Modification and expansion of existing body condition scoring scales for rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) improves inter-rater reliability when used by experienced raters.

Nine-point BCS scale improves rabbit scoring reliability primarily for experienced raters.

This study addresses the need for reliable body condition scoring (BCS) in companion rabbits by evaluating modifications to the existing Rabbit size-o-meter (RSOM) scale. Researchers had 11 raters from three experience levels (veterinary professionals, students, and laypersons) score 400 rabbits using nine modified BCS scales. Key modifications included rewording descriptors, expanding from five to nine points, and implementing single-point anatomical assessments. Results demonstrated that intra-rater reliability ranged from moderate to almost perfect (κ = 0.61-0.92), while the revised nine-point scale with detailed descriptors achieved the highest inter-rater reliability among experienced raters (α = 0.79). However, overall inter-rater reliability remained modest (α = 0.60-0.65). Single-point anatomical assessments generally showed poor agreement except for dewlap scoring by veterinary professionals. Rater experience significantly influenced scoring consistency, with the scale design and rater group being significant factors affecting scores, unlike rabbit age and sex. The findings suggest that while expanded scales improve reliability among experienced raters, standardization challenges persist across different experience levels.

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