CCAT Patient Assessment and Evaluation 4

Question 1

Which method is used to assess spinal cord injury severity and guide prognosis in canine patients?

Accepted Answer

Frankel Grading Scale adapted for veterinary use

Answer

Veterinary neurological grading scales (adapted from Frankel) classify spinal cord dysfunction from Grade I (pain only) to Grade V (paralysis with no deep pain), guiding prognosis.

Question 2

When assessing deep pain sensation in a paraplegic dog, which stimulus is used and where is it applied?

Accepted Answer

Firm digital pressure or hemostats applied to the digits with bone compression

Answer

Deep pain is assessed by applying firm pressure (e.g., with hemostats) to the digits to compress bone; a conscious response (vocalization, head turn) indicates intact deep pain pathways.

Question 3

In hydrotherapy assessment, which patient characteristic is a relative contraindication to underwater treadmill (UWTM) therapy?

Accepted Answer

Open wounds or recent surgical incision not yet healed

Answer

Open wounds or unhealed surgical incisions are a relative contraindication to UWTM because water immersion risks infection and tissue maceration.

Question 4

A therapist evaluates a dog's sit-to-stand transition and notes that the dog always rises with the right hindlimb first. This behavioral asymmetry most likely reflects:

Accepted Answer

Right hindlimb weakness or pain causing the dog to offload the left

Answer

Consistently rising on one hindlimb first is a compensatory strategy, typically indicating pain or weakness in the contralateral limb that the dog protects.

Question 5

Which measurement instrument is used to objectively quantify joint range of motion in clinical rehabilitation settings?

Accepted Answer

Goniometer

Answer

A goniometer measures the angle of a joint in degrees and is the standard instrument for objective ROM documentation in rehabilitation.

CCAT Practice Test

CCAT Practice Test

CCAT Patient Assessment and Evaluation 4