Quality Of Life Scale

How It Works & How You Can Understand It

old-beagle cut
Dr. Alice Villalobos first developed a Quality of Life Scale for animals in 2010. Her scale utilizes a pet’s condition and gives subjective measurements to Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility, and a More good days than bad category to assess the current situation. Through continued refinement, I have developed the following scale that is used to help guide in our companion’s care goals. This will be reviewed each visit to ensure we are providing the best care for our friends.

We will discuss your pet’s wellness in a range from where your pet is now, to what the ideal condition for your pet is. Any room for improvement will be handled through physical rehabilitation and pain management to help your pet attain their best Quality of Life.

Mobility

1. Gets Up Without Assistance
2. gets up with assistance and can support weight standing
3. can support weight with assistance
4. unable to get up and support weight

Hygiene

1. Maintains Normal Hygiene
2. poor hygiene, poor hair coat
3. no hygiene, no grooming noted
4. sores on body

Appetite

1. Normal Appetite
2. Needs Coaxing To Eat
3. Will Not Eat

Family Interaction

1. normal family interaction
2. reduced interaction with family
3. avoidance of family interaction

Comfort

1. seems comfortable
2. periods of discomfort suspected but able to get comfortable
3. restless, unable to get comfortable
4. appears to be in pain

Elimination Behavior

1. normal elimination behavior
2. eliminating more or less frequently
3. eliminating in house
4. soiling self

Sleep Habits

1. normal sleep habits
2. restless sleep
3. sleeping more than usual
4. unable to sleep for more than short periods

Family Dynamics

1. Family able to continue care
2. Family having difficulty continuing care
3. Family unable to continue care