The American Veterinary Medical Assn. (AVMA) has launched the AVMA Animal Health Studies Database (AAHSD), a free searchable tool to connect practicing veterinarians and animal owners to veterinary clinical studies.

AVMA is providing this resource in an effort to help accelerate the accumulation of evidence to guide improvements in animal health care and the practice of veterinary medicine.

The website allows clinical studies coordinators and investigators to submit a study for listing in AAHSD. Veterinarians and animal owners may search AAHSD for studies that might be relevant to their patient or pet, either for a particular condition or even to provide health data or a sample from a normal animal. Owners interested in participating in such studies are encouraged to discuss their animal’s eligibility for any relevant study with their veterinarian. The site also has educational information regarding the conduct of clinical studies for both owners and investigators.

AAHSD, which includes all animal species and all disciplines of veterinary medicine, will serve not only the U.S. and Canada, but also the U.K. and Ireland as well as potentially other international communities.

“The AVMA Animal Health Studies Database will be an invaluable resource for researchers, veterinarians and animal owners alike,” said AVMA president Dr. Joe Kinnarney. “It will be an important tool for researchers seeking veterinary patients eligible for enrollment in their clinical studies. Veterinarians and animal owners will find the information provided in these clinical studies helpful in exploring options for treatment.”

Kinnarney noted that the material presented in AAHSD is for informational use only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

AAHSD can be accessed at www.avma.org/findvetstudies.