FRONT LIMB

Radial Nerve: front leg

• alters extension of carpus and digit
• damage over distal humerus is characterized by dragging front foot
  • stand knuckled over but have good weight bearing
• damage over proximal humerus presents with dropped elbow
  • poor weight bearing
• pathogenesis: prolonged lateral recumbency humeral fracture
• prognosis: partial paralysis/paresis: good recovery in several days complete paralysis/severed nerve : poor prognosis

PELVIC LIMB

Femoral Nerve:

• affects extension of stifle and flexion of hip
• stance: semiflexion of hind leg
• gait: unable to bear weight
• typically newborn calves secondary to severe dystocia in posterior position
• results in atrophy of quadriceps femoris muscle
• prognosis: poor

Ischiadic Nerve (Sciatic Nerve):

• innervates the muscles that flex stifle, extend hock and flex/extend digits
• no skin sensation
• stance: elongation of gastrocnemius muscle with lowered hock
• gait: drag limb with upward jerking to place foot
• pathogenesis: excessive or prolonged intrapelvic pressure during calving
• prognosis: guarded, poor if recumbent

Peroneal Nerve: cranial aspect of ischiadic nerve

• most common post calving paresis
• innervates the muscles that flex hock and extend digit
• stance: knuckled at fetlock
• gait: kuckle at fetlock, with normal stifle and hip action
• pathogenesis: same as ischiadic
• prognosis: good if kept on good/deep footing

Tibial Nerve: caudal branch of ischiadic nerve

• located deeper and less subject to damage than peroneal nerve
• innervates extensors of hock and flexors of digit
• stance: over-flexion of hock, partial flexion of fetlock
• gastrocnemius muscle appears elongated due to laxity
• gait: jerky walk, slap sole of foot down, no knuckling
• prognosis: guarded

Obturator Nerve:

• innervates adductors allowing hind leg to slide sideways
• over diagnosed