CCAT Neurological Condition Rehabilitation 4

Question 1

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?

Accepted Answer

Degenerative myelopathy (DM)

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Limb clearance, stride length, and conscious proprioception

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

L4-S3

Answer

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

Question 4

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?

Accepted Answer

Passive stretching of the iliopsoas and hip flexors

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Providing manual support of the hindquarters throughout the session

Answer

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

CCAT Practice Test

CCAT Practice Test

CCAT Neurological Condition Rehabilitation 4