Quality of Life Scale

A tan and beige Beagle

How It Works & How You Can Understand It

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

100%

2. Gets up with assistance and can support weight standing

70%

3. Can support weight with assistance

50%

4. Unable to get up and support weight

25%

Comfort

1. Seems comfortable

100%

2. Periods of discomfort suspected but able to get comfortable

70%

3. Restless, unable to get comfortable

50%

4. Appears to be in pain

25%

Hygiene

1. Maintains normal hygiene

100%

2. Poor hygiene, poor hair coat

70%

3. No hygiene, no grooming noted

50%

4. Sores on body

25%

Elimination Behavior

1. Normal elimination behavior

100%

2. Eliminating more or less frequently

70%

3. Eliminating in house

50%

4. Soiling self

25%

Appetite

1. Normal appetite

100%

2. Needs coaxing to eat

70%

3. Will no eat

50%

Sleep Habits

1. Normal sleep habits

100%

2. Restless sleep

70%

3. Sleeping more than usual

50%

4. Unable to sleep for more than short periods

25%

Family Interaction

1. Normal family interaction

100%

2. Reduced interaction with family

70%

3. Avoidance of family interaction

50%

Family Dynamics

1. Family able to continue care

100%

2. Family having difficulty continuing care

70%

3. Family unable to continue care

50%