PARALYSIS OF THE PERIPHERAL NERVES 455 



the nerve with resulting partial or complete paralysis which 

 may be temporary or permanent, (b) May follow muscular 

 rheumatism or subjection to cold, (c) Follows infectious 

 diseases, such as distemper in dogs and cats, (d) Has been 

 observed from injury to the spinal cord, (e) Tumors and 

 abscesses in the muscles may bring about at least a tempo- 

 rary radial paralysis. 



Symptoms.— The radial nerve controls the muscles that 

 extend the forelimb; therefore the most prominent symp- 

 tom is inability to carry the limb forward. The joints are 

 extended below the elbow and flexed above that point. The 

 animal in moving forward drags the toe on the ground and 

 weight cannot be supported owing to the difficulty of prop- 

 erly placing the limb in the normal position. Some weight 

 will be supported on the limb when it is placed in position. 

 The degree of disturbance will depend upon whether the 

 paralysis is complete or partial. Local examination reveals 

 absence of inflammatory changes. There is usually a 

 •normal degree of sensitiveness in the skin. 



Diagnosis.— A careful examination should be made in 

 the dog for they are inclined to favor the limb in the least 

 disturbance. However, in many cases of injuries, the limb 

 will be carried from the ground while in this case it will be 

 just the opposite, dragged on the ground. Examine for 

 thrombosis of the axillary arteries. 



Prognosis.— The larger number of cases recover. This is 

 explained in that most cases result from injuries which do 

 not seriously disturb the structure of the nerve. Few cases 

 will be permanent. 



Treatment.— Massage the muscles and stimulate them by 

 the use of the electric current. Nerve tonics may also be 

 given. If no improvement is apparent in ten days to two 

 weeks the case should be considered unfavorable. 



Brachial Plexus.— Paralysis of the brachial plexus occurs 

 most commonly in the dog and cat. 



Etiology.— The majority of cases result from injury, from 

 falling or jumping from great heights. Fracture of bones 

 adjacent to the plexus resulting in injury will produce it. 

 Tumor formations and abscesses in the axillary region are 

 also causes. 



