Case report: Bilateral radial nerve paralysis in a newborn foal

Paralysis of the radial nerve is an uncommon primary cause of tameness that results in the inability to extend the elbow, the carpus and the digit. Peripheral nerve and plexus injury can develop from direct trauma, bone fractures, hyperextension of the forelimb, extreme abduction of the shoulder, deep penetrating axillary wounds, prolonged lateral recumbency (while under general anesthesia), traction on the forelimbs of a fetus during relief of a dystocia, enlarged axillary lymph nodes, tumors of the brachial plexus and radial nerve and tumors or abscesses that occur in the cranial thoracic region and along the course of the nerve. In the newborn foal the above condition warrants prompt corrective intervention to allow normal growth and future athletic performance. This report documents the treatment and clinical progress of a newborn foal with bilateral radial nerve paralysis, consequent to dystocia.