Nerve Surgery

Question 1

What nerve is affected in a horse with sweeny?

Answer 1

Suprascapular nerve- leads to paralysis of supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscle

Question 2

What is the CS of a horse with sweeny?

Answer 2

outward excursion of shoulder (muscle atrophy is apparent)

Question 3

What is the treatment for sweeny?

Answer 3

Surgical decompression of the suprascapuar nerve

Question 4

What is stringhalt?

Answer 4

Sudden and involuntary exaggerated flexion of one (or both) hind limbs

Question 5

What are the clinical signs of stringhalt?

Answer 5

Mild-severe flexion w/ fetlock +/- contacting abdomen

Question 6

What is the treatment for stringhalt?

Answer 6

Lateral digital extensor tenotomy

Question 7

What are some indications for a palmar digital neurectomy?

Answer 7

Navicular disease
Navicular bone fracture
Chronic hoof/foot pain

Question 8

Where are your landmarks for the palmar digital neurectomy?

Answer 8

DDFT and pastern bone

Question 9

What portion of the VAN complex is most dorsal?

Answer 9

Vein (most dorsal)
Artery
Nerve (most palmar)

Question 10

What structure is on top of the artery?

Answer 10

Ligament of ergot

Question 11

What are some possible complications that could arise during nerve surgery?

Answer 11

Neuroma formation
Reinnervation
Hoof abscess