Quality of Life

Animal Doctor provides quality of life consultations for your pets. We accept referrals and provide second opinions.

Description: Quality of life is a way to evaluate and make end of life decisions for your pet.

Symptoms & What to look for: There can be any number of symptoms associated with acute or chronic conditions and diseases, for example respiratory, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal symptoms. You may see that your pet is having difficulty breathing, has stopped eating and / or drinking, has excessive urination and defecation (or lack thereof), has difficulty rising or walking, or is lethargic or weak.

How does it happen? Any number of acute or chronic conditions can lead to a discussion about your pet’s quality of life.

Animal Doctor Quality of Life

 

Animal Doctor Provider

Dr. 

Animal Doctor Quality of Life

What questions do we ask?

  • What changes have you noticed?
  • How long have you noticed a change(s)?
  • What changes in activity level have you seen?
  • Any changes in Appetite?
  • Any changes in Thirst/ urination / defecation?
  • Any vomiting or diarrhea seen? Please describe what you’re seeing.
  • How long have you noticed the limping?
    • Which legs are affected?
    • Is there any swelling associated with the limping?
  • Any changes in mentation?
  • If coughing, how would you describe the cough (Dry? Hacking? Productive?)? When does it occur?

What are the steps we take to treat your pet?

  • We will gather a thorough medical history through questions and prior records.
  • We will complete a thorough physical examination and make recommendations based on the findings. This may include various testing and / or treatment options, or a discussion about hospice or humane euthanasia.

Animal Doctor Quality of Life potential treatment plans?

  • This will vary based on the acute or chronic condition(s) of your pet.
  • Treatment plans can include injections for pain, nausea, anxiety, or antibiotics. It may also involve intravenous or subcutaneous fluids, or oral medications.
  • We may discuss hospice care, or humane euthanasia, based on your pet’s condition.

How do we arrive at a diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan?

  • We arrive at a diagnosis (if not already obtained) by taking an appropriate and thorough medical history, a thorough physical examination with testing if indicated.
  • The treatment plan will be based on our physical exam and diagnostic findings, as well as the type of acute or chronic illness your pet may have. Some illnesses have a poor to grave prognosis and can cause a poor quality of life for your pet, so hospice or humane euthanasia may be discussed as well.