CAC CAC Diagnosis and Patient Assessment 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which component of the static palpation examination is most important for identifying a vertebral subluxation complex in a small animal patient?
- Assessment of intersegmental joint motion and end-feel (Correct answer)
- Measurement of body weight
- Evaluation of skin temperature across the whole body
- Ophthalmic examination
Correct answer: Assessment of intersegmental joint motion and end-feel
Static palpation of intersegmental motion and end-feel reveals joint fixation or hypermobility characteristic of a subluxation complex.
Question 2: When performing a veterinary chiropractic motion palpation exam on a horse, what does a 'blocked' end-feel indicate?
- Restricted joint motion consistent with fixation or subluxation (Correct answer)
- Normal joint mobility
- Hypermobility requiring stabilization
- Fracture or luxation
Correct answer: Restricted joint motion consistent with fixation or subluxation
A blocked end-feel indicates reduced intersegmental motion, suggesting a fixation that may require chiropractic adjustment.
Question 3: Which neurological test is most relevant during the initial assessment of a dog with suspected lumbosacral subluxation affecting nerve root function?
- Patellar and withdrawal reflex testing (Correct answer)
- Corneal reflex
- Pupillary light reflex
- Audiometric testing
Correct answer: Patellar and withdrawal reflex testing
Patellar and withdrawal reflexes assess the integrity of lumbar and sacral nerve roots and help localize neurological deficits in lumbosacral cases.
Question 4: Which gait abnormality is most consistent with thoracic limb involvement secondary to cervical spine subluxation in a dog?
- Shortened cranial phase of forelimb stride with lateral cervical guarding (Correct answer)
- Hindlimb knuckling only
- Bilateral hindlimb ataxia without forelimb changes
- Normal gait with vocalization
Correct answer: Shortened cranial phase of forelimb stride with lateral cervical guarding
Cervical subluxation affecting forelimb nerve supply often manifests as shortened cranial stride phase and neck guarding on the affected side.
Question 5: When is radiographic evaluation most indicated before proceeding with veterinary chiropractic assessment?
- When fracture, luxation, severe osteoarthritis, or neoplasia is suspected (Correct answer)
- For every routine wellness chiropractic visit
- Only when the owner requests it
- Exclusively in animals over 10 years of age
Correct answer: When fracture, luxation, severe osteoarthritis, or neoplasia is suspected
Radiographs are essential prior to chiropractic care when pathological contraindications such as fracture, neoplasia, or severe degenerative joint disease are clinically suspected.
Question 6: Which finding during equine postural assessment would most strongly suggest a mid-thoracic subluxation?
- Roaching or focal kyphosis at the thoracic region with local paraspinal muscle tension (Correct answer)
- Symmetric bilateral ribcage expansion
- Uniformly level topline with free shoulder movement
- Normal carpal flexion bilaterally
Correct answer: Roaching or focal kyphosis at the thoracic region with local paraspinal muscle tension
A focal roach or kyphotic posture with paraspinal hypertonicity at the thoracic spine is a hallmark postural indicator of mid-thoracic subluxation in horses.
CAC CAC Diagnosis and Patient Assessment 1
Which component of the static palpation examination is most important for identifying a vertebral subluxation complex in a small animal patient?