Dog Quality of Life Calculator (HHHHHMM Scale)
Evaluate your pet's wellbeing based on the Alice Villalobos, DVM scale (0 = Poor, 10 = Excellent).
Understanding the HHHHHMM Quality of Life Scale
The HHHHHMM Scale is a veterinary assessment tool developed by Dr. Alice Villalobos. It helps pet owners and veterinarians objectively evaluate the quality of life of a geriatric or terminally ill pet. Making the decision for euthanasia is the most difficult part of pet ownership; this calculator provides a data-driven approach to that emotional journey.
How to Interpret the Scores
- Score > 35: Indicates an acceptable quality of life. At this level, hospice care (palliative care) is usually maintaining the pet's comfort and dignity effectively.
- Score < 35: Suggests that the pet's quality of life may be declining. This is a crucial time to discuss end-of-life care or adjustments to treatment with your veterinarian.
- Score < 20: Often indicates severe suffering or a very poor quality of life. Immediate veterinary intervention or euthanasia is often considered to prevent further distress.
The Seven Categories Explained
1. Hurt: Pain management is the top priority. If your dog is struggling to breathe or vocalizing in pain despite medication, their score will be lower.
2. Hunger: Nutrition is vital. If a dog refuses to eat or has persistent nausea, it impacts their energy and mood significantly.
3. Hydration: Dehydration can lead to confusion and weakness. If your dog isn't drinking or requires daily fluid injections, the score decreases.
4. Hygiene: A dog that cannot keep itself clean or stays lying in its own waste often loses its "spirit" and develops skin issues.
5. Happiness: This is about cognitive health. Does the dog still enjoy being petted? Do they lift their head when you enter the room?
6. Mobility: While many senior dogs have arthritis, the question is whether they can still participate in basic life functions, like going outside to sniff or relocate to a cooler spot.
7. More Good Days than Bad: If you find yourself marking the calendar and seeing more "sad" days than "happy" days, it is a sign that the body is failing.
Example Calculation Case Study
Imagine a 14-year-old Golden Retriever named Max. Max has severe arthritis (Mobility: 2) and is starting to lose interest in his kibble (Hunger: 4). However, he is well-medicated for pain (Hurt: 7), loves being brushed (Happiness: 8), and is kept very clean by his owners (Hygiene: 9). He drinks well (Hydration: 8) and still has more good days than bad (Good Days: 6). Max's total score would be 44. This suggests that despite his mobility struggles, his quality of life is currently acceptable with continued palliative care.