Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to conduct a physical examination of greyhounds to assess their structural and functional suitability for racing.
The unit applies to individuals who work with greyhound owners, trainers and veterinarians to assist with optimising the health of racing greyhounds.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, according to state/territory animal welfare and health and safety regulations, legislation, state-based licensing arrangements and standards that apply to the workplace.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare for greyhound examination | 1.1 Assess the potential risks to health and safety when working with greyhounds 1.2 Obtain background information from owner and/or trainer on greyhound racing performance to assist with identifying common injuries 1.3 Prepare a safe and controlled environment to conduct the examination 1.4 Handle and control the greyhound to minimise the risk to self, others and the greyhound 1.5 Recognise greyhound behaviour that indicates that an activity should be discontinued |
2. Conduct physical examination for musculoskeletal dysfunction or injury | 2.1 Assess gait, and check mobility of major joints and limbs using flexing and extension techniques 2.2 Examine the spinal column, applying gentle palpation techniques 2.3 Examine lower limbs to detect abnormalities 2.4 Assess common sites for torn muscles in racing greyhounds to detect injuries 2.5 Recognise signs indicating whether injury or dysfunction is acute or chronic 2.6 Monitor the greyhound for signs of pain, distress or alarm, and respond appropriately |
3. Provide options for detected musculoskeletal dysfunction or injury | 3.1 Identify abnormalities and discuss examination findings with owner and/or trainer 3.2 Refer greyhounds with major dysfunction and injuries to registered veterinarian for clinical examination 3.3 Provide options for non-invasive treatment for minor dysfunction and injuries, with greyhound owner and/or trainer and in consultation with veterinarians 3.4 Advise on strategies to avoid injury, and on recovery or stand down times for relevant injuries, in consultation with veterinarians, owners and trainers |
4. Maintain records | 4.1 Record examination notes and treatment plan for individual greyhound 4.2 Provide records to owner and/or trainer, and to the referring veterinarian as requested 4.3 File and store records, ensuring they can be retrieved when required |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Writing | Record information clearly and accurately in treatment plans for internal and external purposes |
Navigate the world of work | Take responsibility for following regulatory and racing industry requirements relating to health assistant role and scope of practice |
Get the work done | Plan, sequence and prioritise activities to achieve work outcome Use common workplace technology to record and convey information |
Sectors
Performance Services Greyhounds (PSG)