CCAT Therapeutic Exercise Prescription 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When prescribing land-based therapeutic exercises for a dog recovering from tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO), which phase-specific principle should guide early post-operative programming?
- Maximize concentric quadriceps loading to restore extension strength
- Prioritize passive range of motion and weight shifting before active exercise (Correct answer)
- Begin plyometric drills within the first two weeks to stimulate bone remodeling
- Avoid all limb loading until radiographic union is confirmed at 12 weeks
Correct answer: Prioritize passive range of motion and weight shifting before active exercise
Early post-operative TPLO rehab focuses on passive ROM and controlled weight-shifting exercises to reduce swelling and restore neuromuscular control before progressing to active strengthening.
Question 2: A therapist wants to increase the proprioceptive challenge of a sit-to-stand exercise for a dog with hip dysplasia. Which modification best achieves this goal?
- Placing the dog's forelimbs on an elevated stable surface
- Performing the exercise on an inflatable balance disc (Correct answer)
- Adding a weighted vest to increase resistance
- Shortening the duration of the sit phase
Correct answer: Performing the exercise on an inflatable balance disc
An inflatable balance disc destabilizes the base of support, requiring greater proprioceptive and neuromuscular input during the sit-to-stand movement.
Question 3: Which dosing parameter is most important to adjust first when a canine patient shows excessive fatigue during a therapeutic exercise session?
- Frequency of weekly sessions
- Intensity of the resistance used
- Duration or number of repetitions per set (Correct answer)
- Type of exercise modality
Correct answer: Duration or number of repetitions per set
Reducing repetitions or session duration is the most immediate and appropriate adjustment when a patient exhibits fatigue, preventing overload and potential re-injury.
Question 4: Cavaletti poles are incorporated into a rehabilitation program. Which therapeutic goal do they PRIMARILY address?
- Strengthening the hip extensor muscles through concentric loading
- Improving stride length, limb clearance, and conscious proprioception (Correct answer)
- Reducing joint effusion through rhythmic compression
- Building cardiovascular endurance through sustained aerobic effort
Correct answer: Improving stride length, limb clearance, and conscious proprioception
Cavaletti poles challenge the patient to lift each limb deliberately, improving stride length, limb clearance, and proprioceptive awareness during gait.
Question 5: For a feline patient with degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the elbows, which exercise approach is most appropriate due to the cat's typical behavioral response to handling?
- High-repetition forced active exercise sessions twice daily
- Short, low-stress sessions using food motivation and environmental enrichment (Correct answer)
- Passive stretching held for 60 seconds per joint
- Underwater treadmill at high water levels to eliminate limb loading
Correct answer: Short, low-stress sessions using food motivation and environmental enrichment
Cats tolerate short, low-stress sessions best; food-motivated, enrichment-based exercises reduce anxiety and improve compliance while achieving therapeutic goals.
Question 6: A therapist prescribes 'three-legged standing' exercises for a dog with chronic forelimb lameness. What is the PRIMARY therapeutic mechanism?
- Stretching the contralateral shoulder flexors
- Strengthening the core and hip stabilizers on the supporting limbs (Correct answer)
- Increasing cardiovascular output through unilateral loading
- Reducing inflammation in the affected forelimb through unloading
Correct answer: Strengthening the core and hip stabilizers on the supporting limbs
Three-legged standing shifts full weight-bearing to the remaining three limbs, activating core and hip stabilizing musculature and challenging balance.
Question 7: When using the 'two-on, two-off' balance exercise (front limbs on an elevated surface, rear limbs on ground), which muscle group is MOST targeted in a dog with weakness after thoracolumbar IVDD?
- Forelimb triceps and shoulder extensors
- Thoracolumbar erector spinae and pelvic limb extensors (Correct answer)
- Cervical flexors and neck stabilizers
- Abdominal obliques and diaphragm
Correct answer: Thoracolumbar erector spinae and pelvic limb extensors
The inclined posture with elevated forelimbs increases load through the thoracolumbar extensors and pelvic limb muscles, targeting the region affected by IVDD.
CCAT Therapeutic Exercise Prescription 2
When prescribing land-based therapeutic exercises for a dog recovering from tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO), which phase-specific principle should guide early post-operative programming?