PARALYSIS OF THE HIND LIMB. 939 



anatomical changes in the nerve in its course between the gastrocnemii 

 muscles. 



Nocard saw fractured pelvis in the horse produce symptoms 

 closely simulating this lameness. 



As an experiment, Moller divided a horse's internal popliteal 

 nerve just before its point of entry between the gastrocnemii. The 

 animal at once assumed the position above described, the fetlock- 

 joint showing plantar flexion and the foot being excessively raised 

 during the forward stride, though not quite in the same awkward 

 way as in the other case, in which the immediate cause of the 

 paralysis was perhaps more centrally situated. 



The prognosis in all cases of paralysis should be guarded. It 

 varies with the causes which have produced the condition. In recent 

 cases, where the only discoverable cause is exposure to chill, and in 

 those due to falls or strains, the prognosis is more favourable than in 

 old standing cases with marked muscular atrophy. In incomplete 

 paralysis the forecast is more favourable, but in complete sciatic 

 lameness the outlook is bad, especially if there be local anaesthesia. 

 Recovery is still possible where sensibility and irritability to the 

 Faradic electric current is preserved. Though Moller's case of internal 

 popliteal paralysis appeared incurable, the case of sciatic paralysis 

 in the dog produced by a fall improved so much in fourteen days as 

 to warrant expectation of complete recovery. The two other cases 

 were removed from observation, but appeared favourable, the disease 

 not being of old standing. 



Treatment is seldom very satisfactory. Strychnia, glycero- 

 phosphates, and formates may be administered with advantage in 

 some cases. Locally, counter-irritation, massage and electricity 

 may be tried. 



C. Paralysis of the external popliteal nerve. 



Paralysis of this nerve has been frequently observed in horses. 

 In some cases, there may be a history of injury to the animal, con- 

 tracted by running away, by slipping when galloping on wet pasture, 

 or by falling when leaving a railway horse-box. Sometimes this 

 paralysis follows a severe attack of strangles, difficult parturition, 

 fracture, or lacerated wound of the thigh ; but often there is no 

 knowledge of accident to the animal, or visible sign of wounding or 

 bruising of the affected leg. 



The lameness is distinguished by symptoms of partial or complete 

 loss of power in the flexor metatarsi and the extensor muscles of the 

 foot. At rest, the limb may appear normal, bearing weight with the 

 foot resting naturally ; or the stifle may be drooped, the hock 



