CCAT - Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapist Patient Assessment and Evaluation Questions and Answers

Question 1

When performing a Cranial Drawer Test on a canine patient to assess the integrity of the Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL), what is the correct hand placement and expected finding for a positive result?

Accepted Answer

One hand stabilizes the femur by placing the thumb on the lateral fabella and the index finger on the patella, while the other hand moves the tibia cranially; excessive cranial tibial translation indicates a rupture.

Answer

One hand stabilizes the tibia while the other moves the femur cranially; excessive caudal movement of the femur indicates a rupture.

Answer

Both hands are placed around the stifle to apply a rotational force; a palpable 'clunk' as the tibia subluxates indicates a rupture.

Answer

One hand flexes the hock while the other palpates the tibial tuberosity; cranial movement of the tuberosity during hock flexion indicates a rupture.

Question 2

A 10-year-old Labrador Retriever presents with a history of progressive hindlimb weakness and scuffing of the nails. During the neurological assessment, you perform a conscious proprioception test by flipping the paw over so the dorsum is on the floor. What response would be considered abnormal?

Accepted Answer

The dog is slow to correct the paw's position, leaving it knuckled for several seconds.

Answer

The dog immediately returns the paw to its normal, plantar position.

Answer

The dog resists having the paw flipped and quickly pulls it back.

Answer

The dog lifts the paw completely off the ground instead of correcting it.

Question 3

Which of the following is a key component of a comprehensive rehabilitation assessment used to establish a baseline for muscle mass?

Accepted Answer

Circumferential limb measurements taken at specific anatomical landmarks

Answer

Body Condition Score (BCS)

Answer

Gait analysis on a treadmill

Answer

Goniometric measurements of all joints

Question 4

You are assessing a 6-year-old Border Collie for subtle lameness following an agility competition. The dog shows no obvious pain on palpation, and joint ranges of motion are within normal limits. To best evaluate dynamic function and subtle gait abnormalities, which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Observe the dog walking and trotting in a straight line on a non-slip surface.

Answer

Perform a standing examination and palpate for muscle asymmetry.

Answer

Complete a series of neurological tests, including hopping and wheelbarrowing.

Answer

Measure thigh circumference to check for muscle atrophy.

Question 5

When using a goniometer to measure the passive range of motion (PROM) of a canine stifle joint, which factor is most likely to limit the accuracy and consistency of the measurement in an awake patient?

Accepted Answer

Muscle guarding or tension due to discomfort.

Answer

The size of the goniometer arms.

Answer

The breed of the dog.

Answer

The time of day the measurement is taken.

Question 6

Which validated pain scoring system is specifically designed to assess acute pain in dogs by evaluating categories such as posture, vocalization, and attention to the wound, and provides an analgesic intervention score?

Accepted Answer

Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale (CMPS-SF)

Answer

Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI)

Answer

BEAP Pain Scale

Answer

Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)