Glasgow Composite Pain Scale (CMPS-SF) Calculator for Dogs
The Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale Short Form (CMPS-SF) is a validated acute pain assessment for dogs. Score 6 sections (or 5 if the patient can't walk) for a total out of 24. Score ≥ 6 means the patient needs analgesia.
Can the patient walk?
A. Vocalising
Look at the dog in its kennel before approaching.
B. Attention to wound / painful area
Apply gentle pressure 2 inches around the wound (or painful area).
C. Response to touch on or around painful area
D. Mobility (walk the dog if possible)
If the patient cannot walk, skip this question.
E. Overall demeanour and posture
F. Posture / activity
How to use this tool
The six sections
Vocalising (0-3): observe undisturbed. Attention to wound (0-4): apply gentle pressure around painful area. Response to touch (0-5): touch directly on or around painful area. Mobility (0-4): walk the dog if possible. Demeanour (0-4): overall mood and engagement. Posture / activity (0-4): comfortable through to rigid.
Analgesia threshold
≥ 6/24 if mobility is scored, ≥ 5/20 if the patient can't walk. Above threshold = give rescue analgesia (typical: methadone 0.2-0.5 mg/kg IM for moderate-severe; buprenorphine 20 μg/kg IM for mild). Reassess at 30 minutes - the score should drop.
When to reassess
Every 1-4 hours during the acute post-operative period, and 30 minutes after any analgesic intervention. Track the trend, not just the absolute number - a score that's rising despite analgesia is a sign to escalate the plan.
Strengths and limits
Validated for acute post-operative pain in dogs (Reid et al., 2007). Less useful for chronic pain (use the Helsinki Chronic Pain Index or Canine Brief Pain Inventory instead). Inter-rater reliability is good when staff are trained.
Frequently asked questions
What is the analgesia threshold on the CMPS-SF?
6/24 if mobility is scored (patient can walk), or 5/20 if the patient cannot walk and mobility is skipped. Above threshold means rescue analgesia is needed.
How often should I reassess pain with CMPS-SF?
Every 1-4 hours during the acute post-operative period, and 30 minutes after any analgesic intervention. Track the trend, not just the absolute number.
Is CMPS-SF good for chronic pain?
No - it's validated for acute pain. For chronic pain (e.g. osteoarthritis), use the Helsinki Chronic Pain Index, Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI), or the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) tool.