A Neuroscience Perspective on Pain and Behaviour

Speaker: Kathy Murphy, BVetMed, DPhil, CVA, CLAS, MRCVS

Program: In a recent multicentre retrospective study, between 28% and 82% of the cases presented to veterinary behaviourists had pain as an underlying factor (Mills et al 2020). The authors conclude that pain is greatly underdiagnosed as a cause of behaviour problems. In this presentation Dr Murphy will discuss pain and behaviour from a neuroscience perspective, overviewing some of the more recent literature from human studies that may help us to understand better how pain and behaviour are bidirectionally interdependent. Also looking at a possible role for the gut microbiome in this dynamic, and exploring other factors such as disturbances in sleep wake cycle that can act as both cause and effect. Dr Murphy will aim to highlight any practical applications of the information presented, and will welcome discussion of this fascinating topic.