CCAT Therapeutic Modalities and Application 4

Question 1

A dog with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is referred for rehabilitation. Which modality should be AVOIDED during the acute inflammatory phase immediately post-surgery?

Accepted Answer

Continuous therapeutic ultrasound directly over the surgical site

Answer

Continuous ultrasound over fresh surgical incisions or acute inflammation can exacerbate tissue damage and is contraindicated.

Question 2

The duty cycle in pulsed ultrasound therapy refers to:

Accepted Answer

The percentage of time the ultrasound beam is active during a pulse period

Answer

Duty cycle is the proportion of time ultrasound is emitting during each pulse cycle, expressed as a percentage (e.g., 20% duty cycle = mostly non-thermal effect).

Question 3

Which type of therapeutic exercise specifically improves proprioception and balance in a dog recovering from orthopedic injury?

Accepted Answer

Static weight shifting on an unstable surface like a wobble board

Answer

Unstable surfaces challenge the proprioceptive system and neuromuscular control, improving balance and joint position sense.

Question 4

Iontophoresis uses direct electrical current to drive ionically charged drugs through the skin. A negatively charged drug (anion) should be placed under which electrode?

Accepted Answer

The cathode (negative electrode)

Answer

Like charges repel, so a negatively charged drug is driven into tissues by placement under the cathode (negative electrode).

Question 5

When using the underwater treadmill for a cat, which water temperature range is generally recommended to promote comfort and muscle relaxation?

Accepted Answer

28–34°C

Answer

Water temperatures of 28–34°C are warm enough to promote muscle relaxation and pain relief while minimizing heat stress risk.

CCAT Practice Test

CCAT Practice Test

CCAT Therapeutic Modalities and Application 4