On-track

Veterinarian

Module 1

Introduction of Duties & Responsibilities Dr. John Newell B.V.Sc

Dr. John Newell Page 2 of 23 16/05/2016

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DISCLAIMER

The content material contained in this document is provided for general information purposes only and do not constitute sole professional advice on any subject matter. GRNSW does not accept any responsibility for any loss which may arise from reliance on information contained in this document. GRNSW and its contributors do not take any responsibility, either directly or implied, for any damage, injury, death, disease, illness or morbidity caused directly or indirectly to greyhounds, their owners or the general public as a result of following the advice given in this document. GRNSW and its contributors do not take any responsibility, either directly or implied, for any damage or loss of business, earnings and reputation that might be incurred as a result of following the advice given in this document. The course content is updated to reflect best practice and changes in rules and policy. Please note the date of release at the bottom of the page and check that you have the latest version by going to the GRNSW website http://grnsw.com.au/welfare/veterinary/on-track-veterinarian-manual . This material is for veterinarians that provide veterinary services at Greyhound Race Clubs throughout New South Wales. It is intended for the sole use of those veterinarians and not to be distributed or otherwise copied to any third party. The training modules are presented in a PowerPoint presentation but may be printed for reference.

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CONTENTS

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 4

Duties ............................................................................................................................................................ 5

Responsibilities ............................................................................................................................................. 6

Dispensing Medications............................................................................................................................. 7

Requirements To Perform Your Duties .................................................................................................... 8

Required Drugs & Supplies ........................................................................................................................ 9

Required Drugs & Supplies – Examples ................................................................................................... 9

Responsibilities of the Racing Club .......................................................................................................... 10

Arrival at the Track ............................................................................................................................... 11

Pre-Race Examination.............................................................................................................................. 12

Pre-Race Examination & Scratching ......................................................................................................... 14

Prior to Race Examination ....................................................................................................................... 15

Strapping or “Taping” .............................................................................................................................. 16

Commonly Used Strapping & Techniques.............................................................................................. 17

Post-Race Examination ............................................................................................................................... 18

Post-race Injury Reports – Veterinary Examination Detail ....................................................................... 18

Drug Sampling ............................................................................................................................................. 18

Trialling After the Last Race ........................................................................................................................ 23

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INTRODUCTION

The OTV Training Program is intended for on-track veterinarians (OTVs) at greyhound race clubs in NSW. It

provides a comprehensive reference to all aspects of the duties and skills required to perform your role

effectively. Expectations, standards and skill sets vary according to experience, training and knowledge.

Veterinarians are often asked to officiate at greyhound meetings with little knowledge of what is expected of

them and how best to provide services to support the Stewards whilst maintaining the highest animal

welfare standards. There may have been little or no training in race observation or physical examination of

the greyhound for injury detection, which may have compromised its performance. This is part one of a four-

part training series, which aims to assist OTVs learn and develop these essential skills. The modules are also

presented in PowerPoint format. It is recommended that the module handbooks are printed and referenced

in hard copy for individual use at the track.

It is important to provide a consistently high standard of Veterinary services to Race Clubs with a uniformity

of assessment of racing greyhounds and a systematic method of examination for injury and poor

performance.

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DUTIES

It is best to arrive at the track at least 90 minutes before the first race. Allow time for traffic delays and

the stewards may require some greyhounds to be examined for return to racing, so two hours before

the first race is recommended. It is important not to be late as this may delay kennelling and

compromise the first race starting on time. You should be familiar with the kennel and facility layout,

where to park and what area is available to provide examination and treatment.

Each greyhound is to be examined by the veterinarian prior to kennelling. This is a cursory examination

looking for obvious injuries and wounds that may affect performance as well as seasonal bitches. A more

detailed list of conditions is provided in the Pre-Race and Post-Race Examination sections of this

document.

The OTV should be available prior to each race start in case a greyhound has been injured in the kennels

or has a medical condition such as haematuria which may necessitate its withdrawal from the race.

The OTV should be available on the track to view each race and render assistance as needed should a

greyhound be injured. Such assistance may involve basic first aid, bandaging, suturing and provision of

pain management as required.

The OTV should be available to examine any greyhound at the request of the steward. Such requests

may be made if a greyhound has performed poorly, ran inconsistent with recent form, fought or failed to

chase. The steward should provide the reason for the examination (refer to the section regarding Post-

Race Examination).

The OTV should be available to collect urine or saliva samples for drug testing. Strict protocols apply to

these procedures.

The OTV is required to perform euthanasia in cases of severe injury.

Some greyhounds may require re-vetting once the greyhound has cooled down if no injury was apparent

at the first examination.

In the event of unexpected death it may be necessary to organise or carry out a post mortem

examination.

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RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary responsibility of the OTV is at all times the welfare of the greyhound. Consideration should be

given to:

The general health of the greyhound on presentation for kennelling.

The OTV needs to assess whether running will affect the greyhound’s ability or make a particular

condition worse.

The presence of any contagious or infectious disease that may affect other greyhounds in the kennel

block.

As an OTV you act on behalf of the greyhound – not the betting public or individual owners or

trainers.

An OTV while on duty at the track shall not bet or gamble in any manner or behave in any manner

which would compromise their professional standing.

Decisions that you make may not be popular with some owners or trainers. Such decisions are made

in the best interest of the greyhound. Disrespectful or uncooperative behaviour by trainers should

not be tolerated. If this occurs write down the detail of the conversation. Any witnesses should also

be asked to write down their version of the conversation. Report the incident to the steward as you

will have his/her full support. Any advice you require will be provided by the steward.

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DISPENSING MEDICATIONS

With bona fide clients OTVs may dispense medications if pre-arranged with clients and with the permission

of the stewards. This process must occur outside the kennel block and when the client has completed all

racing commitments for the meeting. Medications must be dispensed in a sealed container and hands

should be washed before any medication is handled.

Consultations or vaccinations should not be carried out during the race meeting – only at the conclusion of

the meeting when all duties completed. There must be no risk of exposing racing greyhounds to

unvaccinated dogs.

The OTV should dispense pain relief for injured greyhounds to cover the time period to when the trainer

has been directed to seek follow up care. Their compliance with this directive will be monitored by GRNSW.

Please view GRNSW Pain Management Protocol on www.grnsw.com.au .

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The steward is in charge of the meeting and is empowered to conduct the proceedings of the race meeting.

They take advice from the OTV and in decisions which have the potential to affect the welfare of a

greyhound; greatest caution must be adopted in any decisions made.

REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM YOUR DUTIES

OTVs must have a reliable means of transport.

GRNSW provides drugs for their veterinarians use at some tracks. Where drugs and equipment are not

provided, it is the responsibility of the OTV to provide drugs and equipment to render first aid to injured

greyhounds. If drugs are to be stored at the track by the OTV, they must ensure that the relevant State

Poisons and Controlled Substances Acts are met with regard to security and storage of such medications.

The OTV must provide euthanasia solution should there be a need to euthanise a badly injured

greyhound.

The OTV must be registered with the NSW Veterinary Practitioners Board.

The OTV should be able to provide trainers with the nearest Veterinary Emergency Centre should a

greyhound require ongoing veterinary care after being stabilised with first aid at the track.

The OTV must be covered by Accident & Professional Liability Insurance.

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REQUIRED DRUGS & SUPPLIES

The following list of drugs and supplies is a guide to the minimum requirements that the OTV should have

available to complete their duties at the track and provide adequate first aid. The service should be provided

at the track and not referred to private practice for first aid administration.

The cost of these drugs and supplies is to be borne by the club.

All instruments are to be provided by the OTV.

The OTV fee is considered to cover the cost of any veterinary procedure carried out.

REQUIRED DRUGS & SUPPLIES – EXAMPLES

PHARMACEUTICAL DRUGS

Euthanasia Solution

Sedatives – e.g. Acepromazine, alpha-2-agonists, opioid analgesia – eg. methadone

Injectable Antibiotics

Local Anaesthetics

Pain relief e.g. Carprofen, Meloxicam

Intravenous fluids, intravenous catheters, giving sets

If these drugs are kept at the racetrack, then ensure they are stored in compliance with the requirements of

the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 1966 (NSW).

VETERINARY SUPPLIES

Stretch non-adhesive bandages e.g. Vet Wrap – 75mm & 100mm

Elastoplast 2.5cm, 5cm & 7.5cm

Betadine, Chlorhexidine

Cotton wool, Gauze & Conforming bandages

Dynacast XR, Velband

Tricin antibiotic powder

Materials for a Robert Jones bandage

Syringes 2ml, 5ml, 10ml & 20ml

Needles 25g, 23g, 21g

Sterile swabs for oestrus detection

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INSTRUMENTS

Basic surgery kit including scissors, haemostats, needle holders, tissue forceps and swabs

Suture material – absorbable & non–absorbable and bowls for disinfectant or saline

Stethoscope, otoscope and thermometer

Nail clippers and body bags

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE RACING CLUB

1. To provide a separate veterinary surgeon’s room within the kennelling complex with hot and cold

running water, a sink, bench space, an examination table, seats and paper towels including:

o ice packs or ice to apply to acute swellings;

o basic equipment required for the pre-race preparation of greyhounds including petroleum jelly,

talcum powder and elastic adhesive tape.

2. To have ample and securable lockable cupboards for drug storage;

3. To provide refrigerated storage facilities for medications and autopsy specimens;

o provision for the storage and disposal of dead greyhounds. Body disposal is the responsibility of

the race clubs – not the OTV

4. To have post mortem examination facilities. Ideally a stainless steel bench as part of the sink;

5. To provide all reference material and documentation available to the OTV:

o a current hard copy of the GRNSW Rule Book including policy updates available;

o an up-to-date race book, free-of charge;

o a copy of the scratchings and reserves for the meeting;

o an up-to-date and visible notice with the names and contact details of the nearest after hours

veterinary service or emergency clinic for display in the kennel area;

o a copy of the triplicate Veterinary Examination Details Form.

6. to provide a means of transporting seriously injured greyhounds; and

7. unobstructed and easy access to all parts of the track where an uninterrupted view of all races may be

obtained as well as TV monitor for viewing.

Clubs have a responsibility to all OTVs to provide a safe working environment.

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ARRIVAL AT THE TRACK

It is recommended that you arrive 2 hours prior to the first race. Although the steward has probably

inspected the track, it is a good idea to take a proactive role and look at the track surface. Most injuries

occur on a track that is too dry and doesn’t provide the spring to absorb the concussion and torsion forces in

the long bones as the greyhound gallops. If you have any concerns regarding the track surface and moisture

content, discuss with the steward immediately.

At this time also consider the weather conditions and be aware of the GRNSW Hot Weather Policy

(Amended November 2015).

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PRE-RACE EXAMINATION

The examination should be as thorough as possible in the limited time available. You will be required to

examine between 80 to 110 greyhounds in 45 minutes. It is important to be as effective as possible with a

routine to carry out this examination. A combination of visual inspection and feeling key areas of the

greyhound’s musculoskeletal system in a repetitive manner will ensure that the examination is completed

thoroughly. Usually the kennelling process should be completed 45 minutes before the first race to allow

time for performance trials and clearance trials. It is a good idea to note the anticipated time that kennelling

will finish and try to work within this time frame so as not to delay the kennelling process.

The trainer or handler will lead the greyhounds up onto a platform so that the OTV can examine them. This

examination is done within full view of the other trainers and the general public. The examination is aimed

at detecting greyhounds with obvious serious injuries, in poor physical condition, with contagious conditions

or in oestrus. The OTV should alert the steward if any abnormality is found after pointing the condition out

to the trainer. Conditions that may affect the greyhound’s ability to perform to the best of its ability or

conditions that are inappropriate from an animal welfare point of view should be considered and an

appropriate stand down time issued after discussion with the stewards.

By nature this examination is brief but effective as certain areas are targeted in a repetitive manner. It

should include the following:

EYES

Look for Pannus, Conjunctivitis, Perilimbal hyperaemia, constricted or dilated pupils

THROAT

Feel the glands at the angle of the jaw. Examine the pharynx of any dog presenting with a cough that is

independent of pulling on the lead. Be sure to wash your hands after such an examination before proceeding

to the next greyhound.

SKIN

Look for any contagious skin diseases such as ringworm. Look for fleas or any skin wounds or abrasions. If

the greyhound is suspected of being infested with fleas a more thorough examination is indicated. A finding

of five or more fleas with or without dermatitis, flea dirt or eggs should be scratched under Greyhounds

Australasia Rule 37 (4). Also check for Papillomas (warts) around the toes. These are infectious.

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L INIMENTS

Greyhounds are not permitted to have liniment applied to the skin before entering the kennels. The Steward

should be informed. If the odour is not excessive the liniment may be washed off or the greyhound

scratched at the discretion of the Steward.

MU SCUL O-SKELETAL SYSTEM

Check for any obvious lameness as the greyhound walks up to the table. Check the shoulders, flex the wrists

and metacarpal bones. Feel along the back for any pain or swelling indicative of acidosis. Palpate the main

muscles of the hind limb, particularly the origin and insertion of the gracilis muscles and the hip supports.

Examine all toes, pads nails and webbings of all feet.

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PRE-RACE EXAMINATION & SCRATCHING

The vulva of every bitch should be examined to see if she is on season. Some bitches have vulva swelling if

they have reacted to oestrus suppressants and this shouldn’t be confused as an early seasonal condition.

Massage gently above the vulva to see if there is any blood present or a sterile swab stick may be used.

If any of the preceding conditions are found then the OTV must assess their relevance and impact on the

greyhound's ability to race to the best of its ability. Some conditions such as seasonal require the greyhound

to be scratched from the race meeting (and removed from the kennel block). Depending on the different

kennel configurations at different tracks there may be outside kennels that can be used. If it is a hot day the

affected greyhound should not be kept in an un-air conditioned trailer during the meeting.

The OTV should communicate their findings to the steward. Generally this process occurs in the presence of

the trainer at the Veterinary examination table. If discussion with the trainer becomes emotional or heated

then it is advisable to continue the discussion in the Vet room away from other trainers that are currently

kennelling. Some owners / trainers or handlers become emotional and subjective when the OTV finds a

condition or injury with their greyhound at the time of kennelling. They have their focused agenda after

preparing their greyhound for the race and may not share the OTV’s observation and concerns. Decisions

made by the OTV are made in the interests and welfare of the greyhound and to suggest a recommended

course of action.

Where a greyhound has a weight variation of more than 1kg from its previous race start, the OTV may be

asked to examine the greyhound more thoroughly in case signs of illness or dehydration are present.

After an examination that results in the pre-race scratching of a greyhound a Veterinary Examination Details

Form should be completed. A copy of this form is found on Module 4. This form is subsequently lodged with

the stewards at the end of the meeting along with the Post-race Examination forms. A precise succinct

summary of the reason for scratching should be provided on the form so the trainer has a record. For

example “cut pad near hind”, “bitch on season”.

Usually a stand down penalty is issued to a greyhound necessitating a pre-race scratching. This is usually 10

days for a minor condition to 28 days for a seasonal condition.

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PRIOR TO RACE EXAMINATION

The OTV should be available in the vicinity of the kennels to examine any greyhound that may have

sustained an injury or presents with a medical condition incurred between kennelling and going out to the

race. Examples of such conditions include:

Greyhound eaten bed (usually chewed up bed) – Palpate abdomen – look for distention or

tenderness

Blood / saliva in mouth or in front of kennel – chewing kennel door – usually gum wounds are small

and of little significance

Bleeding toe nail from scratching at the kennel door – check for pain

Greyhound urinated blood or coffee coloured urine – on hot days may be significant – palpate

kidney points – often scratch these

Possible onset of season missed during pre-race examination

Bleeding tail tip – If not arterial pumping it is usually satisfactory to tape with 1” leukoplast

Odorous watery diarrhoea – can occur due to nervousness but involves significant electrolyte loss

predisposing to acidosis

Be available to assess greyhounds at this stage of the race meeting. Often trainers won’t draw your attention

to their greyhound as they are keen for it to race no matter what. Observant kennel staff are an asset at this

stage of the race meeting. Scratchings do occur at this stage but are not common. Should you examine and

scratch a greyhound during the “rugging-up” and “ID” process, notify the steward immediately so

information can be distributed to the TAB. A Veterinary Examination Details Form should be completed for

lodgement with the Steward at the conclusion of the meeting.

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STRAPPING OR “TAPING”

The OTV must be available to assist with or apply strapping where required. Where strapping is required it

must be endorsed on the racing papers. The Steward may sign for temporary or permanent strapping.

Trainers may apply to have strapping taken off their papers if they no longer wish to strap the greyhound.

The owner, trainer or handler is permitted to apply strapping under the supervision of the OTV.

Adhesive and non-adhesive stretch tapes are commonly used. Elastoplast is the preferred brand of adhesive

tape.

Greyhounds are not permitted to be presented for pre-race examination with strappings applied. Where a

greyhound presents with a bandaged tail tip, examine it thoroughly with digital pressure. If there is a

significant reaction, remove the bandage and inspect the area. Re-bandage as required.

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COMMONLY USED STRAPPING & TECHNIQUES

2.5cm tape – Apply the tape 1.5 to 2 times around the dew claws. It is easier if you lift up the

opposite foot to the limb that you are taping. This allows the tendons to stretch on the limb being

taped and ensures the tape isn’t applied too tightly.

5cm tape – Apply the tape 1.5 to 2 times around the metacarpal bones. Lift one foot and tape the

opposite metacarpal covering the dew claw while the foot rests on the ground.

5cm tape – Apply 1.5 to 2 times around the track leg. Bandage firmly but not too tightly. A small

piece of sponge rubber mat be placed firstly over the tibial swelling. Cut the tape on the caudal

aspect over the Achilles tendon. Two cuts 0.5cm long are made in the top and bottom edges of the

tape parallel to the Achilles tendon so as not to restrict tendon function.

3mm tape cut with a scalpel or razor blade applied around the nail just in front of the quick to

minimise sad irritation of the nail bed.

1cm tape around two or four toes between the metacarpal / metatarsal pad and the digital pads to

prevent toes from splaying excessively. Alternatively a 1cm wide rubber band can be used.

2cm tape above and below the accessory carpal bone.

Miscellaneous strappings according to the wishes of the trainer

Toe bands made of rubber may be applied to support toe ligaments

The use of glued-on or adhesive patches for Track Legs is not permitted. Greyhound presented with these

already applied must have them removed and the area underneath examined.

TALCUM POW DER & PETROLEUM JELLY

Powder and Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline) are usually available in the kennels for trainers use. The trainer or

handler applies these.

The petroleum jelly is used primarily on the lateral aspect of the left elbow and the medial aspect of the left

(near) tibia. This is the usual area of the track leg and the jelly assists to cushion any possible blows.

Petroleum jelly may be applied around the nail / skin junction to prevent sand irritation and subsequent

paronychia.

Baby powder is often used between the hind legs to prevent chaffing of the genitals.

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POST-RACE EXAMINATION

The Steward may request greyhounds to be examined by the OTV after the race. The importance of viewing

the race to form an opinion of how a particular greyhound performed and the possible injury or behaviour to

account for that performance cannot be over-estimated. Greyhounds may be presented to you by trainers

that have sustained an injury in the race. On-track treatments and first aid techniques are detailed in Module

4 whilst Physical Examination is detailed in Module 3. If no injury is found the OTV may request to re-

examine the greyhound later in the meeting once fully cooled down.

POST-RACE INJURY REPORTS – VETERINARY EXAMINATION DETAIL

Reports for all greyhounds examined at the direction of the Stewards or presented as possibly injured by

trainers must be filled in and provided to the Steward at the end of the meeting.

DRUG SAMPLING

You may be required to take swabs of certain greyhounds as directed by the Steward. It is imperative that

you understand the procedures completely and perform the sampling and packaging in front of the trainer

or his agent to their satisfaction. If any issue should occur with the sampling procedure contact the

steward immediately.

1. OVERVIEW

1. Stewards will determine which greyhounds are to be sampled.

2. The Trainer, handler or owner will be given the opportunity to view the entire procedure.

3. If, at any point, the sampling procedure is either contaminated or suspected of being contaminated,

the sampling shall be aborted and the greyhound may be locked away again and the procedure will

be recommenced.

4. The labels used on the bottles are sealed in the security bag and only have on sample number

written / printed on them.

5. The greyhound’s name, the track where it raced and the names of the owner(s) or trainer do not

appear amongst this information. The analyst, therefore, is only aware of the sampling numbers.

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2. SECURITY MEASURE AFTER A RACE OR PT TRIAL

1. As soon as practicable after an event a GRNSW Steward will inform a handler if samples are to be

taken from a greyhound.

2. If this is the case, a swabbing steward will accompany the handler and greyhound during all the post-

race procedures. The Steward will keep the greyhound in full view at all times and minimise any

handling and/or interference of the greyhound by persons other than the handler.

3. It is advisable that the greyhound have a drink of water before being locked away. This drink is to be

taken at the regular wash bay using the regular hose and tap. No other drink, medications,

supplements or edibles can be given to the greyhound at this point, nor can water be given from an

introduced container or drinking allowed from ice bath tubs.

4. The greyhound will usually be locked away in the swab bay or may be locked away in a kennel bay

vacant for that purpose. At some tracks the greyhound may be locked away in its own race kennel.

5. Before locking the greyhound in a kennel, the kennel steward will check the greyhound’s bedding

and the kennel itself for any abnormalities and invite the handler to check same.

6. The greyhound will then be locked in the kennel using a numbered security seal. A record of this seal

number will be made. The kennel bay will then be locked with a swabbing officials padlock.

7. If for any reason a person needs to enter the kennel bay (i.e. to collect a greyhound to go home) that

person will be accompanied by a kennel steward. A Steward will witness the retrieval of the

greyhound and re-lock the kennel bay.

8. Under normal circumstances, the greyhound to be sampled will be locked away for at least the next

two races or for at least 30 minutes if it competed in the last event of the night.

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3. ESTABLISHMENT OF CONTROL SAMPLE

1. The Steward and/ or authorised person shall ensure that all sampling procedures are to take place in

a clean and tidy area.

2. The security bag of three sample bottles will be opened in full view of the handler. Gloves are to be

applied for the remainder of the procedure.

3. The veterinarian or authorised person will rinse the ladle in warm water. The veterinarian or

authorised person will then use the control solution (included in one of the sample bottles – Red

Cap) to set up a control sample. This is done by rinsing the collection dish and the two empty bottles

(including their lids) with the control solution provided, which is then returned to its original bottle.

This bottle is then sealed using one (1) of the numbered seals included in the sample pack. Be sure

to rinse over the rim of the ladle.

4. The purpose of the control sample is to ensure that all of the containers and surfaces with which the

greyhound’s urine will come into contact with are uncontaminated. If a prohibited substance is

detected in the original sample, the analyst will also test the control sample for the substance. Its

absence in the control will indicate that the substance was present in the greyhound’s urine.

4. RETRIEVAL OF THE GREYHOUND

1. A steward will accompany the handler when it is time to retrieve the greyhound from the secured

kennel.

2. In full view of the handler, the steward will break the security seal and unlock the kennel. The

handler will be given an opportunity to check the seal number.

3. The steward will check the greyhound’s ear brands.

4. The greyhound will then be taken to an area for the purpose of collecting a urine sample,

accompanied by both the handler and the steward.

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5. COLLECTION OF THE SAMPLE

1. Before the sample is taken, the steward will place all three bottles back in the security bag. The

security bag will remain in view of the handler while the sample is being taken.

2. The veterinarian (or approved person) taking the sample will collect the urine in the ladle taking care

it doesn’t come into contact with any foreign matter.

3. Once the urine has been collected in the dish, it will be taken back to the veterinarian’s room and

placed in one of the empty containers with the white lid. The sample in this urine bottle is halved

by pouring it into the second urine container so that there is approximately equal amounts in

each sample bottle. It is important that the OTV walks in front of the handler and steward when

returning to the OTV’s room after the collection. This is to ensure that the handler and steward can

keep the sample under observation.

4. Both samples and the control will be sealed with seals in the sample pack. All three sample bottles

are sealed with the same sample number and bar-code.

5. Once sealed, all three bottles are placed in the carrying security bag (numbered the same as the

sample bottles), by placing all three bottles the same way – that is all lids facing the same way to

avoid possible leakage.

6. If deemed necessary, the steward in charge of the meeting may direct that a sample of blood be

taken from a greyhound. The sealed blood sample kit will contain two lithium heparin vacutainer

tubes, two bottles and two syringes. When blood is drawn from the greyhound it will be placed in

the tubes and sealed in the sample bottles, as per a urine sample.

7. Ensure that the swabs used to cleanse the site of the venipuncture are taken from a container which

is sealed against contamination.

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6. WITNESSING THE DOCUMENTATION

1. After the security bag has been sealed, it is imperative that all parties check the sample and seal

numbers.

2. The handler and vet will be asked to read and sign the white sample identity card in the sample

pack. (Once signed, this card will be retained by the steward and forwarded to the office for its

records).

3. The handler will retain the pink sample identity card from the sample pack. This card includes:

a. Relevant information such as the sample number, the track where the sample was taken and

the date and time where the sample was taken.

b. The white sample identity card will remain with the steward-in-charge.

4. The Steward will endeavour to return the sealed sample container to the Steward’s Room as soon as

is practicable, where it will be secured in a locked cabinet.

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TRIALLING AFTER THE LAST RACE

The OTV must stay for trials that are being held after the last race. Most racing tracks allow time trials after

the conclusion of the last race. These can last 30 minutes to 2 hours. The Australian Greyhound Veterinary

Association recommends that the OTV should not leave the track until all trials have concluded in case

emergency first aid or euthanasia is required. The OTV is not obliged to help in taping or any other

procedures.

After the last race or satisfactory trial, contact should be made with the steward to ensure that nothing

further is required of the veterinarian surgeon, and any necessary keys should be returned to the secretary

of the club or other appropriate person. It may be appropriate at this point for the veterinarian to comment

on particular conditions of the meeting which may adversely affected the greyhounds during that meeting

such as track surface or kennel environment. A reconciliation of injuries and incapacitation certificates issued

for injury should occur with the steward to ensure the information to be published in the Stewards report

will be accurate.

For any “stand down penalty” given, a re-assessment examination of the greyhound (a ‘Re-Vet’) may be

performed on a day subsequent to the penalty being applied. The ‘Re-Vet’ is performed at a racetrack during

a race meeting or qualifying trial meeting by an OTV. This examination is performed with the Steward and

handler present and is usually undertaken at the completion of the kennelling procedure. It is performed in

the Veterinary Surgeon’s room, not in the view of the general public.

This is a thorough physical examination. A copy of the original veterinarian or steward’s report of injury will

be given to the re-examining OTV. The OTV should be confident that the particular injury has healed, and will

in no way affect the greyhound’s performance at its next race start.

The injury must be resolved at the time of the re-vetting. It is not to be presumed that the injury, though

present, will be resolved prior to the greyhound’s next scheduled race start. A Veterinary Examination

Detail Form is to be completed and noted as a re-vetting at the time of examination and provided to the

steward for submission for record purposes.