CCAT - Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapist Canine Anatomy and Biomechanics Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 7-year-old Labrador Retriever presents with chronic, low-grade lameness of the right pelvic limb. The owner notes the dog is reluctant to jump into the car and often sits with its right leg abducted. Palpation reveals pain and instability over the dorsal aspect of the pelvis. Which joint is most likely affected, given its primary role in transferring propulsive forces from the pelvic limbs to the axial skeleton?

Accepted Answer

Sacroiliac joint

Answer

The sacroiliac (SI) joint is responsible for transferring the forces generated by the hind limbs to the spine. Dysfunction in this joint, often subtle, can lead to signs like reluctance to jump, pain on palpation over the area, and compensatory postures like sitting with the affected leg out to the side.

Question 2

During a biomechanical gait analysis of a dog at a trot, which of the following patterns of limb movement is considered normal and most efficient?

Accepted Answer

Diagonal limbs (right front and left rear) move together.

Answer

The trot is a symmetrical, two-beat diagonal gait where diagonal pairs of limbs move forward at the same time with a moment of suspension between each step. This gait is often used to evaluate lameness because the limbs are not assisted by the contralateral side.

Question 3

Which of the following muscles acts as a primary flexor of the shoulder joint and also pulls the thoracic limb caudally, playing a significant role in propulsion?

Accepted Answer

Latissimus dorsi

Answer

The latissimus dorsi is a large, triangular muscle that originates from the thoracolumbar fascia and inserts on the humerus. Its primary actions are to flex the shoulder joint and draw the limb caudally, making it a powerful muscle for propulsion.

Question 4

A canine patient recovering from a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) repair surgery is beginning rehabilitation. To specifically promote active stifle flexion and extension, which of the following exercises would be most appropriate in the early stages of recovery?

Accepted Answer

Controlled sit-to-stand exercises

Answer

Sit-to-stand exercises are a controlled way to increase active range of motion in the stifle joint. The sitting motion promotes flexion, while the standing motion promotes extension. This exercise helps to rebuild hindlimb strength and can be easily modified to the patient's tolerance.

Question 5

The canine carpus (wrist) is a complex structure. The majority of its flexion and extension occurs at which specific joint?

Accepted Answer

Antebrachiocarpal joint

Answer

The antebrachiocarpal joint, the articulation between the radius/ulna and the proximal row of carpal bones, is responsible for the vast majority (approximately 70%) of the total range of motion in the carpus. The middle carpal and carpometacarpal joints have minimal movement.

CCAT Practice Test

CCAT Practice Test

CCAT - Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapist Canine Anatomy and Biomechanics Questions and Answers