When paralysis of the obturator nerve occurs as a post-partum complication, and other conditions are favorable, the subject should be raised to its feet without unnecessary delay.  If the mare is unable to assist in regaining her feet, a sling is required.  Usually little else is necessary and after a few days in the sling the subject can get about unassisted.  In the meanwhile the well-being of the affected animal is to be considered just as in any other case where the patient is so confined.  The foal in such instances constitutes a source of some trouble, but the average mare offers no serious resistance to the confinement occasioned by the sling.

Good hygienic care, a suitable diet and full physiological doses of strychnin are indicated.  Cadiot and Almy recommend vaginal douches of cold water and counterirritation of the region of the inner thigh in these cases.

Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve.

Anatomy.—­The great sciatic nerve leaves the pelvis in company with the gluteal nerves, through the great sciatic foramen (notch), passing downward along the posterior face of the femur.  Near the stifle it passes between the two heads of the gastrocnemius muscle and continues as the tibial.  Branches supply the following muscles—­obturator, semimembranosus (adductor magnus), biceps femoris (triceps abductor femoris), semitendinosus (biceps rotator tibialis), lateral extensor (peroneus) and the tibial nerve, its continuation, innervates the digital flexors.

Etiology and Occurrence.—­Paralysis of the great sciatic nerve may be caused by central disorders, injury in falling, fractures and new growths.  Because of its protected position, this nerve does not often suffer injury, and paralysis of the sciatic nerve is recorded in a few instances owing to its rarity.

Symptomatology.—­When consideration is given the number of muscles that are supplied by the sciatic nerve and the function of these muscular structures, it is obvious that the leg cannot be used in sciatic paralysis.  However, the limb is capable of sustaining weight when it is fixed in position, but this is done without exertion of muscular fibers which are supplied by the great sciatic nerve.  Trotting is impossible and flexion of the affected member is also likewise precluded.  The foot is dragged when the subject is caused to advance.

Under the heading “sciatica,” Scott[44] has described a case of acute sciatic affection wherein a pacing horse manifested evidence of great pain of a nervous character.  There were muscular twitchings and the leg was held off the floor and moved about convulsively.  Breathing was very much accelerated, pulse 85 per minute, the temperature was 103 deg. and manipulation of the hips augmented the pain.

This was not a paralytic condition and recovery resulted, yet undoubtedly this was a case which, if not properly cared for, might have terminated unfavorably.

Treatment.—­Prognosis is decidedly unfavorable in paralysis of the great sciatic nerve.  If treatment is attempted, it is to be conducted along the same general lines as in femoral paralysis.  Particular attention should be given to conditions which will make for the patient’s comfort, and as soon as it is evident that the affection is not progressing favorably, the subject should be humanely destroyed.