## Overview Suprascapular neuropathy, traditionally called sweeney, is damage to the suprascapular nerve, usually from collision with a doorframe, post, or fence. The nerve supplies the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. Rapid atrophy makes the scapular spine prominent, and the shoulder may pop outward during weight-bearing. About 80 percent of horses improve with time, though some muscle loss often remains. ## Causes Trauma to the suprascapular nerve. ## Diagnosis Characteristic rapid muscle wasting and shoulder instability. Electromyography can confirm denervation. ## Treatment Rest and time. Surgery (scapular notch resection) is occasionally performed for chronic cases. Most improve without surgery. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good for functional recovery in the majority. Full muscle mass may not return. Recovery can take up to 12 months. ## Prevention Safe stable design that reduces shoulder collisions.
rapid muscle wasting above and below the scapular spine; prominent scapular spine; shoulder pops outward; stumbling; circumduction
## Overview Suprascapular neuropathy, traditionally called sweeney, is damage to the suprascapular nerve, usually from collision with a doorframe, post, or fence. The nerve supplies the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. Rapid atrophy makes the scapular spine prominent, and the shoulder may pop outward during weight-bearing. About 80 percent of horses improve with time, though some muscle loss often remains. ## Causes Trauma to the suprascapular nerve. ## Diagnosis Characteristic rapid muscle wasting and shoulder instability. Electromyography can confirm denervation. ## Treatment Rest and time. Surgery (scapular notch resection) is occasionally performed for chronic cases. Most improve without surgery. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good for functional recovery in the majority. Full muscle mass may not return. Recovery can take up to 12 months. ## Prevention Safe stable design that reduces shoulder collisions.
rapid muscle wasting above and below the scapular spine; prominent scapular spine; shoulder pops outward; stumbling; circumduction