Generalised tremors/ spasms | // | Reduced appetite independently of the food | Biting and aggressive when approached | Severe response: escape reaction |
3 | // | Continuous pacing in the box | // | No appetite | Stay immobile and disinterested | // |
