742 Paralysis of the Brachial Plexus. 



Radial Cramp. This condition is fre(iuently seen in dogs that 

 have suffered from distemper. The muscles supplied l)y the radial 

 nerve show more or less rhythmic contractions. In one particular case, 

 the nerve was surrounded hy a callus involving both the bones of the 

 forearm at the distal end. In a condition of rest the toes were extended 

 and the slightest movement caused an exaggeration of the extension, 

 and rendered the outlines of the tendons clearly visil)le. An animal 

 which had ankylosis of both elbow joints fell down every time it tried 

 to move, and held the fore-legs extended downwards from the elbows. 

 There Avas no muscular atrophy; and the radial nerve was not painful 

 on pressure. 



9. Paralysis of the Brachial Plexus. 



Occurrence. Paralysis of all the nerves of the brachial 

 plexus is a very rare condition in the lower animals, owin,i>' to 

 the protected position occupied by it. It is seen most frequently 

 in the small animals. 



Etiology. In the carnivora and the ax)es injury to the 

 brachial plexus is likely to happen when the animal is jumping 

 downwards, the axilla coming into contact with some rigid ob- 

 stacle. In a case recorded by Bayer in which the paralysis was 

 preceded by chorealike spasms, the paralysis was probably of 

 spinal origin. The disease is seen exceptionally in the large 

 animals (Frohner, Lanzilotti-Buonsanti), and, as in the case of 

 the small animals, may he caused by injuries to or bruising of 

 the shoulder, fracture of bones in the neighborhood, inflanuna- 

 tory conditions of the subscapular connective tissue, or by 

 neoplasms. 



Symptoms. In cases in which the paralysis is complete 

 the affected limb hangs like a lifeless mass from the body and 

 is trailed along during movement. If the paralysis be incom- 

 plete the activity of all or of the majority of the nmscles is 

 affected to varying degrees. Passive movements are easily 

 carried out. Sensation is lost either in the entire limb or mark- 

 edly decreased, or it may be lost only in the areas supplied by 

 certain nerves, but it may be quite normal or even exaggerated. 



Prognosis. Paralysis due to injury in small animals is 

 likely to be recovered from, but in the case of large annuals a 

 cure is rendered impossible owing to the fact that the animals 

 frequently lie down or remain lying down for long periods, and 

 also owing to complications. 



Treatment. Treatment follo\vs the same principles as that 

 laid down for paralysis of the individual nerves of the brachial 

 plexus. 



Literature. Frohner, Mouh., 1901, XIT, 210. 



