![]() ![]() Weight bearing is variably affected and may be due to other issues vs directly related to the sciatic nerve damage. Persistent knuckling of fetlock and slight “dropping” of the hock is observed as the sciatic nerve innervates the muscles of the lower limb and is important in proprioception. Sciatic nerve damage is primarily seen immediately after calving but can be seen with hip fractures or injections. There is a high risk of permanent damage due to ongoing damage to muscles and nerves. Treatment may include hobbling the back legs to prevent the animal from doing the splits (use hobbles placed above the fetlocks). The animal should be moved to an area with good footing. Obturator paralysis can lead to hip dislocation. ![]() When sitting, the hindlimbs are often extended forward. Affected animals are prone to limb abduction, particularly on slippery surfaces. When the limb is placed properly, the animal can weight bear. The animal will have a base wide stance or may not be able to stand without assistance. Seem immediately after calving, obturator paralysis is often related to calf hip lock. Many result in “downer cows” or cattle unable to stand voluntarily. Many hindlimb nerve injuries are due to dystocia, particularly in cattle with oversized calves. Steroids or NSAIDs are administered: dexamethasone 0.05 mg/kg, IM, every 1-2 days or flunixin meglumine 1 mg/kg, IM, q 12 h. Sand is a good base as it is soft but provides stable footing. ![]() General treatment principles for nerve injuries include stall confinement with deep bedding. Nerve damage may occur with direct trauma (laceration), indirect trauma (sharp end of a fractured bone), pinching by a fracture callus or scar tissue, or overstretching as when a leg it caught under a trailer or over a fence. ![]()
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