Using the Treatment Book to Best Effect

The trainer's treatment book is a valuable document and should be looked after carefully.

When properly used, it is not only an accurate record of each greyhound's medical history, but a vital management tool to monitor and assess the health status of each kennels. It is best used by being taken with a greyhound to the veterinary surgeon, when the diagnosis, treatment and recommendations for continuing care can be accurately recorded, to avoid any misunderstanding on the technicalities of treatment. The fewer people information passes through, the more accurate it is, and writing it down makes this easy, especially when everyone is busy.

If by chance a treatment book is not available when treatment is given, then a written (signed and stamped) record with the same information should be requested from the vet so that records can still be kept. A duplicate book makes this easy. If the book itself is not being filled in by the vet, it is important that the dog is unambiguously identified, ideally by ear marks and racing name to avoid confusion.

The information the book contains is invaluable when looking at the overall health of the kennels. Antiparasitic programmes can be designed to best effect by considering the whole picture, in conjunction with the trainer's veterinary surgeon, and this can often lead to substantial savings and more effective treatment. A particular problem may also be identified by looking at disease patterns, e.g. of kennel cough or kennel sickness, and preventive action taken.
The treatment book also helps the GBGB Stewards in case of a positive test, as it clarifies the exact dates and dosage of legitimate treatments, and also of oestrus. This can help a trainer when explaining the circumstances of a positive result.

It is the trainer's responsibility to ensure that the treatment book is filled in completely and accurately. At kennel inspections, the veterinary surgeon or Area Stipendiary Steward will need to see the treatment book(s) and will sign them as having been seen with no obvious spaces or alterations. The signature is not corroboration that all the entries are accurate or appropriate as that is the trainer's responsibility. In the event of a GBGB Steward's Inquiry, the book MUST be produced and will be subject to detailed scrutiny at that time.

In summary, trainers as part of their GBGB licence are obliged to keep a treatment book fulfilling certain conditions, but it can be much more useful than just a legal requirement; potentially better health for the greyhounds, more economical and effective use of treatments, and less time wasted on trying to sort out confusion.