CCAT Orthopedic Condition Rehabilitation 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A dog recovering from a pancarpal arthrodesis is 12 weeks post-surgery and beginning to weight-bear on the limb. Which rehabilitation goal is the HIGHEST priority at this stage?
- Restoring full passive carpal range of motion
- Building quadriceps strength through stifle exercises
- Encouraging consistent, pain-free weight-bearing and limb use (Correct answer)
- Preventing disuse muscle atrophy through electrical stimulation only
Correct answer: Encouraging consistent, pain-free weight-bearing and limb use
After pancarpal arthrodesis, the joint is intentionally fused, so the primary goal at 12 weeks is promoting consistent weight-bearing and retraining normal limb use rather than restoring ROM.
Question 2: Which finding on a canine orthopedic examination is MOST indicative of bicipital tenosynovitis rather than shoulder osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD)?
- Pain on direct palpation of the greater tubercle with the limb in extension and supination (Correct answer)
- Crepitus detected during passive shoulder circumduction
- Swelling of the medial shoulder joint capsule
- Reduced internal rotation of the glenohumeral joint
Correct answer: Pain on direct palpation of the greater tubercle with the limb in extension and supination
Bicipital tenosynovitis is characterized by pain elicited by palpating the bicipital groove while the limb is extended and supinated, which tensions the biceps tendon.
Question 3: Which type of muscle contraction is emphasized during the 'lowering' phase of a sit-to-stand exercise in orthopedic rehabilitation?
- Isometric contraction of the hamstrings
- Concentric contraction of the quadriceps
- Eccentric contraction of the quadriceps (Correct answer)
- Isotonic contraction of the hip flexors
Correct answer: Eccentric contraction of the quadriceps
During the lowering (stand-to-sit) phase, the quadriceps contract eccentrically to control the rate of stifle flexion against gravity.
Question 4: A therapist is treating a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with syringomyelia and concurrent cervical spondylomyelopathy. Which rehabilitation precaution is MOST important?
- Avoid all aquatic therapy due to risk of aspiration
- Never use harnesses that place pressure on the neck or cervical spine (Correct answer)
- Restrict all manual therapy to below the thoracolumbar junction
- Avoid laser therapy over any bony prominence
Correct answer: Never use harnesses that place pressure on the neck or cervical spine
Cervical pressure from neck collars or harnesses can exacerbate spinal cord compression and worsen neurological signs in dogs with cervical spinal pathology.
Question 5: Which breed is MOST predisposed to developing fragmented medial coronoid process (FCP), one of the conditions comprising elbow dysplasia?
- Basset Hound
- Labrador Retriever (Correct answer)
- Dachshund
- Greyhound
Correct answer: Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are among the breeds most predisposed to elbow dysplasia, including fragmented medial coronoid process, due to their rapid growth rate and conformation.
Question 6: When monitoring a post-operative orthopedic patient during underwater treadmill therapy, which vital sign change should prompt the therapist to immediately stop the session?
- Heart rate increase of 20% above resting rate
- Respiratory rate of 30 breaths per minute
- Sudden onset of open-mouth breathing or profound panting in cats (Correct answer)
- Body temperature rise of 0.5°C above baseline
Correct answer: Sudden onset of open-mouth breathing or profound panting in cats
Open-mouth breathing or profound panting in cats is an emergency sign indicating severe respiratory distress or heat stress and requires immediate cessation of hydrotherapy.
Question 7: Which component of a comprehensive home exercise program (HEP) is MOST important to include when discharging a dog 6 weeks after surgical repair of a fractured radius and ulna?
- Instructions for high-speed treadmill use at home
- Written exercises with photos, frequency, duration, and signs of overexertion (Correct answer)
- A prescription for hydrotherapy equipment the owner must purchase
- A list of supplements to prevent future fractures
Correct answer: Written exercises with photos, frequency, duration, and signs of overexertion
A written HEP with photographic instructions, specific parameters (frequency, duration, sets/reps), and a list of warning signs ensures owner compliance and patient safety at home.
CCAT Orthopedic Condition Rehabilitation 5
A dog recovering from a pancarpal arthrodesis is 12 weeks post-surgery and beginning to weight-bear on the limb.
Which rehabilitation goal is the HIGHEST priority at this stage?