Module 1 – Foundations of Animal Health and Veterinary Care

Understanding animal health begins with an appreciation of normal anatomy, physiology and biological function. Before Occupational Therapists can recognise illness, injury or compromised welfare, they must first understand what constitutes normal health and how healthy body systems support movement, behaviour, learning and occupational performance. This foundational knowledge enables practitioners to identify subtle changes that may indicate pain, disease or declining wellbeing, facilitating timely referral and appropriate interdisciplinary management while remaining within professional scope.

This module introduces the core principles of animal anatomy, physiology and preventative healthcare relevant to assistance animal practice. Students explore the interconnected relationship between physical health, behaviour and welfare, recognising that illness or injury may influence an animal’s ability to perform trained tasks, participate safely in public environments and maintain positive welfare. The module also examines common indicators of health and disease, preventative healthcare strategies and the roles of veterinarians, veterinary nurses and other professionals involved in supporting assistance animal partnerships.

Consistent with a One Health and One Welfare approach, the module emphasises that the wellbeing of assistance animals is intrinsically linked to the health, independence and participation of the people they assist. Occupational Therapists develop the knowledge required to recognise health concerns, communicate observations using appropriate clinical terminology, collaborate effectively with veterinary professionals and contribute to evidence-based, welfare-centred care without undertaking veterinary diagnosis or treatment.

By establishing a strong understanding of normal animal health, this module provides the scientific and clinical foundation for the remainder of the unit, preparing students to explore body systems, common health conditions, emergency first aid, rehabilitation and lifelong health management in subsequent modules.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. Explain the principles of animal anatomy and physiology relevant to assistance animal practice.
2. Describe the relationship between physical health, behaviour, welfare and occupational performance.
3. Recognise normal and abnormal indicators of animal health, illness and injury.
4. Explain the principles of preventative healthcare across the lifespan of an assistance animal.
5. Describe the roles of veterinarians, veterinary nurses and other professionals involved in animal healthcare.
6. Apply knowledge of animal health to support clinical reasoning, timely veterinary referral and interdisciplinary assistance animal practice while working within the Occupational Therapist’s professional scope.