Pain in veterinary patients remains one of the most under-recognised and under-treated conditions in clinical practice. As animals mask discomfort instinctively, early identification relies heavily on the skill, vigilance, and confidence of veterinary nurses. This presentation explores the behavioural, physiological, and environmental indicators of pain in our patients, emphasising how subtle changes in demeanour often reveal a lot of clinically relevant information. We will discuss how to integrate validated pain scoring tools into everyday workflow, how to distinguish pain from fear or stress, and how to approach assessment in stoic or shut-down patients. We will also examine the critical role nursing care plays in reducing pain—both directly through low-stress handling, positioning and comfort measures, and indirectly by advocating for appropriate analgesic protocols.
This webinar is sponsored by Stress Free Pets
Recorded 12 march 2026.
Speaker:
Isabelle Resch
DVM, BVSc, MVS, MANZCVS (Small Animal Medicine, Vet Behaviour)
Isabelle graduated from the University of Sydney and has worked in small animal practice since then. She completed a Master of Veterinary Studies and Membership in Small Animal Medicine in 2001. Isabelle passed her Membership examinations in Veterinary Behaviour in 2016 and is currently undertaking a residency in Behavioural Medicine with the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists and the American College of Veterinary Behaviour, on the pathway to becoming a Veterinary Behavioural Medicine specialist.
Isabelle is a tutor for the Distance Education programme in Veterinary Behaviour, University of Sydney, a consultant for the Veterinary Information Network (VIN) in Behaviour and has been an examiner for the Australia New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists. She is the current President of AVBM (Australian Veterinary Behavioural Medicine), a special interest group of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA).
She attends several national and international behaviour conferences every year and is passionate about providing ongoing education to help to continue growing and developing the field of veterinary behaviour. She currently works at Canberra Animal Behaviour Solutions at the Animal Referral Hospital in Canberra.
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