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