Polyneuritis

Polyneuritis



Basic Information image



Definition


Neurologic disease of horses characterized by inflammation and damage to multiple spinal nerve roots and especially affecting the cauda equina and cranial nerves (CNs) but all spinal nerve roots to some degree.



Synonym(s)




• Neuritis of the cauda equina


• Polyneuritis equi



Epidemiology



Species, Age, Sex




• No breed or gender predilection


• Mainly occurs in adult horses



Clinical Presentation



History, Chief Complaint




• Initial hyperesthesia provoking rubbing and chewing around the tail head


• Pain and resulting apprehension on handling


• Progress to hypoesthesia or anesthesia in the rump


• Progressive paresis of the tail, bladder, rectum, and anal sphincter


• Impotence caused by incomplete erection


• Hindlimb weakness and ataxia



Physical Exam Findings




• Tail paralysis


• Atonic distended anus


• Fecal retention or incontinence


• Urinary incontinence; the bladder is atonic, distended, and easily expressed manually


• Overflow incontinence may cause vaginal hyperemia, perineal scalding, and thigh scalding.


• The penis may be relaxed and protruding with decreased sensation.


• Hindlimb weakness and ataxia


• Stiff gait; degeneration atrophy of muscles


• CN involvement: Signs commonly involve the fifth and seventh CNs, but the eighth, ninth, tenth, and twelfth may also be involved. This may be associated with facial and trigeminal paralysis.


• Although sacral and lumbar involvement is usually bilateral, the CN involvement is often unilateral.

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Jul 24, 2016 | Posted by in SMALL ANIMAL | Comments Off on Polyneuritis

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