Lap of Love Pet Quality-of-Life Scale

Lap of Love Pet Quality-of-Life Scale
When evaluating the quality of life of your pet, personalized patient and family information is important when reaching an educated, informed, and supported choice that fits not only your pet's medical condition, but also your wishes and expectations. In short, quality of life applies not only to the pet, it also applies to you!
Your Name*
Email*
example@example.com
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Pets Name*
Date*

MonthDayYear
Date
SCORE EACH SUBSECTION ON A SCALE OF 0-2:

0 = agree with statement, 1 = some changes seen, 2 = disagree with statement
SOCIAL FUNCTIONS
Desire to be with the family has not changed*

0

1

2

0 is Agree, 2 is Disagree
Total
Interacts normally with family or other pets (i.e., no increased aggression or other changes)*

0

1

2

0 is Agree, 2 is Disagree
Total
HEALTH
No changes in breathing or panting patterns*

0

1

2

0 is Agree, 2 is Disagree
Total
No outward signs of pain (excessive panting, pacing, and whining are most commonly seen)*

0

1

2

0 is Agree, 2 is Disagree
Total
No pacing around the house*

0

1

2

0 is Agree, 2 is Disagree
Total
My pet's overall condition has not changed recently*

0

1

2

0 is Agree, 2 is Disagree
Total
MENTAL HEALTH
Enjoys normal play activities*

0

1

2

0 is Agree, 2 is Disagree
Total
Still dislikes the same thing (i.e., still hates the mailman = 0, or doesn't bark at the mailman anymore = 2)*

0

1

2

0 is Agree, 2 is Disagree
Total
No outward signs of stress or anxiety*

0

1

2

0 is Agree, 2 is Disagree
Total
Does not seem confused or apathetic*

0

1

2

0 is Agree, 2 is Disagree
Total
Nighttime activity is normal, no changes seen*

0

1

2

0 is Agree, 2 is Disagree
Total
NATURAL FUNCTIONS
Appetite has stayed the same*

0

1

2

0 is Agree, 2 is Disagree
Total
Drinking has stayed the same*

0

1

2

0 is Agree, 2 is Disagree
Total
Normal urination habits*

0

1

2

0 is Agree, 2 is Disagree
Total
Normal bowel movement habits*

0

1

2

0 is Agree, 2 is Disagree
Total
Ability to ambulate (walk around) has stayed the same*

0

1

2

0 is Agree, 2 is Disagree
Total
Total
0-8: Quality of life is most likely adequate. No medical intervention required yet, but guidance from your veterinarian may help you identify signs to look for in the future.

9-16: Quality of life is questionable and medical intervention is suggested. Your pet would certainly benefit from veterinary oversight and guidance to evaluate the disease process he/she is experiencing.

17-32: Quality of life is a definite concern. Changes will likely become more progressive and more severe in the near future. Veterinary guidance will help you better understand the end stages of your pet's disease process in order to make a more informed decision of whether to continue hospice care or elect peaceful euthanasia.
Lap of Love Pet Family Concerns
SCORE EACH ITEM ON A SCALE OF 0-2:

0 = I am not concerned at this time

1 = There is some concern

2 = I am concerned about this
I am concerned about the following things:
Pet suffering*

0

1

2

0 is Agree, 2 is Disagree
Total
Pet dying alone*

0

1

2

0 is Agree, 2 is Disagree
Total
Not knowing the right time to euthanize*

0

1

2

0 is Agree, 2 is Disagree
Total
Concern for other household animals*

0

1

2

0 is Agree, 2 is Disagree
Total
Desire to perform nursing care for your pet*

0

1

2

0 is Agree, 2 is Disagree
Total
Ability to perform nursing care for your pet*

0

1

2

0 is Agree, 2 is Disagree
Total
Coping with loss*

0

1

2

0 is Agree, 2 is Disagree
Total
Concern for other members of the family (i.e. children)*

0

1

2

0 is Agree, 2 is Disagree
Total
Total
0-4: Your concerns are minimal at this time. You have either accepted the inevitable loss of your pet and understand what lies ahead, or have not yet given it much thought. If you have not considered these things, now is the time to begin evaluating your own concerns and limitations.

5-9: Your concerns are mounting. Begin your search for information by educating yourself on your pet's condition; it's the best way to ensure you are prepared for the emotional changes ahead.

10-16: Although you may not place much value on your own quality of life, your concerns about the changes in your pet are valid. Now is the time to prepare yourself and to build a support system around you. Veterinary guidance will help you prepare for the medical changes in your pet while counselors and other health professionals can begin helping you with anticipatory grief.
Discuss your results and the questions below with your Veterinarian
Below are some open-ended questions that assist gauge your family's time, emotional, and (when appropriate, financial) budgets:
1. Have you ever been through the loss of a pet before? If so, what was your experience (good or bad, and why)?
2. What do you hope the life expectancy of your pet will be? What do you think it will be?
3. What is the ideal situation you wish for your pet's end of life experience? (at home, pass away in her sleep, etc)

Suggestions on using this quality-of-life scale:
1. Complete the scale at different times of the day, note circadian fluctuations in well-being. (We find most pets tend to do worse at night and better during the day
2.Request multiple members of the family complete the scale; compare observations.
3.Take periodic photos of your pet to help you remember their physical appearance.
Resources:
1. LapofLove.com
2. AAHA/AAFP Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats, www.aahanet.org/Library/PainMgmt.aspx
Should be Empty:

Lap of Love Pet Quality-of-Life Scale

SOCIAL FUNCTIONS

HEALTH

MENTAL HEALTH

NATURAL FUNCTIONS

Lap of Love Pet Family Concerns

I am concerned about the following things:

Discuss your results and the questions below with your Veterinarian