Evaluating your pet’s quality of life as they deal with a life limiting disease or age-related decline is a deeply personal and often challenging process. This scale is designed to help you to objectively assess your pet’s well-being and make informed decisions about when to consider euthanasia. Remember, this tool is meant to guide you and should be used in conjunction with advice from your veterinarian.
Rate each category on a scale from 1 to 3, with 1 being the worst and 3 being the best. Add up the scores at the end to get a total quality of life score.
Categories
Pain Management and Comfort
1: Frequent pain that is difficult to control.
2: Moderate pain that is somewhat managed with medication.
3: Pain that is well managed with medication.
Hunger and Nutrition
1: Eats occasionally, but with difficulty. Drinks very little.
2: Eats less than usual, some weight loss. Drinks less than normal.
3: Eats and drinks normally but may require special diet or assistance.
Hygiene
1: Soils frequently, needs constant cleaning.
2: Needs help with hygiene and grooming, occasional soiling.
3: Relatively clean, rare accidents.
Happiness and Mental State
1: Rarely shows interest in surroundings, doesn’t engage much with the family, seems unhappy most of the time.
2: Usually shows interest and engagement, although a bit down at times.
3: Generally content and enjoying life, engages with family, shows interest in favourite activities.
Mobility
1: Poor mobility, struggles to move.
2: Reduced mobility, can move with a degree of difficulty, needs assistance.
3: Fairly mobile, able to get around without too much difficulty.
Scoring
Add up the scores from each category to get a total quality of life score. A score of 1 in any category is an indication that euthanasia is not inappropriate.
10 – 15: Fair quality of life but monitor your pet closely for further deterioration.
5 – 9: Poor quality of life, it is appropriate to consider making end of life plans for your pet.