How long must veterinary records be retained according to CVO regulations?

Veterinary records must be retained for a minimum of 5 years after the last visit in accordance with CVO regulations. This retention period is essential for ensuring that a complete medical history of the animal is available for any future treatment or consultations. Keeping records for this duration provides sufficient time for the animal's health issues to be addressed and allows any responsible veterinarian to revisit prior treatments, medications, and diagnostic results.

Maintaining records for 5 years also aligns with best practices in veterinary medicine, promoting continuity of care, and accountability within the profession. It allows veterinarians to comply with any regulatory or legal requirements that may arise concerning the animal's care or in the case of any disputes regarding treatment.

Other timeframes such as 2 years do not provide enough historical context, which may be necessary for comprehensive care, while indefinite retention may not be practical or manageable. Lastly, retaining records until the animal reaches a specific age does not provide a flexible approach for varied cases, as different animals might receive different levels of ongoing care. Having a standardized retention period helps ensure consistency across practices.