CAC Gait Analysis and Locomotion Assessment 3

Question 1

Why is subjective gait observation performed at both a walk and a trot in veterinary chiropractic assessment?

Accepted Answer

Because the trot amplifies subtle asymmetries due to increased speed and diagonal limb coupling

Answer

Because trot is required for legal documentation only

Answer

Because walk assessment is only valid for equine patients

Answer

Because trot assessment is only applicable to canine patients

Question 2

What does reduced thoracolumbar flexibility observed during locomotion assessment suggest in a chiropractic context?

Accepted Answer

Possible vertebral subluxation complex or restricted facet joint motion in that region

Answer

Normal adaptive response requiring no intervention

Answer

Optimal core muscle engagement and stability

Answer

Healthy ligamentous tension protecting the spine

Question 3

Which neurological test, performed during gait assessment, evaluates the integrity of conscious proprioceptive pathways in dogs?

Accepted Answer

Paw replacement (proprioceptive positioning) test

Answer

Menace response test

Answer

Patellar reflex test

Answer

Crossed extensor reflex

Question 4

What role does proprioception play in normal animal locomotion?

Accepted Answer

It provides real-time sensory feedback about limb position and movement to enable coordinated gait

Answer

It regulates cardiac output during sustained exercise

Answer

It primarily controls respiratory rate during exertion

Answer

It governs thermoregulation during prolonged activity

Question 5

In horses, a consistent 'hip hike' (elevation of one tuber coxae) during trotting most commonly indicates dysfunction in which region?

Accepted Answer

Sacroiliac joint or lumbosacral region on the ipsilateral side

Answer

Cervical spine (C2–C6)

Answer

Mid-thoracic spine (T8–T14)

Answer

Stifle joint on the contralateral side

Question 6

Which instrument provides objective, real-time measurement of dorsoventral movement asymmetry in horses during trotting and is commonly used in equine chiropractic evaluations?

Accepted Answer

Inertial sensor system (e.g., Lameness Locator)

Answer

Goniometer placed on limb segments

Answer

Surface electromyography (sEMG)

Answer

Thermography camera over the topline

Question 7

After a successful chiropractic adjustment to the lumbosacral region of a horse, which gait change would be the most expected immediate positive outcome?

Accepted Answer

Improved hindlimb overtracking and an increased caudal phase of the stride

Answer

Increased respiratory rate during exercise

Answer

Decreased forelimb stride length due to altered balance

Answer

Increased lateral flexion of the cervical spine only