CCAT Neurological Condition Rehabilitation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which gait pattern is most commonly observed in a dog with a T3-L3 spinal cord lesion?
- Schiff-Sherrington posture with thoracic limb rigidity
- Upper motor neuron paraparesis with intact thoracic limb function (Correct answer)
- Lower motor neuron flaccid tetraparesis
- Horner's syndrome with ipsilateral ataxia
Correct answer: Upper motor neuron paraparesis with intact thoracic limb function
A T3-L3 lesion produces UMN signs in the pelvic limbs (spastic paresis/paralysis) while thoracic limbs remain normal.
Question 2: When performing underwater treadmill therapy with a dog recovering from degenerative myelopathy, which water level best facilitates ambulation while reducing weight-bearing?
- At the level of the stifle
- At the level of the greater trochanter (Correct answer)
- At the level of the shoulder
- At the level of the tarsus
Correct answer: At the level of the greater trochanter
Water at the greater trochanter level reduces body weight by approximately 40%, supporting ambulation without eliminating proprioceptive challenge.
Question 3: A cat presents with acute onset cervical pain and right forelimb lameness following a jump. MRI reveals a Hansen Type I disc herniation at C5-C6. Which rehabilitation goal is MOST appropriate in the acute phase?
- Aggressive ROM exercises to prevent contracture
- Pain management and activity restriction (Correct answer)
- Hydrotherapy to rebuild muscle mass
- Neuromuscular electrical stimulation to strengthen neck flexors
Correct answer: Pain management and activity restriction
In the acute phase of disc herniation, pain control and strict rest are prioritized to prevent further spinal cord compression.
Question 4: Which proprioceptive exercise is MOST appropriate for early-stage rehabilitation of a dog with mild cerebellar ataxia?
- Cavaletti poles at maximum height
- Balance board with high-amplitude perturbations
- Slow rhythmic weight shifting on a firm surface (Correct answer)
- Aggressive treadmill incline training
Correct answer: Slow rhythmic weight shifting on a firm surface
Slow, controlled weight-shifting exercises on firm surfaces help retrain proprioceptive pathways without overwhelming a patient with impaired cerebellar modulation.
Question 5: Schiff-Sherrington phenomenon is characterized by which clinical presentation?
- Flaccid pelvic limb paralysis with rigid thoracic limb extension (Correct answer)
- Spastic pelvic limb paraplegia with normal thoracic limbs
- Horner's syndrome with pelvic limb ataxia
- Intention tremor with hypermetria
Correct answer: Flaccid pelvic limb paralysis with rigid thoracic limb extension
Schiff-Sherrington occurs with acute severe thoracolumbar lesions; release of border cells causes extensor rigidity of the thoracic limbs with pelvic limb paralysis.
Question 6: Which modality is CONTRAINDICATED directly over the spine in a dog with an active spinal cord injury?
- Cold pack application for acute swelling
- Therapeutic ultrasound at high intensity settings (Correct answer)
- Gentle massage to paravertebral muscles
- Passive range-of-motion to the limbs
Correct answer: Therapeutic ultrasound at high intensity settings
Therapeutic ultrasound over the spine or laminectomy site is contraindicated due to risk of heating spinal cord tissue and worsening injury.
Question 7: A dog with fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE) typically shows which clinical feature that helps differentiate it from disc herniation?
- Progressive worsening over several days
- Severe vertebral pain on palpation
- Acute non-progressive signs with minimal pain after onset (Correct answer)
- Symmetric bilateral hindlimb weakness
Correct answer: Acute non-progressive signs with minimal pain after onset
FCE classically presents as peracute non-progressive asymmetric signs with little to no spinal pain after the initial event.
CCAT Neurological Condition Rehabilitation 2
Which gait pattern is most commonly observed in a dog with a T3-L3 spinal cord lesion?