668 
PAKALYSIS OF THE HIND LIMB. 
principal branches are the external popliteal nerve, given off opposite 
the small sacro-sciatic opening; a branch to the semi-membranosus, 
lower portion of the biceps and semi-tendinosus; and, lastly, the 
external saphenous nerve. It is continued by the internal popliteal, which 
is again continued by the posterior tibial nerve. The external popliteal 
(peroneus of Gunther), after giving off a branch to the biceps femoris, breaks 
up into the the musculo-cutaneous and anterior tibial nerves, supplying the 
extensor pedis and peroneus and the flexor metatarsi and short extensor 
respectively. 
The internal popliteal nerve (Tibial N. of Gunther) supplies both heads of 
the gastrocnemius, the soleus, perforatus, popliteus, the perforans, and the 
flexor accessorius. It is the sensory nerve for the lower portions of the 
hind limb. 
The anterior crural nerve is derived from the lumbo-sacral plexus, descends 
between the psoas magnus and parvus, and passes over the common termina¬ 
tion of the iliacus and psoas magnus to supply the quadriceps extensor cruris. 
It also supplies sensation to the inner surface of the limb. 
The obturator nerve is a branch of the lumbo-sacral plexus. Emerging by 
the obturator foramen, it supplies the obturator externus, adductor parvus, 
adductor magnus, pectineus and gracilis muscles. 
A. Paralysis in the region supplied by the gluteal nerves. 
Few recorded cases of this kind exist. Franke reports an instance of 
paralysis of the anterior branches caused by a neuroma. The patient, a 
seven year old gelding, showed gradually advancing atrophy of the 
gluteal muscles of the left side, which became so marked as to result in 
five months in the bones being almost denuded of muscle and appearing 
almost like an osteological preparation; the muscles of the thigh and 
lower thigh also suffered severely. At first there was only insecure 
gait, but this symptom, always marked when the horse was turned, 
gradually became aggravated. Finally the lower part of the limb was 
kept permanently flexed, and, during forced exercise, was slid along the 
ground and set down with a tapping, insecure movement. The back¬ 
ward portion of the stride was shortened. On post-mortem examination 
a neuroma the size of a pigeon’s egg was found on the anterior gluteal 
nerve 4 inches from its point of exit. 
Boloff described a similar case. Here, however, the horse became 
lame suddenly, and carried the affected limb too near the middle line, as 
well as extending it too far forwards. In time the muscles of the quarter 
wasted to a great extent. It seems probable, however, that in this case 
the posterior gluteal nerves were paralysed, as suggested by the abnormal 
adduction of the limb. 
B. Paralysis in the region supplied by the great sciatic nerve. 
(a) Paralysis of the external popliteal nerve. The only well-con- 
firmed case of this kind yet recorded is by Holler. An eight year 
old Belgian gelding was one morning found lame in his stall without 
visible cause. Seen next day, he exhibited marked uncertainty in 
