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Doctors can learn a lot from vets about how to treat babies and other humans who cannot communicate effectively, says an animal pain specialist.

A big difference, however, is that while pediatricians might gain insights from a baby’s facial expression, this is not so easy for vets, says Perth veterinary anaesthetist Dr Gabrielle Musk.

“We are beginning to understand the facial expressions of sheep and horses, but these techniques have not been developed in pets like dogs because we are quite good at understanding their behaviour.

“There should be a lot more collaboration between human doctors and vets,” said Dr Musk, who has written an article in the latest edition of Australasian Anaesthesia, published by the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists.