The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Board of Directors voted to endorse of the Global Nutritional Guidelines of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) at AAHAs board meeting in Toronto.

WSAVA developed the guidelines in an effort to standardize five vital signs as part of the standard physical examination for all small animals. These are:

1. Temperature
2. Pulse
3. Respiration
4. Pain assessment
5. Nutritional assessment

"Knowing that AAHA, our biggest member, endorses these guidelines is of extreme importance for the WSAVA, not only because standardization of nutritional status in the regular physical examination is important aspect for any veterinarian but also because AAHA recognizes the global issue and actively searches for solutions of problems that affect the veterinary community all over the world," said WSAVA President Jolle Kirpensteijn, DVM, PhD, DACVS, DECVS,

To read the guidelines, follow this link to the WSAVA website here.