Patient Assessment & Treatment Planning Flashcards

When performing a gait analysis on a dog post-TPLO surgery, which observation most strongly suggests incomplete rehabilitation progress?

Answer: Toe-touching only during stance phase at 8 weeks post-op

Toe-touching only (non-weight-bearing) at 8 weeks post-TPLO indicates inadequate rehabilitation progress, as full weight-bearing should typically be achieved earlier.

Which outcome measure tool is most appropriate for tracking functional mobility in a geriatric cat with osteoarthritis?

Answer: Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index (FMPI)

The Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index (FMPI) is a validated owner-reported outcome measure specifically designed to assess pain and function in cats with musculoskeletal disease.

A rehabilitation therapist documents 'end-feel' during passive range of motion. Which end-feel type indicates joint pathology requiring further veterinary evaluation?

Answer: Empty end-feel with pain before resistance

Empty end-feel occurs when the patient's pain stops the movement before the therapist reaches the normal tissue limit, indicating significant pathology such as acute inflammation or fracture.

During initial assessment of a dog with suspected cervical disc disease, which neurological test helps differentiate cervical from thoracolumbar involvement?

Answer: Conscious proprioception of the thoracic limb

Conscious proprioception deficits in the thoracic limbs help localize a lesion to the cervical spine, distinguishing it from thoracolumbar disease which primarily affects pelvic limb proprioception.

A treatment plan for a dog with grade III hip osteoarthritis should prioritize which combination of goals?

Answer: Pain management, maintain or improve ROM, and strengthen supporting musculature

For grade III osteoarthritis, realistic goals include multimodal pain management, preserving functional ROM, and strengthening periarticular muscles to reduce joint load.

When assessing spinal reflexes, a reduced or absent patellar reflex in a dog indicates a lesion at which spinal cord segments?

Answer: L4-L6

The patellar reflex is mediated by spinal cord segments L4-L6; a lesion at this level or the femoral nerve results in reduced or absent reflex.

Which measurement technique provides the most objective and reproducible assessment of limb circumference for monitoring muscle atrophy?

Answer: Tape measure circumference at a fixed anatomic landmark

Tape measure circumference taken at a consistent, fixed anatomic landmark (e.g., mid-thigh) provides objective, reproducible data for tracking muscle atrophy or hypertrophy over time.