Paralysis of the Obturator Nerve. 747 



be expected within a few weeks. In other cases animals \q;u\\ 

 after some months to walk with safety, the atrophy of tlio 

 nmscles meanwhile gradnally disappearing totally or in ])i}vt. 

 Paralysis dne to pressnre on the nerve tends to persist for Jong 

 periods. 



Treatment. Massage should be practiced and systematic 

 exercise shonld afterw^ards be given (see page 739). 



Literature. Fiohner, Moiih., 1S97, ^'J 1 1, 499.— Flohil, Ti.lsskr., 1904, 4S().~ 

 Grunth, B. t. W., 1904, 93.— Kiitzner, Z. f. Vk., 1904, 492.— Sehininiel, 0. M., 1901, 

 469. 



12. Paralysis of the Obturator Nerve. 



Etiology. The cause was not known in two ont of three 

 cases in horses recorded by Schimmel, while the disease resulted 

 in a dog that jumped down from a height and fell over back- 

 wards. Thomassen records one case, and Willis two, in horses 

 in which the paralysis was due to a callus of tlie pubis, and in a 

 case recorded by Nocard the nerve was crushed in a fracture of 

 the pelvic bones. The disease tends to appear in dourine. 



Symptoms. During rest the position occupied l)y the limb 

 may be normal or there is more or less abduction. This abduc- 

 tion is more marked at a walk and still more at a trot, the ani- 

 mal hopping on three legs, and holding the affected leg in the 

 air in a position of abduction. In some cases there is marked 

 flexion of the hip joint and the stifle moves upwards and out- 

 wards. The step is shortened and consequently the annual 

 moves obliquely towards the opposite side. It is very difficult 

 for the animal to back, the affected leg is moved backwards 

 with difficulty only and is abducted during the movement. Ad- 

 duction of the leg is impossible. 



The absence of other motor disturbances indicates simple 

 paralysis of the obturator nerve and subsequent atrophy lends 

 support to the diagnosis. Up to the present no sensory dis- 

 turbances have been observed. 



Treatment. Recovery may be hastened by massage of the 

 paralyzed leg, followed by passive movements and systematic 

 exercise from about the third or fourth week (see page 739). 

 Recovery almost always occurs unless the nerve be subjected to 

 pressure. 



Literature. Eexilius, Z. f. Vk., 1905, 72.— Schiniiiiel, O. M., 1894, 387; 190?, 

 242.— Thomassen, Monh., 1901, XII, 367. 



