Gluteal Nerve Paralysis

Gluteal nerve paralysis is a condition in animals resulting from injury or compression of the gluteal nerves during parturition, prolonged recumbency, or improper handling.

The gluteal nerves innervate the muscles of the hip and pelvis, and their damage leads to muscle weakness, atrophy, and difficulty in standing or walking.

Gluteal nerve paralysis is:

• Rarely seen
• Observed only in the mare those apparently give birth without difficulty
• Contusions due to a bony prominence on the fetus pressing on the gluteal nerve as it passes over the bony portion of the lumbosacral articulation or ileum
• May be a bilateral or unilateral injury

Symptoms

• Some difficulty in rising and may require assistance in rising if the injury is bilateral.
• Gait: Characterized by a definite lameness and weakness of the affected limb. After a few days to a week, a marked atrophy of the gluteal muscles on the affected side.
• After a few weeks, the lameness or paralysis of the limb becomes less observable. Complete recovery may take 6 to 18 months.

Prognosis

• Favourable

Treatment

• Good nursing
• Mare should be in a large, well-bedded box stall with good footing.
• In some cases slings or assistance in rising may be necessary for several days or a week.
• Do not allow the affected mares to struggle or exert themselves in rising.
• External applications, massage, or other treatments are of no value.