This evaluation shows inter‐rater reliability is low while intra‐rater reliability is high in rabbits, suggesting the RSOM's effectiveness may vary among raters.
Background Body condition scoring systems are commonly used to monitor adiposity in companion animals, but their reliability in rabbits remains unvalidated. This study assessed the inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability of the five‐point Rabbit Size‐O‐Meter (RSOM) scale in a diverse rabbit population by raters of varying experience. Methods Using the RSOM, 205 rabbits were scored by veterinary professionals ( n = 3), master's students ( n = 2) and laypersons ( n = 2). Inter‐rater reliability was analysed using Krippendorff's alpha, and intra‐rater reliability was analysed using Cohen's kappa. A linear mixed‐effects model was used to evaluate the effects of age, sex and breed on rated body condition. Results Overall inter‐rater reliability was poor ( α = 0.58). Agreement among veterinary professionals was moderate ( α = 0.72) but decreased for students or laypersons. Intra‐rater reliability ranged from substantial to almost perfect ( κ = 0.69‒0.90). Body condition score decreased with age ( p = 0.043) and was affected by breed ( p = 0.012). Limitations Intra‐rater reliability was assessed in 10 rabbits. The RSOM was not validated against objective measures of adiposity. Conclusions Intra‐rater reliability of the RSOM was high but inter‐rater reliability was limited. Modifying the body scoring system and validating the RSOM against objective measures of adiposity are recommended.
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Albert et al. (2025) studied this question.
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