CCAT Rehabilitation Techniques & Modalities 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which therapeutic modality is MOST appropriate for promoting bone healing in a dog with a delayed union fracture?
- High-frequency TENS
- Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) (Correct answer)
- Cryotherapy
- High-intensity laser ablation
Correct answer: Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF)
PEMF stimulates osteoblast activity and promotes bone healing by creating electrical currents similar to those generated by mechanical loading of bone.
Question 2: A dog's gait analysis reveals decreased swing phase duration in the right thoracic limb post-surgery. Which therapeutic exercise BEST targets this deficit?
- Sit-to-stand repetitions
- Cavaletti rail exercises (Correct answer)
- Side-stepping on a balance board
- Swimming in a pool
Correct answer: Cavaletti rail exercises
Cavaletti rails require the dog to lift each limb to a consistent height during the swing phase, directly targeting increased limb flexion and swing phase duration.
Question 3: What is the contraindication for using therapeutic ultrasound over a patient's thoracic region?
- Presence of a recent surgical incision
- Presence of a cardiac pacemaker (Correct answer)
- Acute muscle strain
- Chronic osteoarthritis
Correct answer: Presence of a cardiac pacemaker
Therapeutic ultrasound is contraindicated over the heart or in patients with cardiac pacemakers due to potential interference with pacemaker function and cardiac rhythm.
Question 4: During balance training, a canine patient is progressed from a firm surface to an unstable surface. What neurological adaptation is the PRIMARY goal?
- Increased muscle hypertrophy
- Enhanced proprioceptive pathway efficiency and motor neuron recruitment (Correct answer)
- Improved cardiovascular endurance
- Reduced articular cartilage load
Correct answer: Enhanced proprioceptive pathway efficiency and motor neuron recruitment
Unstable surface training challenges proprioceptive pathways, improving sensorimotor integration and the efficiency of motor neuron recruitment for balance control.
Question 5: Which of the following describes the correct application of the PRICE principle in acute soft tissue injury management?
- Passive Range, Ice, Compression, Elevation
- Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (Correct answer)
- Progressive Resistance, Ice, Cold, Exercise
- Pain Relief, Range of motion, Ice, Circulation, Elevation
Correct answer: Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
PRICE stands for Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation, which together minimize swelling and secondary injury in the acute phase.
Question 6: A canine patient undergoing neuromuscular re-education after sciatic nerve injury shows absent voluntary motor activity. Which electrotherapy modality is most appropriate?
- High-frequency TENS at sensory level
- Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) targeting denervated muscle (Correct answer)
- Interferential current at high frequency
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation
Correct answer: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) targeting denervated muscle
NMES applied to denervated muscles helps maintain muscle mass and prevent atrophy while awaiting nerve regeneration by directly stimulating muscle fibers.
Question 7: What is the recommended waiting period before applying therapeutic ultrasound to a site of recent surgical implant placement?
- 24 hours
- 3–5 days
- At least 6 weeks (Correct answer)
- No waiting period is needed
Correct answer: At least 6 weeks
Ultrasound should be avoided over metal implants until surrounding tissue has sufficiently healed (minimum 6 weeks) to avoid selective heating at the metal-tissue interface.
CCAT Rehabilitation Techniques & Modalities 4
Which therapeutic modality is MOST appropriate for promoting bone healing in a dog with a delayed union fracture?