Neurological Condition Rehabilitation Flashcards

Which reflex is used to evaluate the integrity of the L4-L6 spinal cord segments in the dog?

Answer: Patellar (quadriceps) reflex

The patellar reflex tests the femoral nerve and L4-L6 spinal cord segments, making it a key indicator of lumbosacral upper vs. lower motor neuron lesion localization.

A dog with a C1-C5 lesion is expected to show which combination of neurological signs?

Answer: UMN tetraparesis or tetraplegia with possible neck pain

A C1-C5 lesion produces UMN signs in all four limbs with possible cervical pain, since the lesion is cranial to the brachial intumescence.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) applied to the spinal cord injury site is theorized to promote neurological recovery primarily through which mechanism?

Answer: Photobiomodulation enhancing mitochondrial function and reducing inflammation

LLLT promotes photobiomodulation, which enhances cellular ATP production, reduces oxidative stress, and modulates the inflammatory response to support tissue healing.

Which bladder management strategy is MOST appropriate in the immediate post-operative period for a dog with urinary retention following thoracolumbar disc surgery?

Answer: Express the bladder manually or via intermittent catheterization every 6-8 hours

Manual bladder expression or intermittent catheterization prevents overdistension injury while maintaining bladder health until voluntary voiding returns.

Which patient characteristic most significantly influences the prognosis for recovery of ambulation following complete loss of deep pain perception after spinal cord injury?

Answer: The duration of loss of deep pain perception prior to decompressive surgery

Duration of loss of DPP is the single most important prognostic indicator; patients decompressed within 24-48 hours of DPP loss have significantly better outcomes.

Transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation (TENS) differs from NMES in that TENS primarily targets which tissue?

Answer: Sensory nerve fibers to modulate pain perception

TENS uses low-intensity electrical current to activate sensory (A-delta and C) nerve fibers and modulate pain via gate control and endogenous opioid mechanisms.

A dog undergoing rehabilitation for cervical spondylomyelopathy (Wobbler syndrome) should AVOID which exercise due to risk of exacerbating dynamic spinal cord compression?

Answer: Nose-to-floor scent trail exercises requiring sustained neck flexion

Sustained neck flexion in Wobbler patients increases dynamic cord compression at the affected cervical sites and should be avoided during rehabilitation.