Comfort beyond cure
Palliative Care
Palliative care is the treatment and management of the clinical signs of a disease, without necessarily attaining a cure. The goal is to stabilise the condition and symptoms, minimise pain, discomfort and distress, provide supportive care, and thereby improve and maintain quality of life. Pain relief is the main cornerstone of palliative care. Palliative care also provides support for you, the caregiver, in the preparation for and after the loss of your pet.
The type of palliation chosen for your pet, be it a more sophisticated or a simpler comfort-orientated approach, will depend on your pet - their condition(s), age and temperament, and your wishes and limitations. Your expectations and goals will be discussed and we will help with information on the disease process and what to expect as your pet's condition progresses. We will guide and help prepare you for the inevitable at this difficult time.
Quality of life
The most important factors affecting quality of life are:
- Pain
- Breathing difficulties
- Distress (persistent or increasing)
Other considerations in evaluating your pet's quality of life include:
- Loss of appetite.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Dehydration
- Hygiene, with attention to soiling and pressure sores.
- Mobility, especially if assistance is needed to get up, move around and go for walks.
- Happiness and contentment, with attention to whether your pet expresses interest and engagement in activities, daily rituals and habits.
Quality of life includes the above factors; the emphasis on particular concerns will vary pet to pet. Overall, "are there more good days than bad days?" When bad days outnumber good days, quality of life might be too compromised.
Home Visit Vet offers palliative care programmes tailored to suit you and your pet's needs. Contact us for more information.