causes paresthesia of the medial aspect of the entire hind limb. Causes include trauma, fracture to the pelvis or femur or dystocia in mares.
Sciatic nerve paralysis is seen as the inability to extend the or flex the stifle. Trauma such as IM injections or pelvic fracture can lead to sciatic nerve paralysis. The fetlock is knuckled over, and weight-bearing is on the dorsal surface of the hoof. Flaccid atrophy of the deep hip muscles are apparent with sciatic nerve paralysis. Paresthesia of the dorsal, lateral and plantar or caudal aspects of the limb below the level of the stifle is also evident with sciatic nerve paralysis as the sciatic nerve gives off sensory branches to these areas. The tibial and peroneal nerves are distal branches of the sciatic nerve. If the lesion is located in one of these branches it will only affect the function of the tissues innervated by these nerve branches. Trauma or prolonged lateral recumbency can lead to either nerve paralysis. The tibial nerve innervates the , soleus and digital flexor muscles. Paralysis of the tibial nerve is seen as flaccid paralysis of these muscles as well as the inability to extend the hock or flex the digit. Paresthesia of the plantar surface of the digit is also seen with tibial nerve paralysis. The peroneal nerve innervates the peroneus tertius, the cranial tibialis and the digital extensor muscles. Lesions in this nerve result in flaccid paralysis of these muscles and in the inability to flex the or extend the digit. Paresthesia of the digit, hock and stifle over the craniodorsal aspect of the limb is also seen with peroneal nerve paralysis.
Cauda Equina Neuritis
Cauda equina neuritis is a polyneuritis mostly of the hindquarters that affects the motor function of the skeletal muscles as well as the smooth muscle. Sensory function is often inhibited as well. in the meninges, the spinal cord and the roots of the spinal nerves in the sacral & caudal regions. Recent studies have linked the onset of cauda equina neuritis to latent infection by the equine herpes virus type I (EHV I), and respiratory illness is often reported to precede signs of neurological dysfunction in the hind limb. Cauda equina neuritis is caused by idiopathic Inflammation causes the infiltration of macrophages, fibroblasts and eosinophils, which break down the of the spinal nerves and cause hemorrhage, adhesions & the formation of granulomas in the axons of those nerves. The result of this is irreversible and progressive damage to the axons of the spinal nerves. anaesthesia, paresis & paralysis leading to urinary incontinence, fecal retention and hind limb atrophy, weakness & ataxia. In males penile prolapse & impotency have also been reported. These symptoms are generally Clinically cauda equina neuritis is seen as
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