Bovine Nerves (Peripheral)

Question 1

What does the radial nerve do?
Radial paralysis aetiology.

Answer 1

C7, C8 and T1 outflow.
Motor innervation of carpus and digit extensors.
Sensation of lateral side of limb.
Excessive traction on limb (e.g. during calving).
Trauma to the scapulohumeral area e.g. foot trimming crush (note superficial location of nerve on dorsal / cranial aspect of limb).
Recumbency (prolonged).

Question 2

Clinical signs and presentation of radial paralysis.

Answer 2

Proximal nerve damage.
- limb held in flexion with the elbow dropped cranial wall of the hoof “scuffs” floor during locomotion.
Distal nerve damage.
- carpus and fetlock held in flexion.

Question 3

1. Brachial plexus spinal innervation?
2. Brachial plexus paralysis aetiology.
3. Brachial plexus paralysis clinical signs and presentation.

Answer 3

1. C5-T2.
2. Excess traction or abduction.
3. No muscle control/tone in forelimb.
   Flaccid, NWB limb.

Question 4

1. Suprascapular nerve spinal innervation.
2. Suprascapular nerve paralysis aetiology.
3. Suprascapular nerve paralysis clinical signs and presentation.

Answer 4

1. C6-C7.
2. Scapular/prescapular trauma.
3. Limb abducts when WB.
   Supraspinatus/infraspinatus muscle atrophy.

Question 5

Obturator paralysis aetiology?

Answer 5

“Calving paralysis”.
L4, L5 and L6 outflow.
Innervates adductor muscles of the HL.
Dystocia due to foetal oversize (crushed running through pelvic canal).

Question 6

Obturator paralysis clinical signs and presentation.

Answer 6

Uni/bilateral.
Inability to adduct the limb leading to abduction.
Animals may slip causing severe abduction and trauma to the leg, hip and pelvis.

Question 7

1. Femoral nerve spinal innervation.
2. Femoral nerve paralysis aetiology.
3. Femoral nerve paralysis clinical signs and presentation.

Answer 7

1. L4-L6.
2. Hyperextension on of calf leg during calving.
3. Limb hangs flaccid.
   Stifle cannot be extended.

Question 8

1. Sciatic nerve spinal innervation.
2. Sciatic nerve paralysis aetiology.
3. Sciatic nerve paralysis clinical signs and presentation.

Answer 8

1. L6-S2.
2. Calving (cow), iatrogenic (IM injections).
3. Knuckling.
   Stifle and hock extended.

Question 9

1. Tibial nerve innervation.
2. Tibial nerve paralysis aetiology.
3. Tibial nerve paralysis clinical signs and presentation.

Answer 9

1. Branch of sciatic nerve.
2. Major gastrocnemius region trauma.
3. Hock flexed.
   Digits extended.

Question 10

1. Peroneal nerve innervation.
2. Peroneal nerve paralysis aetiology.
3. Peroneal nerve paralysis clinical signs and presentation.

Answer 10

1. Branch of sciatic.
2. Calving (cow) / lateral stifle trauma.
3. Hock extended.
   Fetlock flexed.

Question 11

1. Dx of nerve damage.
2. Ddx for nerve damage.

Answer 11

1. Clinical signs and history highly suggestive.
2. Fractures, dislocations, subluxations and damage / rupture to tendons and ligaments.

Question 12

Tx of nerve damage.

Answer 12

Anti-inflammatory drugs:
- reduce swelling around damaged nerves.
Nursing care:
- easy access to food and water.
- regular turning / lifting.
- keeping animal comfortable (i.e. deep soft bedding).
- “non slip” surfaces.
Supportive dressings:
- “hold” the limb in correct position e.g. shackles.

Question 13

Nerve damage px.

Answer 13

Depends on nature and extent of nerve damage.
“Bruising” or swelling of the nerve respond well.
Cases involving complete rupture have a v poor px.

*Ensure cases are monitored for response to tx.