772 PARALYSIS OF SUPRASCPAULAR NERVE. 



strained on account of increased abduction of the shoulder necessitated 

 by the special conformation. 



Symptoms. The disease produces lameness during the period 

 when weight is placed on the limb (supporting leg lameness) and 

 abduction of the entire limb. Weight is certainly put on the foot, 

 but the latter is placed outwards, by which abduction of the shoulder, 

 and consequently painful extension of the diseased tendon, is as far 

 as possible avoided. There is pain on pressure over the affected 

 spot, together with increased warmth and swelling. Crepitation 

 may sometimes be detected by applying the hand (tendovaginitis 

 crepitans). 



Prognosis and course. The nature of the disease renders a rest 

 of at least four to eight weeks absolutely necessary, but recovery 

 always occurs if the patient is given sufficient time. 



Treatment. Acute inflammatory processes are combated by 

 cold applications, later moist warm applications can be used, or, 

 if necessary, irritants, or the actual cautery. 



VI.— PARALYSIS OF THE SUPRASCAPULAR NERVE. 



This lameness was first observed in 1785 by Rohlwes. In 1864 

 Bouley suggested that it was due to rupture of the tendinous insertion 

 of the postea-spinatus muscle. It was first correctly diagnosed and 

 described by K. Giinther ; of late years it has been repeatedly seen 

 in horses. Frick saw a case in an ox resulting from the animal being 

 frightened and springing forward into the manger ; lameness was at 

 once apparent. 



The suprascapular nerve, an important branch of the brachial plexus, 

 passes between the supraspinatus and subscapulars muscles and turns 

 round the coracoid border of the scapula to gain the dorsal surface where 

 it furnishes branches to the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. 



The cause of paralysis of the suprascapular nerve is violent 

 backward movement of the shoulder or of the leg whereby the nerve 

 is overstretched. The general causes are running against trees, against 

 the manger or other firm objects, or against another horse, as in 

 cavalry attacks. It is therefore common in cavalry horses, in 

 runaways, or in animals which have been struck by the carriage pole. 

 Cadiot has seen it follow casting for operation ; the horse had been 

 kept down for a long time. At the end of two months wasting of 

 the postea-spinatus was very marked. Reported cases seem to indicate 

 that it sometimes accompanies hemoglobinuria and rheumatism. 

 Hansen saw a case produced by a door slamming and striking the 



