What is brachial plexus injury in dogs?
What is brachial plexus injury in dogs?
The brachial plexus consists of nerve tissues, specifically the first two thoracic nerves and the last three cervical nerves. These nerves control the front legs. If a dog experiences a brachial plexus injury, most commonly a brachial plexus avulsion, the nerves are stretched or torn and leg paralysis results.
Will brachial plexus injury heal itself?
Many injuries to the brachial plexus will recover spontaneously without surgery over a period of weeks to months, especially if they are mild. Nerve injuries that heal on their own tend to have better functional outcomes.
Where is the brachial plexus in dogs?
The brachial plexus are the last 3 cervical and first 2 thoracic nerves in your dog’s spine which impacts his shoulders. When these nerves are torn, ripped or injured it is referred to as an avulsion.
How is brachial plexus injury diagnosed?
To help diagnose the extent and severity of a brachial plexus injury, you may have one or more of the following tests:
- X-ray.
- Electromyography (EMG).
- Nerve conduction studies.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Computerized tomography (CT) myelography.
What is the recommended treatment for a brachial plexus injury?
Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to keep your joints and muscles working properly, maintain range of motion, and prevent stiff joints. Surgery to repair brachial plexus nerves should generally occur within six months after the injury. Surgeries that occur later than that have lower success rates.
How do you rehab a brachial plexus injury?
Treatment for a brachial plexus injury will include:
- Maintaining mobility of the affected areas through passive and active range of motion.
- Regaining and promoting strength through active exercise.
- Utilize modalities such as acupuncture to calm the nervous system and reduce pain.
What does a brachial plexus injury look like in dogs?
This injury can look similar to a less severe injury, or your dog may not want to put pressure on a broken bone or cut. Your dog may not appear to be in any pain making it difficult to identify what is going on. The brachial plexus are the last 3 cervical and first 2 thoracic nerves in your dog’s spine which impacts his shoulders.
What is brachial plexus avulsion in dogs?
Brachial Plexus Avulsion in Dogs. Dogs can experience a forelimb issue (sometimes referred to as brachial plexus avulsion) when they are hurt from jumping, have been in a road accident, had a traumatic fall, or have been caught in or on something. The possibility of spinal cord injury, or other severe damage, requires that an examination…
What is a brachial plexus injury?
A brachial plexus injury results from trauma to the dog, but it can cause emotional trauma in the owner. The brachial plexus consists of nerve tissues, specifically the first two thoracic nerves and the last three cervical nerves.
How do you diagnose brachial plexus injury?
Brachial Plexus Injury. A diagnosis is typically made from the neurological exam and recent history of trauma. Radiographs may be recommended to look for concurrent injury to the bones. Electrodiagnostic studies (EMG / NCV) may be recommended to determine the severity of injury and to help determine the prognosis of recovery.