CAC CAC Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Protocols 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which therapeutic modality is most commonly combined with veterinary chiropractic to enhance soft tissue healing in post-adjustment care?
- Cold laser therapy (Correct answer)
- Ultrasound imaging
- Acupressure massage only
- Hydrotherapy alone
Correct answer: Cold laser therapy
Cold laser (low-level laser therapy) is widely integrated with veterinary chiropractic to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation after adjustments.
Question 2: When designing a rehabilitation protocol for a canine patient recovering from a cervical subluxation, which exercise priority is most appropriate in the early phase?
- Passive range-of-motion exercises (Correct answer)
- High-intensity agility drills
- Plyometric jumping exercises
- Maximum resistance strength training
Correct answer: Passive range-of-motion exercises
Passive range-of-motion exercises are indicated early in rehabilitation to maintain joint mobility without stressing healing tissues.
Question 3: A horse presents with recurrent thoracolumbar stiffness. Which therapeutic protocol adjunct would best address underlying myofascial tension alongside chiropractic care?
- Targeted soft tissue massage and myofascial release (Correct answer)
- Systemic antibiotic therapy
- Increased grain feeding
- Stall rest only
Correct answer: Targeted soft tissue massage and myofascial release
Myofascial release targets the fascial restrictions and muscle tension that often accompany spinal subluxations in horses.
Question 4: Which outcome measure is most useful for monitoring functional improvement in a canine patient undergoing a chiropractic rehabilitation program?
- Gait analysis and symmetry scores (Correct answer)
- Blood glucose levels
- Coat quality assessments
- Ear canal cytology results
Correct answer: Gait analysis and symmetry scores
Gait analysis objectively quantifies locomotion symmetry and can track functional recovery attributable to chiropractic and rehabilitation interventions.
Question 5: In equine rehabilitation following chiropractic treatment, what is the recommended initial exercise approach for a horse with sacroiliac dysfunction?
- Controlled straight-line walking on flat terrain (Correct answer)
- Immediate return to jumping
- Tight circle lunging
- Swimming at high resistance
Correct answer: Controlled straight-line walking on flat terrain
Controlled straight-line walking minimizes lateral stress on the sacroiliac joint while promoting gentle mobilization during early recovery.
Question 6: Which principle best guides the progression of a veterinary chiropractic rehabilitation protocol?
- Gradual load increase based on patient response and re-assessment findings (Correct answer)
- Maximum intensity from day one to shorten recovery
- Fixed schedule regardless of patient progress
- Owner preference alone determines progression
Correct answer: Gradual load increase based on patient response and re-assessment findings
Rehabilitation protocols should advance incrementally based on objective re-assessment findings to prevent re-injury and ensure safe recovery.
Which therapeutic modality is most commonly combined with veterinary chiropractic to enhance soft tissue healing in post-adjustment care?