Neurological Condition Rehabilitation Flashcards

Which condition is most likely in a large-breed dog presenting with symmetric, progressive pelvic limb ataxia and proprioceptive deficits beginning at 8 years of age with no spinal pain?

Answer: Degenerative myelopathy (DM)

Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive, non-painful spinal cord disorder that typically affects large breeds beginning in middle to old age.

Cavaletti poles are used in neurological rehabilitation primarily to improve which function?

Answer: Limb clearance, stride length, and conscious proprioception

Cavaletti poles require the patient to consciously lift and place each limb, improving proprioceptive awareness and correcting gait abnormalities.

A dog with lumbosacral stenosis has decreased withdrawal reflex in both pelvic limbs and tail paralysis. Which nerve roots are most likely affected?

Answer: L4-S3

Lumbosacral stenosis compresses the cauda equina (L4-S3 nerve roots), causing LMN signs to the pelvic limbs, perineum, tail, and bladder.

Which manual therapy technique is MOST appropriate to address reduced hip extension range of motion in a dog with chronic spinal cord injury and associated muscle atrophy?

Answer: Passive stretching of the iliopsoas and hip flexors

Passive stretching of hip flexors helps maintain or restore joint range of motion and prevent adaptive shortening in neurologically impaired patients.

In hydrotherapy for a dog with severe LMN hindlimb paresis, what modification is MOST important for patient safety?

Answer: Providing manual support of the hindquarters throughout the session

Manual hindquarter support prevents the patient from sinking and aspirating water, and allows the therapist to facilitate proper limb movements during hydrotherapy.

Which clinical sign differentiates central vestibular disease from peripheral vestibular disease in dogs?

Answer: Nystagmus with a vertical or changing direction fast phase

Vertical or direction-changing nystagmus strongly suggests central vestibular disease, as peripheral disease typically produces horizontal or rotary nystagmus with a fixed fast phase.

Which exercise progression is CORRECT when rehabilitating a dog recovering from spinal cord injury through the stages of neurological recovery?

Answer: Passive ROM → assisted standing → supported treadmill walking → cavaletti poles

Neurological rehabilitation progresses from passive mobility, to assisted weight bearing, to supported locomotion, and finally to challenged proprioceptive exercises as function returns.