33rd Annual Scientific Meeting proceedings

Introduction
As advanced treatments are increasingly feasible in veterinary medicine, evaluation of the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for treated individuals is simultaneously becoming more relevant.

Material and Methods
Owner-perceived HRQOL of 9 dogs that had undergone craniotomy for meningioma resection between the years 2000 and 2020 at our institution was evaluated per telephone interview. For this purpose, we developed a disease-specific questionnaire obtaining 54 items, mostly of scoring nature using previously validated instruments, organized into 8 domains. Study approval was obtained from the human ethical commission, and owner consent was obtained. Scores were analysed for all domains and dogs. The effect of different variables on HRQOL score was determined via Log-Rank-Test and Pearson-Correlation.

Results
Total scores from 0 to 235 points were achievable, a higher number of points indicating a better HRQOL. The dogs included in our study yielded a mean score of 202.6 points (range 179-230 points) implying a good overall quality of life. There were no significant associations between individual parameters and outcome.

Discussion/Conclusions
Our questionnaire represents a structured tool for specific evaluation of the postoperative HRQOL in canine meningioma patients constituting minimal burden on respondents. Hitherto, few instruments for assessing animal welfare in a disease-specific context have been published. Implementing these tools is essential to accurately evaluate not only treatments themselves, but also their implication on the patients’ welfare. Thus, treatments may be directed at considering HRQOL rather than solely improving biological parameters. Accordingly, guidance in terms of more comprehensive clinical decision making may be provided.