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Assessment of quality of life in equine patients.
Abstract: Assessing patients' quality of life (QOL) is a core part of clinical decision making. Various methodologies for assessing patients' QOL have been developed in human medicine and small animal veterinary disciplines. In contrast, the lack of aids for QOL assessment in equine veterinary practice leaves practitioners reliant on subjective assessments of QOL, which may be prone to avoidable errors. Objective: This paper suggests pragmatic ways in which QOL may be enhanced, while remaining appropriate for the time, financial and owner-based constraints within equine practice. Methods: Through interdisciplinary research, this paper identifies, adapts and applies insights from several areas of research and practical experience in order to develop an overarching approach to making QOL-based decisions in clinical cases. Results: The paper identifies 6 steps involved in QOL-based decision making and provides examples of how these steps may be practically applied. These include deciding what each clinician feels is important; deciding how to evaluate it, including taking owners' views into consideration; making decisions about each case and achieving the desired clinical outcomes. Conclusions: Practitioners can draw their own conclusions on how they may improve QOL assessment in practice and may usefully share these with colleagues. Reporting cases and sharing practical examples of QOL tools used on the ground are vital to the development of this field and appropriate methodologies. Conclusions: Improvements in QOL assessment are relevant to all areas of equine veterinary practice, and several areas of research. Further research may develop QOL assessment in practice, but more important are the personal improvements that each practitioner may achieve.
© 2011 EVJ Ltd.
Publication Date: 2011-07-18 PubMed ID: 21767299DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2011.00411.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
- Review
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
This research article discusses the assessment of quality of life in equine patients at The Donkey Sanctuary. It describes the methods used to monitor the health and well-being of these animals, particularly those who are geriatric or affected by chronic conditions.
Quality of Life Assessments
The Donkey Sanctuary undertakes frequent quality of life (QOL) assessments on its equines, particularly the elderly and those impacted by chronic illnesses. Some of these ailments include
- Laminitis
- Arthritis
- Sarcoids
- Blindness
- Respiratory disease
- Dental disease
These conditions necessitate individual close monitoring to avoid unnecessary suffering. The assessments measure and record the following factors:
- Weight
- Body condition
- Appetite
- Mobility
- Behavior
- Progress of the condition affecting the individual
Significance of Euthanasia Decisions
One critical and complex part of caring for these animals is determining the appropriate time for euthanasia. The inherent stoic nature of donkeys, which may be an evolutionarily beneficial trait for avoiding predator attention, could mask signs of severe illness, making it harder to accurately gauge their suffering.
Pain Expression Study and Indicators of Acute Pain
The sanctuary carried out a study on pain expression in donkeys over three years partnering with the RVC. The results confirmed that donkeys tend to hide their pain, increasing activity when initially unwell, and isolating themselves from the herd as their condition worsens.
When monitoring for signs of acutely painful conditions, the sanctuary uses the following behavioral indicators:
- Recumbency
- Ease and amount of movement
- Interaction with friend or group
- Demeanour and head position
- Ear position and movement
- Appetite
- Respiratory rate
- Interaction with handler
Conclusion
Using these monitoring tools for both acutely ill and chronically impacted animals, the sanctuary can more effectively make euthanasia decisions, ensuring the best possible quality of life for its inhabitants. The ultimate goal is to provide sanctuary, emphasizing quality of life over the mere perpetuation of it.
Cite This Article
APA
Parker RA, Yeates JW.
(2011).
Assessment of quality of life in equine patients.
Equine Vet J, 44(2), 244-249.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2011.00411.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Animal Welfare
- Animals
- Guidelines as Topic
- Horses
- Quality of Life
Citations
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