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Canine Studies College Course Guide

ABC L3 Small Animal Hydrotherapy

Course Guide to Units and Learning Objectives



About ABC Awards ABC Awards (ABC) is one of the largest vocational awarding bodies in the United Kingdom. ABC is recognised by the regulatory authorities. ABC Awards are recognised by the National Association of Registered Hydrotherapists and the Canine Hydrotherapy Association.

Introduction

This revised qualification is designed for learners who already have experience of working with small animals in an employed or voluntary capacity in roles such as animal care assistant or veterinary nurse and who wish to build on their existing knowledge and skills to understand the benefits that hydrotherapy can have for small animals with a number of conditions, and learn how to administer hydrotherapy to them.

Aims

This revised qualification aims to provide an extended core of knowledge and skills at Level 3 to enable those successfully achieving the qualification to safely work in hydrotherapy. It is a rigorous qualification with a blend of knowledge and theory.

Target Group

This qualification is designed for those learners who are aged 19+. This is considered to be an appropriate age as the qualification is designed for learners who already have experience of working with small animals in an employed or voluntary capacity.

The Canine Studies College recruits with integrity on the basis of a learner’s ability to contribute to and successfully complete the full qualification.

Progression Opportunities

Learners who successfully complete the Level 3 Certificate will be able to continue in further education and training related to this area of expertise. Including progression onto the Level 3 Diploma a in Small Animal Hydrotherapy and ultimately the Level 4 (LCGI) Professional Recognition Award through City & Guilds.

Centres should be aware that Reasonable Adjustments which may be permitted for assessment may in some instances limit a learner’s progression into the sector. Canine Studies College commit to inform learners of any limits their learning difficulty may impose on future progression.

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Qualification Units

Level 3 Certificate in Hydrotherapy for Small Animals Rules of Combination: Learners must achieve a minimum of 29 credits from the 10 mandatory units.

Unit Level Credit

Value GLH Page

No. Mandatory Units Introduction to hydrotherapy for small animals [T/504/1180]

3 4 25 5

Management of medical conditions in hydrotherapy for small animals [A/504/1181]

3 2 10 12

Management of common orthopaedic and neurological conditions in hydrotherapy for small animals [J/504/1183]

3 3 18 16

Small animal first aid for hydrotherapists [L/504/1184] 3 3 18 21

Administering hydrotherapy treatment to small animals [R/504/1185]

3 3 25 27

Assessing and checking an animal’s suitability for hydrotherapy treatment

3 3 25 33

Anatomy and physiology for small animal hydrotherapy [D/504/1187]

3 4 30 38

Water management for small animal hydrotherapy [K/504/1189]

3 3 20 44

Professional practice and Multi Disciplinary Team working for hydrotherapists [D/504/1190]

3 2 10 50

The principles of small animal hydrotherapy [H/504/1191]

3 2 10 54

Numbers in box brackets indicate QCF unit Number If learners achieve credits from units of the same title (or linked titles) at more than one level, they cannot count credits achieved from both units towards the credit target of a qualification

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Unit Details

Unit Title

Introduction to hydrotherapy for small animals

Level

3

Credit Value

4

Guided Learning Hours

25 to include home study

Unit Summary

This unit provides learners with an introduction to small animal hydrotherapy. The unit is not intended to provide learners with the level of skill and competence required to administer hydrotherapy treatments and learners should not engage in any manipulation techniques unless qualified to do so. It is imperative that at all times learners act within their area of professional competence and personal limitations.

Learning Outcomes (1 to 6) The learner will

Assessment Criteria (1.1 to 6.2) The learner can

1. Understand what is meant by ‘hydrotherapy’

1.1 Define ‘hydrotherapy’ 1.2 Explain how the key properties of water interact with a patient

1.3 Explain the intended effects of hydrotherapy treatments

2. Know about the different types of hydrotherapy equipment

2.1 Identify the main facilities and equipment used in hydrotherapy treatment

2.2 Compare and contrast the effects of different types of hydrotherapy equipment on the patient

2.3 Summarise the purpose of this equipment as part of a hydrotherapy session

3. Understand conditions which are suitable for hydrotherapy treatment

3.1 Identify six conditions that are commonly referred for hydrotherapy treatment

3.2 Explain the difference between a precaution and a contra- indication

3.3 Identify three precautions to hydrotherapy treatment 3.4 Identify three contra-indications to hydrotherapy treatment

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3.5 Assess the risk presented by proceeding with hydrotherapy treatment when there is a specific contra-indication present

4. Understand the referral process

4.1 Explain what is meant by ‘referral’

4.2 Identify key current UK legislation applicable to the referral process

4.3 Explain the implications for the hydrotherapist of the current UK legislative framework

5. Understand the professional duties of a hydrotherapist

5.1 Explain the hydrotherapist’s duty of care to the patient

5.2 Explain what is meant by working ethically and professionally as a hydrotherapist.

5.3 Explain the role of the hydrotherapist within the multi- disciplinary team (MDT)

6. Understand Health and Safety responsibilities as a hydrotherapist

6.1 Explain how current UK health and safety legislation and regulation impacts upon the activities of the hydrotherapy practice and practitioners

6.2 Demonstrate how to undertake a risk assessment within a hydrotherapy setting

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Unit Title

Management of medical conditions in hydrotherapy for small animals

Level

3

Credit Value

2



Unit Summary In this unit, learners will explore how medical conditions may impact on hydrotherapy treatment. They will learn how to identify common medical conditions and the considerations for specific conditions. The unit is not intended to provide learners with the level of skill and competence required to diagnose medical conditions. It is imperative that at all times learners act within their area of professional competence and personal limitations, seeking veterinary advice as appropriate



1. Be able to recognise the signs and symptoms of common medical conditions

1.1 Identify a minimum of four common medical conditions experienced by dogs and / or cats

1.2 Describe the key presenting indicators of four specified medical conditions in dogs and/or cats

2. Know how to manage animals with these conditions

2.1 Explain what additional factors the hydrotherapist should consider when managing patients for four specified medical conditions

2.2 Explain how to administer, monitor and adapt a hydrotherapy programme for a dog / cat with four specified medical conditions

2.3 Explain the importance of devising case specific hydrotherapy programmes for patients

3. Know the importance of medical conditions of patients for the hydrotherapist

3.1 Explain why understanding medical conditions in patients is important when working as a hydrotherapist

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Unit Title

Management of common orthopaedic and neurological conditions in hydrotherapy for small animals

Level

3

Credit Value

3



Unit Summary In this unit, learners will explore how hydrotherapy can help the treatment of a variety of common orthopaedic and neurological conditions that will be referred for hydrotherapy treatment. They will learn how to identify common orthopaedic and neurological conditions and the correct procedures to administer hydrotherapy for specific conditions. It is imperative that at all times learners act within their area of professional competence and personal limitations, seeking veterinary advice as appropriate.



1. Be able to recognise the signs and symptoms of common orthopaedic conditions

1.1 Identify a minimum of four common orthopaedic conditions experienced by dogs and / or cats

1.2 Describe the key presenting indicators of four specified orthopaedic conditions in dogs and/or cats

2. Be able to recognise the signs and symptoms of common neurological conditions

2.1 Identify a minimum of four common neurological conditions experienced by dogs and / or cats

2.2 Describe the key presenting indicators of four specified neurological conditions in dogs and/or cats

3. Know how to manage animals with common orthopaedic conditions

3.1 Explain what factors the hydrotherapist should consider when managing patients for two specified common orthopaedic conditions

3.2 Explain how to administer, monitor and adapt a hydrotherapy programme for a dog / cat with two specified common orthopaedic conditions

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4. Know how to manage animals with common neurological conditions

4.1 Explain what additional factors the hydrotherapist should consider when managing patients for two specified common neurological conditions

4.2 Explain how to administer, monitor and adapt a hydrotherapy programme for a dog / cat with two specified common neurological conditions

5. Know the importance of common orthopaedic and neurological conditions of patients for the hydrotherapist

5.1 Explain why understanding common orthopaedic and neurological conditions in patients is important when devising a hydrotherapy programme

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Unit Title

Small animal first aid for hydrotherapists

Level

3

Credit Value

3



Unit Summary In this unit, learners will learn how to recognise and deal with a variety of emergencies. They will be asked to apply theory in practice and make decisions about the most appropriate treatments for a range of emergencies. It is imperative that at all times learners act within their area of professional competence and personal limitations.



1. Know key principles of small animal first aid

1.1 Identify the three aims of animal first aid

1.2 Identify the four rules of animal first aid

1.3 Explain the current legal and ethical restrictions and limitations that would affect the response of the hydrotherapist in an animal emergency

2. Be able to categorise small animal emergencies

2.1 Identify two life threatening animal emergencies describing the key presenting indicators

2.2 Identify two animal emergencies requiring immediate action describing the key presenting indicators

2.3 Identify two minor animal emergencies describing the key presenting indicators

3. Know how to recognise and manage small animal emergency situations

3.1 Describe how to discriminate between death, unconsciousness and collapse

3.2 Describe the signs, symptoms and management of a small animal suffering from shock

3.3 Describe the signs, symptoms and management of the three types of haemorrhage

3.4 Describe the signs, symptoms and management of a choking patient

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3.5 Describe the signs, symptoms and management of snake bites and insect stings in small animals

3.6 Describe the signs, symptoms and management of a patient experiencing a seizure

3.7 Describe the signs, symptoms and management of four other potential animal emergencies that may present during hydrotherapy treatment

4. Be able to apply first aid in small animal emergency situations

4.1 Justify and demonstrate the animal resuscitation procedure appropriate for a specified emergency situation

4.2 Select and demonstrate bandaging techniques appropriate for a specified emergency situation

4.3 Demonstrate how to manage one other potential animal emergency that may present during hydrotherapy treatment

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Unit Title

Administering hydrotherapy treatment to small animals

Level

3

Credit Value

3



Unit Summary In this practical unit, learners are required to prepare animals and the environment for hydrotherapy. They will need to demonstrate how to manage an animal during hydrotherapy treatment, monitoring the process correctly and interacting with the animal as appropriate. Aftercare is important and learners will consider the importance of appropriate aftercare in relation to communication with the owner, completion of appropriate documentation and communication with other professionals. It is imperative that at all times learners act within their area of professional competence and personal limitations. Learners should not engage in any manipulation techniques unless qualified to do so



1. Be able to prepare a patient for a hydrotherapy session

1.1 Devise a hydrotherapy session for a specified patient

1.2 Explain why each of the following is important

• appropriate interaction with animal

• appropriate interaction with the client

• pre-hydrotherapy showering of animal and familiarisation with environment and equipment

• completion of appropriate documentation prior to and following the treatment

• selecting and fitting appropriate hydrotherapy aids

1.3 Demonstrate how to prepare a specified patient for hydrotherapy treatment, to include

• appropriate interaction with animal

• appropriate interaction with the client

• pre-hydrotherapy showering of animal and familiarisation with environment and equipment

• completion of appropriate documentation prior to the treatment

• selecting and fitting appropriate hydrotherapy aids

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2. Be able to prepare the environment prior to the hydrotherapy session

2.1 Demonstrate how to ensure risks to safety and security of self, others and specified patient are minimised before, during and after the treatment

3. Be able to manage a specified patient during hydrotherapy treatment

3.1 Safely prepare and manage the specified patient into the water

3.2 Explain why this is important to supervise and monitor the patient during the hydrotherapy session

3.3 Supervise and monitor the patient during the hydrotherapy session

3.4 Demonstrate how to safely control the specified animal whilst it is undertaking the hydrotherapy treatment

3.5 Safely direct and manage the specified patient out of the water

4. Know how to care for a patient following hydrotherapy treatment

4.1 Demonstrate how to address the physical needs of the patient, including drying

4.2 Explain the importance of appropriate aftercare in relation to

• communication with the owner

• completion of appropriate documentation following the treatment

• communication with other professionals

4.3 Describe the intended short term and long term outcomes of the hydrotherapy treatment for the specified patient

4.4 Under supervision, conduct a hydrotherapy session on a chosen animal safely, following the required procedure for the condition being treated

4.5 Evaluate the hydrotherapy session for the specified patient

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Unit Title

Assessing and checking an animal’s suitability for hydrotherapy treatment

Level

3

Credit Value

3



Unit Summary It is essential for anyone that is administering hydrotherapy to have had the animal referred by a veterinary surgeon. Small animal hydrotherapists need to be able to evaluate the suitability of an animal for treatment. This unit will enable the learner to recognise signs of suitability and unsuitability for hydrotherapy treatment. It is imperative that at all times learners act within their area of professional competence and personal limitations.



1. Understand the importance of a patient’s medical history

1.1 Explain why veterinary referral is essential when considering hydrotherapy

1.2 Explain the significance of information that members of the Multi Disciplinary Team should provide to the hydrotherapist to enable them to devise the rehabilitation programme

2. Understand the information provided by those involved with the patient

2.1 Explain the meaning of abbreviations used by the Multi Disciplinary Team

2.2 Interpret information that a veterinary surgeon and/or other member of a multi-disciplinary team has provided on a specific small animal patient

2.3 Assess the significance of information provided by the client relating to the patient

3. Be able to perform a health check on a specified patient

3.1 Demonstrate how to undertake a hands-on health check of a patient to include

• head – skull, eyes, ears, nose, mouth

• trunk – surface, vertebral column, musculature, perineal region, pelvis

• limbs – surface, musculature, temperature, weight bearing, limb position and usage, gait, condition of nails and pads, reflexes

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• general condition – skin, coat, weight, pulse, respiration, salivating

• behaviour – normal, changes

4. Know signs of suitability and unsuitability for hydrotherapy treatment for a specified patient

4.1 Evaluate the patient’s suitability for hydrotherapy treatment on the basis of the information provided by

• other professionals

• the client

• a physical assessment of the patient

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Unit Title

Anatomy and physiology for small animal hydrotherapy

Level

3

Credit Value

4



Unit Summary In this unit, learners will explore the relevant major aspects of small animal anatomy and physiology for the hydrotherapist. For anyone who is going to be administering hydrotherapy treatment, it is vital that they have a sound understanding of the anatomy and physiology of small animals



1. Know the anatomy and physiology of the small animal skeletal system

1.1 Describe the divisions of the small animal skeletal system to include

• axial skeleton

• appendicular skeleton

1.2 Describe the functions of skeletal system

1.3 Describe bones in terms of shape, size and function

1.4 Identify compact bone and spongy bone

1.5 Explain the characteristics of compact bone and spongy bone

1.6 Identify the regions of a long bone

1.7 Explain ossification of a long bone

2. Know the types of cartilage found in the small animal skeletal system

2.1 Describe the characteristics of cartilage

2.2 Compare and contrast hyaline and fibro cartilage

2.3 Identify areas within the small animal skeletal system where hyaline and fibro cartilage are found

3. Know the anatomy and physiology of joints found within the small animal skeleton

3.1 Describe the function and location of major joints in the small animal skeletal system to include

• synovial joints

• cartilaginous joints

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• fibrous joints

4. Know the anatomy and physiology of small animal tendons and ligaments

4.1 Describe the composition of tendons and ligaments

4.2 Describe the functions of tendons and ligaments

4.3 Identify the major tendons and ligaments within the small animal skeletal system

5. Know the anatomy and physiology of the small animal muscular system

5.1 Describe the 3 muscle types found within the body

5.2 Identify the location of the major muscles within the musculo-skeletal system

5.3 Describe the functions of the major muscles within the musculo-skeletal system

6. Know the components of the small animal nervous system

6.1 Define the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system

6.2 Describe the functions of the nervous system

6.3 Identify the components of a neuron, stating the function of each

6.4 Describe the functions of sensory and motor neurons

6.5 Explain a simple reflex arc

6.6 Identify major spinal nerves

7. Know the importance of anatomy and physiology for the hydrotherapist

7.1 Explain why understanding small animal anatomy and physiology is essential when working as a hydrotherapist

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Unit Title

Water management for small animal hydrotherapy

Level

3

Credit Value

3



Unit Summary In this unit, learners will gain a basic understanding of water management and treatment. Learners will explore the functions of the various pieces of pool plant and equipment, water chemistry and the relationship of the various chemicals used. It is imperative that at all times learners act within current health and safety legislation and work within their area of professional competence and personal limitations. It is expected that learners will undertake the practical elements of this unit under the close supervision of an appropriately qualified professional.



1. Know the importance of responsible water management

1.1 Explain legal and professional responsibilities to correctly manage water in a hydrotherapy setting

1.2 Explain the importance of water management to the health and welfare of patients, personnel and others

2. Know how to maintain water equipment

2.1 Identify the purpose of essential plant and equipment that is used for hydrotherapy

2.2 Explain why regular maintenance of each is important

2.3 Describe what maintenance is required stating how and when this is carried out

3. Know how to manage water treatment chemicals

3.1 Explain the reasons for adding chemicals to pool water (disinfection and water quality)

3.2 Identify six commonly used chemicals, stating the purpose of each

3.3 Describe the specific risks that are presented when handling, storing, dosing and disposing of four of the identified chemicals

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3.4 Describe the specific precautions that are required when handling, storing, dosing and disposing of four of the identified chemicals

3.5 Describe which chemicals are considered to be incompatible explaining why

4. Know how to test water

4.1 Explain what water testing is designed to test

4.2 Compare three types of water test kits available, contrasting the benefits and disadvantages of each

4.3 Describe how frequently tests should be carried out stating why

4.4 Utilising different methods, conduct two water tests

4.5 Analyse the results of the tests stating their implications

4.6 Recommend actions required to adjust the water balance

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Unit Title

Professional practice and Multi Disciplinary Team working for hydrotherapists

Level

3

Credit Value

2



Unit Summary In this unit, learners will explore the importance of a multi- disciplinary team approach to hydrotherapy. They are also required to consider the importance of reflective practice to their own continuing professional development



1. Understand the purpose of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT)

1.1 Identify who may be included within a multi-disciplinary team

1.2 Evaluate factors that make for effective MDT working

2. Recognise the effect of MDT treatment upon the patient

2.1 Explain the difference between complementary and alternative therapies

2.2 Describe, with the use of examples, four types of treatments that the patient may be receiving from other MDT members

2.3 Outline the key characteristics of these treatments

2.4 Explain the cumulative impact of hydrotherapy and these treatments upon the patient

2.5 Evaluate the effect of the multi-disciplinary team approach on two specified cases

3. Understand the purpose of personal and professional development

3.1 Explain what is meant by reflective practice

3.2 Explain how this can contribute to their own hydrotherapy practice

3.3 Explain the need for continuing professional development

3.4 Describe the importance of working within own personal and professional limitations

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Unit Title

The principles of small animal hydrotherapy

Level

3

Credit Value

2



Unit Summary This unit provides learners with an underpinning knowledge of the techniques and approaches that are allowed to be used by hydrotherapists. The unit is not intended to provide learners with the level of skill and competence required to administer hydrotherapy treatments and learners should not engage in any manipulation techniques unless qualified to do so. It is imperative that at all times learners act within their area of professional competence and personal limitations.



1. Understand the significance of the physical properties of water in hydrotherapy

1.1 Identify the physical properties of water that are utilised in a hydrotherapy session

1.2 Explain how these properties could benefit a patient during a hydrotherapy session

1.3 Explain how these properties could be detrimental to a hydrotherapy patient

1.4 Explain how these properties can affect the hydrotherapist

2. Know about the application of hydrotherapy techniques

2.1 Compare and contrast the features of four hydrotherapy treatments

2.2 Describe how each might be suitable for four specific cases

2.3 Describe two outcome measures that could be used to determine the effectiveness of hydrotherapy session/s

• in the short term

• in the long term

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Certification

Learners will be certificated for all units and qualifications that are achieved and claimed.

College Terms & Conditions A copy of the college Terms & Conditions are always available on our web site. We reserve the right to alter these conditions at any time but remain committed to informing learners within 2 weeks prior to any changes.

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