Brachial plexus: neuropathy

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Sections available in full article Introduction, Presenting signs, Acute presentation, Age predisposition, Sex predisposition, Breed predisposition, Cost considerations, Special risks (e.g. anesthetic), Pathogenesis, Etiology, Pathophysiology, Timecourse (incubation, duration), Diagnosis, Presenting problems, Client history, Clinical signs, Diagnostic investigation, Confirmation of diagnosis, Gross autopsy findings, Histopathology findings, Differential diagnosis, Treatment, Initial symptomatic treatment, Standard treatment, Monitoring, Subsequent management, Sequelae, Prognosis, Expected response to treatment, Reasons for treatment failure, Sources, Publications, Vetstream contributor(s),
Contributors Dr Kyle Braund BVSc MVSc PhD FRCVS DipACVIM
Synonyms Brachial plexus neuropathyBrachial plexus neuritis

Introduction

  • Extremely rare condition.
  • Cause : possibly allergic or hypersensitivity reaction to prophylactic inoculation or food.
  • Signs : acute onset thoracic limb paresis, with hyporeflexia, hypotonia, and possibly facial nerve deficits; muscle atrophy develops after 7-10 days.

Diagnosis

Clinical signs

  • Sudden onset thoracic limb paresis.
  • Decreased or absent spinal reflexes.
  • Decreased muscle tone.
  • Shifting thoracic limb lameness.
  • Facial nerve deficits, paresis or paralysis.

Diagnosis

Differential diagnosis



Causes of thoracic limb paresis
  • Nerve sheath tumors Nerve sheath: neoplasia.
  • Spinal cord disease.
Causes of shifting thoracic limb lameness
  • Panosteitis.
  • Polyarthritis.

Sequelae

Prognosis

  • Poor.

Expected response to treatment

  • Responds to corticosteroids, neurological deficits should gradually disappear.
  • May be slight improvement over 4-6 months even if no treatment given.

Reasons for treatment failure

  • Incorrect diagnosis.
  • Inadequate nursing care.
  • Lack of owner compliance.

Sources

Publications

Refereed papers

  • Steinberg H S (1988) Brachial plexus injuries and dysfunctions. Vet Clin North Am 18 , 565-580.
  • Alexander J W et al(1974) A case of brachial plexus neuropathy in a dog. JAAHA 10 , 515-516.
  • Cummings J F et al(1973) Canine brachial plexus neuritis - a syndrome resembling serum neuritis in man. Cornell Vet 63 , 589-617.

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