Iowa State University Large Animal Hospital

Lolita's Story: Lolita a yearling Appaloosa filly presented to Iowa State University Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center Equine Emergency Service July of 2020. Lolita was found in the morning unable to use her left front leg and was dragging it around her stall. She was given phenylbutazone (bute) and taken to the ISU Lloyd Veterinary Medical center on emergency. Lolita was diagnosed with radial nerve paralysis of undetermined origin. She was treated and cared for by ISU equin...e veterinarians and staff for 1 week. Over that time with aggressive therapy and treatment Lolita began to slowly, but steadily improve. At the end of the week she was discharged home and continued to improve. Six months later Lolita is doing fantastic and wishes that there was a horse form of parkour. Radial nerve paralysis/paresis (paresis partial paralysis) occurs when the nerve is injured by severe hyperextension or abduction (outward movement). For example, this can happen when the upper leg gets wedged, such as between fence rails or in a tube, and the horse struggles to get away. Injury may also occur when pulling during a dystocia or as a complication of general anesthesia. Horses with radial nerve paralysis stand with a dropped elbow appearance so that the joints are all flexed, and the toe of the hoof drags along the ground. Elbow or humerus fractures may also have a similar presentation thus it is crucial to have a veterinarian evaluate your horse if you notice this stance. Prognosis is variable and depends on the extent of injury and progression with therapy. If muscle atrophy begins to occur with no improvement over the next 2-4 weeks the prognosis decreases. If improvement is seen with therapy with no muscle atrophy the prognosis will increase. Therapy includes splinting of the affected limb into an extension stance, rehabilitation, and sometimes anti-inflammatories.

Lolita July 2020

Lolita, January 2021

The 2021 Foaling Season is in full swing! The ISU VTH Foaling Service provides attended deliveries by our experienced reproductive team for both routine and high-risk pregnancies. For more information on our packages, or to reserve your spot, please contact us at 515-294-1500.

May your holidays be filled with joy and relaxation. Happy Holidays from the Large Animal Hospital!