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PARALYSIS OF SUPRASCAPULAR NERVE. 
Y.—INFLAMMATION OF THE TENDON OF THE POSTEA- 
SPINATUS MUSCLE AND OF ITS BURSA. 
On the external tuberosity of the humerus, above the point of insertion 
of the postea-spinatus muscle, is a bursa, which, together with its tendon, 
sometimes becomes inflamed. K. Gunther first drew attention to this 
affection, and showed that it may be caused by bruises, kicks, collisions, 
falls, or by strain of the tendon. When horses with narrow chests and 
closely-placed fore legs are used for fast-trotting work this tendon may 
become 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 as far as possible 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 some¬ 
times 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, setons, or the actual cautery. 
VI.—PARALYSIS OF THE SUPRASCAPULAR NERVE. 
This disease was first observed in 1785 by Rohlwes. In 1864 Bouley 
suggested that it was due to rupture of the tedinous insertion of the 
postea-spinatus muscle. It was first correctly diagnosed and described 
by K. Gunther; 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, 
takes its origin chiefly from the seventh cervical nerve, and passes between the 
supraspinatus and subscapularis muscles on to the lateral aspect of the 
shoulder, to supply the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres muscles. It 
therefore supplies with motor twigs the above-named muscles, which form 
lateral ligaments to the shoulder. 
The cause of paralysis of the suprascapular nerve is violent backward 
movement of the shoulder or of the leg whereby the nerve is over¬ 
stretched. The general causes are running against trees, against the 
