Tool 03

Quality of Life Surveys

Two published, veterinary-referenced assessments. Score weekly and keep a record — trends are far more informative than a single day.

Quality of Life Scale — The HHHHHMM Scale

Dr Alice Villalobos, the veterinarian who started Pawspice, published this scoring system for life quality. The letters stand for Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility, and More Good Days than Bad. Each is scored 1–10, and a total over 35 points represents an acceptable quality of life.

Source: Adapted from Villalobos, A.E., "Quality of Life Scale Helps Make Final Call", Veterinary Practice News, 09/2004; for Canine and Feline Geriatric Oncology: Honoring the Human-Animal Bond, Blackwell Publishing, Table 10.1, released 2006.

Score each criterion from 1 to 10, where 10 is the highest quality of life.

Hurt

Adequate pain control, including breathing ability, is first and foremost. Is pain successfully managed? Is oxygen necessary?

Hunger

Is the pet eating enough? Does hand feeding help? Does the patient require a feeding tube?

Hydration

Is the patient dehydrated? For patients not drinking enough, subcutaneous fluids once or twice daily can supplement intake.

Hygiene

The patient should be brushed and cleaned, particularly after elimination. Avoid pressure sores and keep all wounds clean.

Happiness

Does the pet express joy and interest? Is it responsive to family and toys? Is it depressed, lonely, anxious, bored or afraid?

Mobility

Can the patient get up without assistance? Does it need human or mechanical help? Is it having seizures or stumbling?

More good days than bad

When bad days outnumber good days, quality of life may be compromised and the end may be near.

Total score

49/ 70

Acceptable, but review with your vet

Quality of life is borderline. Book a review to look at pain control, appetite and mobility — there is often room to improve one or two domains meaningfully.

Reference: a total over 35 points represents an acceptable quality of life on the HHHHHMM scale.

These surveys support reflection and discussion; they do not make the decision. Scores are highly personal, and animals hide pain well — particularly cats. Bring your weekly totals to your veterinarian so the conversation is grounded in what has actually changed.