CAC Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Protocols Flashcards

Which hydrotherapy modality is most beneficial for a dog with lumbar spinal stiffness post-chiropractic adjustment?

Answer: Underwater treadmill therapy

Underwater treadmill therapy reduces weight-bearing stress while allowing controlled muscle activation and joint mobility improvement after chiropractic care.

When is it most appropriate to incorporate proprioceptive exercises into a veterinary chiropractic rehabilitation plan?

Answer: After initial pain and inflammation are controlled

Proprioceptive training should begin once acute pain and inflammation are managed so the patient can safely engage neuromuscular re-education.

A feline patient receives chiropractic adjustments for lumbosacral pain. Which home-care recommendation is most appropriate for the owner?

Answer: Provide low platforms to avoid high jumping during recovery

Limiting high-impact activities like jumping protects the lumbosacral region while allowing controlled movement that supports healing.

Which therapeutic exercise best promotes core stabilization in a dog recovering from thoracolumbar chiropractic treatment?

Answer: Cavaletti pole walking

Cavaletti pole walking activates core and paraspinal muscles while encouraging deliberate limb placement and spinal engagement.

What is the primary goal of a veterinary chiropractic maintenance protocol after a patient has achieved clinical resolution?

Answer: Prevent recurrence by maintaining spinal mobility and muscle balance

Maintenance care aims to preserve spinal health and muscle balance achieved during active treatment, reducing the likelihood of relapse.

In rehabilitating an equine athlete post-chiropractic care, what role does proprioceptive ground work play?

Answer: It re-establishes neuromuscular coordination and body awareness

Proprioceptive ground work retrains the nervous system's ability to sense and coordinate movement, which is critical after correcting subluxation patterns.