NACA Animal Control Officers Practice Test

What is the characteristic of Schiff-Sherrington posture?

1. Back legs are straight and stiff

2. Front legs are loose and floppy

3. Front legs are straight and stiff, back legs are loose and floppy

4. Normal positioning of all four legs

The correct answer is: Front legs are straight and stiff, back legs are loose and floppy

Schiff-Sherrington posture is a specific neurological condition often observed in animals with severe spinal cord injuries, typically affecting the thoracic region. The correct identification of this posture is characterized by the front legs being extended and stiff, while the back legs are flaccid or loose. In this posture, the disruption in the spinal cord leads to an imbalance in the signals that control limb position, resulting in the stiffness of the front legs due to unopposed extensor muscle activity. Simultaneously, the lack of communication from the spinal cord affects the back limbs, causing them to appear limp and without muscle tone. This phenomenon is a critical indicator for veterinarians and animal control professionals, as it suggests that the animal may have an upper motor neuron lesion affecting the front limbs while the hind limbs demonstrate lower motor neuron signs. Recognizing Schiff-Sherrington posture is essential for determining the underlying cause of an animal's mobility issues and formulating an appropriate treatment or management plan.