By Dr. Becker Recently the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) added a fifth ‘vital health assessment’ for veterinarians in determining the health status of their cat and dog patients. The four existing assessments are: temperature, cardio function, respiratory health, and pain. The new “5th Vital Assessment”1 is nutrition. Per Michael Cavanaugh, DVM, and executor director of the AAHA: “Incorporating nutritional assessment into the routine examination protocol for every patient is important for maintaining optimal health, as well as their response to disease and injury. The goal of the new guidelines