LAKEWOOD, Colorado – September 9, 2019 –The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) is pleased to announce the release of a new publication, Implementing Preventive Care Protocols, which was developed with the support of an educational grant from IDEXX.

“We are delighted to continue to provide essential preventive care guidance and resources for the veterinary community,” said AAHA Deputy Chief Executive Officer Janice Trumpeter, DVM. “This publication will help more practices learn how they can increase the benefits for clients, patients, and themselves by implementing preventive care protocols.”

Veterinary teams are already practicing some foundational forms of preventive care, such as annual physical exams and recommended vaccinations, but implementing an expanded set of preventive care protocols—including routine diagnostic screenings—can help practices bring preventive care to the forefront.

The publication builds upon a previously released document, Promoting Preventive Care Protocols: Evidence, Enactment, and Economics. It includes tips on implementing preventive care protocols and advice from practices that have made it happen. There are helpful guides for success, including how to get the entire practice team on board, developing client communications, and preparing to take action on implementing new preventive care protocols.

It also includes findings from a new study that examined canine wellness profiles run at IDEXX Reference Laboratories. The study concluded that preventive care diagnostic profiles are clinically relevant on all dogs, even those as young as two years of age. The analysis of nearly 30,000 dogs found that at least 1 in 4 preventive care blood and fecal profiles indicate the need for follow-up* in adult and senior dogs.

“As our practice worked to successfully implement preventive care, we leveraged these AAHA publications as essential time-saving tools for the team,” said Margot K. Vahrenwald, DVM, CVJ, owner and medical director of Park Hill Veterinary Medical Center in Denver, Colorado. “With Implementing Preventive Care Protocols, we believe practices, patients, and clients will benefit from the improved well-being of beloved pets.”

By implementing preventive care protocols, veterinarians can identify disease earlier and educate clients on how to improve the quality of life and longevity of their pets by encouraging more regular veterinary visits. Veterinary teams will be able to continue on their preventive care journeys by utilizing this comprehensive resource.

About the American Animal Hospital Association

The American Animal Hospital Association is the only organization that accredits companion animal practices throughout the United States and Canada according to high standards of veterinary care. AAHA-accredited hospitals are recognized among the finest in the industry and are consistently at the forefront of advanced veterinary medicine. Pet owners look for AAHA-accredited hospitals because they value their pet’s health and trust the consistent, expert care provided by the entire health-care team. For more information, visit aaha.org.

About IDEXX

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. is a member of the S&P 500® Index and is a leader in pet healthcare innovation, serving practicing veterinarians around the world with a broad range of diagnostic and information technology-based products and services. IDEXX products enhance the ability of veterinarians to provide advanced medical care, improve staff efficiency, and build more economically successful practices. IDEXX is also a worldwide leader in providing diagnostic tests and information for livestock and poultry, and testing for the quality and safety of water and milk. Headquartered in Maine, IDEXX employs more than 8,000 people and offers products to customers in over 175 countries.

###

* Due to “clinically significant findings,” which would indicate the need for follow-up, further consideration, or a change in action by the clinician. Clinical significance based on rules determined by an IDEXX veterinarian panel.

Source: Data based on analyses of 29,795 canine wellness profiles (Chem 22 including IDEXX SDMA® Test, IDEXX CBC testing with reticulocyte parameters, the Lab 4Dx® Plus Test, and Fecal Dx® antigen testing) associated with wellness visits; testing performed at IDEXX Reference Laboratories on July 13, 2016–February 28, 2019. Represented U.S. regions by proportion of included profiles: Northeast (32.0%), South (41.3%), Midwest (17.4%), West (7.6%), and region not reported (1.7%). Data on file at IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. Westbrook, Maine USA.