Ulnar Nerve Paralysis in Dogs and Cats
📝 Summary
Ulnar nerve paralysis follows direct trauma or prolonged ischemia from lying on one side under anesthesia, causing difficulty walking, bent joints, and a dragged limb. Timely nerve care improves the outcome.
1 Symptoms
A common cause of front-leg nerve injury is direct trauma, or ischemia from prolonged lateral recumbency during restraint or anesthesia; rarely a tumor affects the brachial plexus roots. Over-stretching the limb with shoulder over-abduction can avulse or over-distract the whole plexus.
Complete brachial plexus paralysis: at stand the elbow drops, the wrist and metacarpal joints are incompletely flexed; the limb drags, and weight-bearing shows elbow and wrist collapse.
2 Causes and Transmission
Direct trauma, ischemia from prolonged lateral recumbency, tumors, or traction injury. It is not contagious.
3 Diagnosis
A neurological examination localizes the ulnar nerve and front-limb deficit. Imaging checks for fracture.
Other forelimb nerve injuries should be ruled out.
4 Treatment
Anti-inflammatory medication, warm compresses, and nutritional support; antibiotics if infection is present. Acupuncture and physiotherapy aid recovery.
Fixation and protecting the dragged limb prevent further injury.
5 Prevention
Avoid prolonged lateral recumbency without padding; prevent trauma. Early rehabilitation preserves function.
Still Have Questions About Ulnar Nerve Paralysis in Dogs and Cats?
Explore more disease articles or ask our expert team for professional advice
Go to Q&A →