## Overview Femoral nerve paralysis causes loss of quadriceps function. The horse cannot bear weight because the stifle collapses, and marked muscle atrophy develops quickly. It is a lower-motor-neuron injury. ## Causes Trauma or iatrogenic (anesthesia-related) nerve damage. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs and electromyography. ## Treatment Conservative management and nursing care. ## Recovery and Prognosis Variable and often incomplete. ## Prevention Careful handling and anesthetic positioning.
inability to bear weight; stifle collapses; rapid quadriceps atrophy; reduced patellar reflex
## Overview Femoral nerve paralysis causes loss of quadriceps function. The horse cannot bear weight because the stifle collapses, and marked muscle atrophy develops quickly. It is a lower-motor-neuron injury. ## Causes Trauma or iatrogenic (anesthesia-related) nerve damage. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs and electromyography. ## Treatment Conservative management and nursing care. ## Recovery and Prognosis Variable and often incomplete. ## Prevention Careful handling and anesthetic positioning.
inability to bear weight; stifle collapses; rapid quadriceps atrophy; reduced patellar reflex