Cauda equina syndrome in Horses | Inside The Equine

Cauda equina syndrome

Overview

Polyneuritis equi is an immune-mediated demyelinating disease of the cauda equina and cranial nerves (especially trigeminal and facial). Granulomatous inflammation of nerve roots. Associated with EHV-1 and P2 myelin protein.

Signs & Symptoms

Tail paralysis; perineal anesthesia; fecal and urinary incontinence; hindlimb weakness.; Loss of anal tone; fecal incontinence; urinary incontinence; flaccid tail; reduced perineal sensation; often from EHV-1, trauma, or polyneuritis equi.; Progressive tail and anal sphincter paralysis; fecal retention; perineal hypalgesia; rubbing tail base; if cranial nerves involved: facial paralysis, trigeminal dysfunction, dysphagia; Flaccid, dilated anus; fecal staining of the hindquarters; often accompanied by tail paralysis, urinary incontinence, and perineal anesthesia.; Flaccid, hanging tail with no voluntary movement; urine scalding of hindlimbs; fecal retention or incontinence; reduced anal tone; often from trauma, EHV-1, or polyneuritis equi.

Affected Structures

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cauda equina syndrome in horses?

Polyneuritis equi is an immune-mediated demyelinating disease of the cauda equina and cranial nerves (especially trigeminal and facial). Granulomatous inflammation of nerve roots. Associated with EHV-1 and P2 myelin protein.

What are the signs of Cauda equina syndrome?

Tail paralysis; perineal anesthesia; fecal and urinary incontinence; hindlimb weakness.; Loss of anal tone; fecal incontinence; urinary incontinence; flaccid tail; reduced perineal sensation; often from EHV-1, trauma, or polyneuritis equi.; Progressive tail and anal sphincter paralysis; fecal retention; perineal hypalgesia; rubbing tail base; if cranial nerves involved: facial paralysis, trigeminal dysfunction, dysphagia; Flaccid, dilated anus; fecal staining of the hindquarters; often accompanied by tail paralysis, urinary incontinence, and perineal anesthesia.; Flaccid, hanging tail with no voluntary movement; urine scalding of hindlimbs; fecal retention or incontinence; reduced anal tone; often from trauma, EHV-1, or polyneuritis equi.