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Assessment scales

Quality of life scale for cats (HHHHHMM, Villalobos)

Score seven criteria, each from 0 to 10: 0 is the worst state, 10 the best.

HHHHHMM Quality of Life Scale (Villalobos)
Scale author: Dr. Alice Villalobos. The text is an adaptation by vetman.
Source: Villalobos A.E. Quality of Life Scale Helps Make Final Call. Veterinary Practice News, 2004.
Source: Villalobos A., Kaplan L. Canine and Feline Geriatric Oncology: Honoring the Human-Animal Bond. Blackwell, 2007 (Table 10.1).
Source: Villalobos A.E. Quality-of-life assessment techniques for veterinarians. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2011;41(3):519–529.

Cat

The total is counted on this screen only: nothing is saved or sent anywhere.

Hurt

How well is pain controlled, and does the cat breathe freely? Watch for hiding, a hunched posture and laboured breathing.

Hunger

Does the cat eat enough on its own? Does it need hand or tube feeding? Is it losing weight?

Hydration

Does the cat drink enough? Does it need subcutaneous fluids, and how does it tolerate them?

Hygiene

Does the cat still groom itself? Is the coat clean or matted? Are there pressure sores, wounds or soiling with urine or faeces?

Happiness

Is the cat interested in its surroundings? Does it seek contact with the family? Does it seem fearful, low or withdrawn?

Mobility

Can the cat get up and move around unaided? Does it reach the litter box? Can it still jump to its favourite spots?

More good days than bad

Think back over recent days: which are more common, good or bad? The more often a day is bad, the lower the score.

Total0/70

Left to score: 7

Over 35: acceptable quality of life. 35 or less: low.

The scale helps the vet and the owner discuss the animal and see change over time. It is not a diagnosis and does not make the decision: that belongs to the vet and the owner.

Sources

  • Villalobos A.E. Quality of Life Scale Helps Make Final Call. Veterinary Practice News, 2004.
  • Villalobos A., Kaplan L. Canine and Feline Geriatric Oncology: Honoring the Human-Animal Bond. Blackwell, 2007 (Table 10.1).
  • Villalobos A.E. Quality-of-life assessment techniques for veterinarians. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2011;41(3):519–529.

Scale author: Dr. Alice Villalobos. The text is an adaptation by vetman.

Professional reference for veterinary professionals. Not advertising and not a substitute for the product label/SPC.

For veterinary professionals only. It does not replace clinical judgement or the product label; check the dose in the official label (SPC). vetman is not liable for harm caused by using this information.

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All of this shows in vetman as you prescribe

The dose for the patient's weight, registration in Georgia and controlled status, right on the prescription.

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