The score sheetScore sheet Form for recording clinical signs to determine animal well-being and if appropriate the application of a humane or scientific endpoint. can be an important tool for determining humane endpointsHumane endpoint The moment in the experiment at which pain and/or distress experienced by the investigational animal is ended or alleviated by either killing the animal humanely or by discontinuing the procedure.. A score sheet is a form (paper of electronic) on which the clinical statusClinical status An inventory of the health status of a (diseased) animal. This inventory can give an idea of the progression of a disease over time and is therefore essential in determining a humane endpoint. Score sheets can be used to monitor and record the clinical status. of each individual experimental animal is recorded at regular, predetermined intervals.

Over time, this score sheet will provide an overview of the health status of an animal and can be regarded as a “welfareWelfare A complex and dynamic internal state that includes: successful biologic functioning, positive experiences, and absence of negative conditions. The animal adapts effectively to internal needs and external stimuli and maintains a good mental state. diary” (see movie).

For every scientific procedure, a separate score sheet can be designed. The significant clinical findings of the experiment can be recorded on this sheet. In the case of a new procedure, these may not be known, and a thorough assessment of the animal is necessary. For known procedures, the assessment can be limited to the relevant clinical parameters and possible unusual findings. The score sheet must be logical and consistent, it must be user friendly and specific, and at the same time discriminating enough to visualize subtle changes in animal welfare.

Analysis of the score sheet will show the pattern of recovery or deterioration of each animal’s condition over time and the effect of the procedure on the animal’s health. A score sheet is an essential instrument in determining humane endpoints.

An example of a list of general clinical signs that may be recorded in a score sheet, can be found here.

For several specific types of research (e.g., cancerCancer A general term for a collection of diseases characterized by abnormal, uncontrolled growth of tissue cells or blood cells. Cancer may develop in specific tissues or cells, or it may spread from the original tumor to other parts of the body, where it can cause growth of secondary tumors (metastases). research, toxicity studies, etc.) examples of scoring lists are given in the closed section of the website. If you are logged in, you can go here to this section of the website.