CCAT Therapeutic Modalities and Application 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which outcome measure is most appropriate to objectively quantify gait symmetry in a dog following stifle surgery?
- Visual analog scale (VAS) owner assessment
- Pressure-sensitive walkway or force plate analysis (Correct answer)
- Goniometric range of motion measurement
- Muscle girth circumference with a tape measure
Correct answer: Pressure-sensitive walkway or force plate analysis
Force plate and pressure walkway systems objectively measure peak vertical force and impulse, quantifying weight-bearing symmetry between limbs.
Question 2: A rehabilitation therapist applies kinesiology tape to a dog's quadriceps post-TPLO. Which application technique is used to facilitate an inhibited or weak muscle?
- Applying tape from insertion to origin with moderate tension
- Applying tape from origin to insertion with light tension (Correct answer)
- Taping across the muscle belly perpendicular to fiber direction
- Using full tension from mid-belly to both ends simultaneously
Correct answer: Applying tape from origin to insertion with light tension
Origin-to-insertion taping with light tension is the facilitation technique, encouraging muscle activation and proprioceptive input.
Question 3: During a hydrotherapy session, a dog begins to show excessive panting, bright red gums, and stumbling. The therapist's immediate priority is:
- Increase water flow to cool the dog
- Remove the dog from water, provide shade, and cool with room-temperature water (Correct answer)
- Administer an electrolyte drink
- Continue the session at reduced speed
Correct answer: Remove the dog from water, provide shade, and cool with room-temperature water
These signs indicate hyperthermia; immediate removal from heat source and active cooling with cool (not ice cold) water is the priority emergency response.
Question 4: What is the primary advantage of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) over other thermal modalities in companion animal rehabilitation?
- It delivers high amounts of heat to deep tissues
- It provides non-thermal electromagnetic stimulation safe over implants and acute injuries (Correct answer)
- It replaces the need for manual therapy
- It generates stronger analgesia than opioid medications
Correct answer: It provides non-thermal electromagnetic stimulation safe over implants and acute injuries
PEMF is non-thermal and can be used safely over metal implants and in acute conditions where heat is contraindicated.
Question 5: A dog with degenerative myelopathy receives NMES to the hindlimb extensors. What parameter setting produces the most comfortable yet effective muscle contraction?
- High frequency (>100 Hz) and very long pulse width (>500 µs)
- Medium frequency (35–50 Hz) with pulse width of 200–300 µs (Correct answer)
- Low frequency (1–2 Hz) with minimal pulse width (<50 µs)
- Frequency above 150 Hz with no ramp time
Correct answer: Medium frequency (35–50 Hz) with pulse width of 200–300 µs
Frequencies of 35–50 Hz with pulse widths of 200–300 µs produce strong, fused tetanic contractions with acceptable patient comfort for NMES.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes the therapeutic effect of joint traction mobilization in a dog with hip osteoarthritis?
- Produces intra-articular fracture to reset joint alignment
- Distracts joint surfaces to reduce compressive pain and stimulate synovial fluid movement (Correct answer)
- Permanently increases joint space on radiograph
- Replaces articular cartilage through mechanical stimulus
Correct answer: Distracts joint surfaces to reduce compressive pain and stimulate synovial fluid movement
Traction separates joint surfaces, relieving compressive nociceptor stimulation and promoting synovial fluid circulation for cartilage nutrition.
Question 7: When progressing a canine rehabilitation patient through an exercise program, which principle ensures training gains without injury from excessive load?
- Maximum overload from day one
- Progressive overload with gradual, systematic increases in intensity or duration (Correct answer)
- Keeping the same exercise prescription throughout recovery
- Avoiding all resistance until full pain resolution
Correct answer: Progressive overload with gradual, systematic increases in intensity or duration
The principle of progressive overload states that small, systematic increases in exercise demand drive adaptation without exceeding tissue tolerance.
CCAT Therapeutic Modalities and Application 5
Which outcome measure is most appropriate to objectively quantify gait symmetry in a dog following stifle surgery?