Health Checks

Routine Health Checks

• Comprehending the value of regular health checks in the early detection of diseases or injuries, enabling swift and effective treatment.
• Establishing a consistent routine to meticulously observe each animal in your care for signs of illness or distress.
• Recognising abnormal behaviour or visible physical changes such as changes in appetite, posture, faecal consistency, feather or fur condition.
• Understanding that the absence of symptoms does not always mean the animal is healthy, as some diseases are asymptomatic in early stages.

Observation Techniques and Handling Animals

• Learning to make observations from a distance before approaching the animal, as this causes least disturbance and most authentic behaviour.
• Developing confident and safe handling skills to minimise stress to the animal while performing a physical examination.
• Understanding how to use basic diagnostic tools such as a stethoscope or thermometer where appropriate.
• Always considering the individual temperament and physical condition of an animal when deciding on the most suitable handling technique.

Record Keeping for Health Checks

• Recognising the importance of keeping accurate and consistent records of heath checks, to both monitor the animal’s health and to comply with legal requirements.
• Making a note of the animal’s baseline readings such as weight, heart rate and temperature to aid in detecting any anomalies.
• Updating records with any changes in behaviour, feeding patterns, or physical characteristics to track an animal’s health over time.

Emergency Situations

• Learning and recognising the signs of a health emergency in various species and understanding the appropriate first-aid response.
• Having a solid plan in place for such situations, including having contact details of a veterinary surgeon on hand.
• Understanding the importance of remaining calm and confident to minimise further stress to the animal.

Collaboration with Veterinary Professionals

• Knowing when and how to consult with a veterinary professional and effectively conveying relevant information about the animal’s symptoms.
• Recognising that certain aspects of health check, diagnosis and treatment are to be completed only by qualified professionals.
• Ensuring your actions work in conjunction with veterinary advice, not against it, to provide the most effective care to the animals.