Guide to End of Life Decisions - Cedar Run Veterinary Services

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Equine Wellness

Dog & Cat Wellness

End of Life Decisions

Caring for Horses, Dogs & Cats

Rebecca D. Young, DVM

540-382-3993

Cedar Run Veterinary Services

This tool is meant to assist owners in objectively assessing their pet’s quality of life. This is important for the older or disabled pet that is nearing the end of its life, and the owner that is committed to providing care that is in the best interest of the animal. It can be difficult to admit to ourselves that a beloved pet is struggling with life. That being said, this scale allows owners a means of quantifying how well their friend is coping with their basic life needs.

If you complete this scale and find that your pet rates at a 50 or greater, speak to your veterinarian about hospice care for animals. Hospice care is based on the principle of easing the transition to death through addressing pain relief and decreasing life stressors (hunger, thirst, immobility, fear of mortality…). Hospice is recommended for people and animals that have chronic and debilitating conditions that no longer respond adequately to available therapies. When an animal is accepted into hospice care, you should discuss pain management, supportive therapies (especially mobility enhancing), and end-of-life options for your pet with your veterinarian. If you complete this scale and find that your pet rates at a 75 or higher, discuss with your veterinarian what can be done to address a high scoring category or if end-of-life options need to be considered for your friend.

Hurt 0 is No pain; 0—10 ____________

10 is Uncontrollable agony.

Hunger 0 is adequate appetite to maintain healthy weight; 0—10 ____________

10 is completely anorexic.

Hydration 0 is adequate water intake to maintain hydration; 0—10 ____________

10 is dependant on administered fluid for hydration.

Hygiene 0 is clean coat and able to eliminate neatly; 0 –10 ____________

10 is unable to groom or remove self from wastes.

Happiness 0 is normally responsive and interested in its environment 0—10 ____________

10 is depressed, non-responsive, lonely, anxious or afraid

Mobility 0 is normally mobile and active; 0—10 ____________

5 is impaired mobility/activity as with chronic lameness

10 is complete immobility

Good 0 all days are good; 0—10 ____________

Vs. 10 all days are bad (negatively impacted by on of the above)

Bad Days

Total ____________

Quality of Life Assessment

Inevitably, the time comes when it is time for your beloved friend to move on. This is a decision to which the owner must come, but your veterinarian should always be willing to provide their objective opinion of the animal’s quality of life and prognosis for recovery. Whether it be due to old age, an injury or illness, your veterinarian should be able to assist with the humane euthanasia of your friend to end their suffering. Cedar Run Veterinary Services allows you to avoid the stress and discomfort of transporting an animal in poor health by offering in home euthanasia. This service is very comforting for both the animal and the owner as they are able to remain in a familiar environment and share a little extra solitude.

For dog and cat owners, Cedar Run Veterinary Services is able to offer cremation services. We will provide transportation to and from the crematory and offer a selection of urns for you to commemorate your departed friend.

End of Life & Cremation Services

Urns