Although we can prolong a pets life with medical care there comes a time that life may be of such poor quality that the humane action is to euthanize your pet. This is something we can do when a pet seems to be suffering. There is no black and white point, but you can more easily make the right choice by considering several factors of your pets well being. The following quality of life scale may be helpful to you in making this decision.

Quality of Life Scale

Pet caregivers can use this Quality of Life Scale to determine the success of care.
Score patients using a scale of 1-10

   Score                                                 Criterion                               

H     0-10        Hurt- Adequate pain control, including breathing ability, is first and foremost on the scale.  Is the pet's pain successfully managed?  Is oxygen necessary?
H     0-10        Hunger- Is the pet eating enough?  Does hand feeding help? Does the patient require a feeding tube?
H     0-10       Hydration- Is the patient dehydrated?  For patients not drinking enough, use subcutaneous fluids once or twice daily to supplement fluid intake.
H     0-10        Hygiene-  The patient should b brushed and cleaned, particularly after elimination.  Avoid pressure sores and keep wounds clean.
H     0-10        Happiness-  Does the pet express joy and interest?  Is the pet responsive to things around him or her (family, toys, etc.)?  Is the pet depressed, lonely, anxious, bored or afraid?  Can the pet's bed be close to the family activities and not be isolated?
M     0-10        Mobility-  Can the patient get up without assistance?  Does the pet need human or mechanical help (eg; a cart)?  Does the pet feel like going for a walk?  Is the pet having seizures or stumbling? (Some caregivers feel euthanasia is preferable to amputation, yet an animal who has limited mobility but is still alert and responsive can have a good quality of life as long as caregivers are committed to helping the pet).
M     0-10        More good days than bad-  When bad days outnumber good    days, quality of life might be compromised.  When a healthy human-animal bond is no longer possible, the caregiver must be made aware the end is near.  The decision needs to be made if  the pet is suffering.  If death comes peacefully and painlessly, that is okay.
 

You may download a copy of this form at

 QUALITY OF LIFE SCALE