Quality of Life

Abstract

Many veterinarians recommend using a "Quality of Life Scale" to help pet caregivers assess their aging or terminally ill pet's condition. Having a semi-objective scale can help you when your pet is ill and you are confused or worried that you might not be thinking clearly enough to make a proper decision on your pet's behalf. Dr Alice Villalobos, a renowned veterinary oncologist, created a scale for assessing quality of life called the HHHHHMM Scale: Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility and More Good Days than Bad. Talk with your pet's primary care veterinarian or one of GVR's veterinarians on the proper use and interpretation of the scale, or for questions about assessing your pet's condition. Here is a link to Dr. Villalobos' scale: http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/vet-practice-newscolumns/bond-beyond/quality-of-life-scale.aspx In-Home EuthanasiaAccording to the Veterinary Practice Act of Georgia, only a licensed veterinarian can perform euthanasia of an animal. It is also important to have a skilled, licensed veterinarian available in the rare event that complications occur. The following veterinarians offer in-home euthanasia services; if you have utilized the services of any of the following and are willing to confidentially share your experience, or have another service to recommend, please speak with one of GVR's veterinarians. Compassionate Care Veterinary Services (Karen Jordan, DVM) www.drjmobilevet.com (770) 876-4144 Gentle Touch Home Veterinary Care: north Metro Atlanta (Christi Jones, DVM) www.gentletouchhomevetcare.com (770) 709-8899 Healing Hands Mobile Veterinary Service (Darryl Brown, DVM) www.healinghandsvet.com (404) 867-4081 Sweet Dreams (Amy Crowder, DVM; Adele Hendrix, DVM) www.sweetdreamsmypet.com (770) 880-1596 continued... Transitions Home Euthanasia (M.G. McReynolds, DVM) www.transitionshomeeuthanasia.com (404) 522-1001 Pet CrematoriesMany times veterinarians will arrange for a crematory to pick up a pet's body for cremation if the client has elected to have his or her pet's body cremated. However, some crematories allow clients to bring the pet's body to the crematory themselves if they prefer, or might offer to pick up the body. We recommend that you phone ahead to inquire about the policy of your veterinarian and the crematory.

Non-pharmacological Management in Palliative Care for Patients With Advanced COPD

“…Energy conservation involves modifying an activity or the environment to decrease the level of energy required to complete a task. Pacing and energy conservation are also used for management of fatigue ( 73 ). A recent randomized controlled trial of a 2-week training programme involving energy conservation techniques (ECT) for COPD patients ( 74 ), demonstrated that after the programme there was lower level of desaturation and decrease in the metabolic equivalent of task (MET) while performing activities of daily living.…”