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Obturator nerve paralysis:

  • It is also known as calving paralysis or sciatic nerve paralysis.
  • It may be due to damage of obturator nerve or indirectly due to damage of spinal nerve.
  • Dystocia is main contributory factor. During manual handling, the nerve gets damaged.

 

Etiology:

  • Trauma: Fractures or dislocation of pelvis or femur may result in injury of nerve.
  • Neoplasia: Tumors or growth near the obturator nerve can compress or damage nerve.
  • Inflammation: Infection or inflammatory conditions can affect the nerve.
  • Idiopathic: In some case, exact cause is not clear.

 

Clinical Findings

  • Sciatic nerve damage results in knuckling of the fetlock. It is usually bilateral in severe cases and unilateral in milder cases.
  • Animal has trouble standing and when assisted, characteristic knuckling is present.
  • In severe damage to obturator nerve, animals are unable to adduct hindlegs. Due to this, there is hyperextension of hindlimbs laterally.
  • This paralysis leads to hip dislocation.
  • Muscles supplied by obturator nerves atrophies or starts to shrink
  • Excess pain in affected limb.
  • Loss of patellar and withdrawal reflexes in hindlimb.

 

Diagnosis:

  • Clinical examination of animals which includes examination of limbs, assessment of gait, signs of discomfort or pain
  • Diagnostic imaging: X-rays or CT or MRI helps in locating nerve injury, fracture
  • EMG: It helps in confirming nerve damage and its severity
  • Blood test: It helps to rule out inflammatory and infectious conditions.

 

Treatment:

  • In mild cases, rest and anti-inflammatory medications may be sufficient. NSAID are used to control mild pain and inflammation
  • Dexamethasone @ 10 to 40 mg, IV or IM, every 24 hours, should be administered for the first 5 days
  • Flunixin meglumine @1.1 to 2.2. mg/kg, IV slowly, either once a day as a single dose or divided in two doses administered at 12-hour intervals for up to 3 days
  • In cases of compression or tumor, surgical intervention is required.
  • Physiotherapy can help maintain muscle mass and improve limb function
  • Pain relieving medications; opoids or NSAIDs can be used.
  • Assistive devices or slings or orthopedic aids are provided to help animal regains its mobility.
  • Cattle that fail to show any improvement in the first 5 days of treatment have a poor prognosis.
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