Assess and plan the physical therapy of animals

This standard is about assessing and planning the physical therapy of animals.
The current Veterinary Surgeons Act limits the activities that may be carried out by those who are not qualified veterinary surgeons. All activities should be carried out within the constraints of the current Veterinary Surgeons Act and the current Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) Order.
Users of the standard will need to be trained and confirm that their practice uses scientifically robust data, humane standards and policies. They must work within the limits of their authority, expertise, training, competence and experience.
This standard is suitable for those working in the animal care sector with responsibility for assessing and planning the approach to the therapy of animals on referral from a veterinary surgeon.

1. work in accordance with the current Veterinary Surgeons Act, the current Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) Order and the limits of your authority, expertise, training, competence and experience
2. work professionally and ethically and within the requirements of the relevant professional organisation
3. comply with the relevant animal health and welfare and other animal-related legislation and associated codes of practice
4. assess how the needs of animals may best be provided while under your duty of care
5. assess the potential risks to health and safety in this area of work
6. develop a plan for the handling of animals undergoing physical therapy treatment
7. carry out an initial visual assessment of the animal
8. select a method of handling and control that is required for the animal concerned in order to minimise the risks to the animal, yourself and all those involved in, or affected by your work
9. assess the animal’s therapy requirements in relation to their presenting condition and referral from a veterinary surgeon, taking into account pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy and medication
10. set short-term and long-term goals for animal physical therapy
11. formulate a physical therapy treatment plan following referral from a veterinary surgeon
12. check that informed consent to handle and carry out physical therapy procedures on the animal is obtained from the owner or keeper
13. clarify and confirm the treatment that is to be carried out, the estimated cost and the method of payment
14. agree any actions to be carried by the owner or keeper following the physical therapy
15. check that the owner/keeper understands the role and importance of the veterinary referral, and the communication between the referring practice and therapist or rehabilitation centre
16. set up the required records, including the required veterinary feedback reports
17. confirm that records are maintained and stored as required by the relevant legislation and organisational policy
18. communicate professionally with veterinary surgeons and other animal-related professionals and paraprofessionals
19. plan, record and evaluate your Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

1. the requirements of the current Veterinary Surgeons Act and the current Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) Order in relation to your role and the limits of your authority, expertise, training, competence and experience
2. your professional responsibilities and the importance of Continuing Professional Development to maintain professional competence
3. your responsibilities under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, associated codes of practice and organisational policies
4. your responsibilities under the relevant animal health and welfare and other animal-related legislation and associated codes of practice
5. how to assess the needs of animals in your duty of care and how these should be addressed
6. why it is important to verify the condition of the animal and its requirements for treatment from the referral by a veterinary surgeon
7. the conditions and disorders commonly presented for physical therapy in terms of their aetiology, common signs, veterinary treatment and possible complications
8. the range of methods for animal handling and control and the factors to be considered when selecting the method
9. how different factors may affect the planning of handling and therapy
10. how to assess the risks inherent in handling and controlling different types of animals
11. the anatomy and physiology of the animal species you are working with
12. the physiological and physical effects of the therapy treatment on the animal you are working with
13. how the therapy can affect animal behaviour
14. how to formulate a treatment plan for an animal, taking into account specific medical or post-surgical conditions and how to administer these
15. how to assess the animal’s suitability for the treatment plan and identify any potential contra-indications
16. the importance of obtaining informed consent and explaining the treatment plan to the owner or keeper
17. the pre-treatment preparation that is required prior to physical therapy of animals
18. the post-treatment procedures that need to be completed before an animal is returned to its accommodation or owner or keeper
19. the possible post-treatment reactions and how to advise the owner or keeper on how to recognise and address these
20. the post-treatment actions to be carried out by the owner or keeper in their own time
21. the importance of assessing the response to treatment and when to refer back to the veterinary surgeon
22. the role and importance of veterinary referral and communication between the therapy centre, the referring veterinary practice and other animal-related professionals and paraprofessionals
23. how your actions, the actions of other animals, or the actions of those involved in or effected by your work may affect the behaviour, welfare and progress during physical therapy
24. the records that need to be kept in relation to the physical therapy of animals and the importance of completing these in accordance with the relevant legislation and organisational policy
25. your legal and professional liability when providing physical therapy to animals and the importance of suitable insurance cover

Factors that may affect the planning of handling and therapy:

1. age
2. species
3. breed
4. temperament
5. surroundings
6. prior experiences
7. owner's influence
8. current health status
9. clinical history
10. prescribed drugs and their effects
11. reason for referral for therapy
12. presence and activity of other people/animals in the therapy environment
13. welfare requirements
14. intended use or role of the animal

Current legislation relating to animals:

• Veterinary Surgeons Act
• The Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) Order
• England and Wales, Animal Welfare Act
• Scotland, Animal Health and Welfare Act
• Northern Ireland, Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland)