
What are Leg Paralysis?
Radial nerve paralysis can occur from trauma to the radial nerve. The nerve may also be damaged when it is compressed when a horse under goes general anesthesia. In addition, certain plants can be toxic to horses and may cause paralysis, making it important to know what plants grow in your horse’s pasture. The ingestion of toxic plants can also be fatal to your horse. Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP) is a genetic disease that causes attacks of paralysis, which occur when the horse’s potassium level fluctuate. Paralysis attacks may occur while the horse is at rest or while he is being ridden.
Leg paralysis in horses is the complete or partial loss of the ability to move the limb. Usually, paralysis is a consequence of trauma, poisoning, or illness.
Leg Paralysis Average Cost
From 372 quotes ranging from $1,000 - $8,000
Average Cost
$4,000
Symptoms of Leg Paralysis in Horses
Radial Nerve Paralysis
- Horse is unable to walk
- Shoulder is slumped
- Weakness
- Collapse
Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis (HYPP)
- Trembling
- The appearance of the third eyelid
- Excessive sweating
- Respiratory distress
- Weakness in hindquarters
Toxic Plants (such as sweet pea vine and coyotillo shrub)
- Weakness
- Convulsions
- Respiratory distress
- Hind leg paralysis
Top
Causes of Leg Paralysis in Horses
Radial nerve paralysis may be caused by:
- The horse is kicked by another horse on the radial nerve; the radial nerve is located in the horse’s shoulder
- Trauma such as the horse accidently running into a barn door or tree post
- The nerve is compressed during general anesthesia
Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis (HYPP) is a genetic inherited disorder. Leaves, flowers, berries or seeds of a toxic plant may be ingested while the horse forages, causing paralysis and other symptoms of a serious nature.
Top
Diagnosis of Leg Paralysis in Horses
To begin the diagnostic process, advise your veterinarian if your horse has had any recent injuries or trauma. The veterinarian may also want to take a look at where the horse grazes.
The veterinarian will then perform a physical examination of your horse, listening to the equine’s heart, lungs and gastrointestinal tract with a stethoscope. The veterinarian will also palpate the abdomen, limbs and muscles. The color of your horse’s gums may be checked. The physical exam may also include taking the horse’s temperature, examining the eyes, and evaluating the blood pressure and pulse. Reflex testing and hoof testing may be done as well. By doing so, the veterinarian can evaluate the patient’s overall condition.
After the physical exam the veterinarian may suggest a complete blood count, to make sure the markers are all within the normal range. Another blood test he may suggest is the serum chemistry profile. In this test, the blood is spun down in a centrifuge to obtain the serum. The serum chemistry test checks the levels of proteins, enzymes, and electrolytes. If the veterinarian suspects hyperkalemic periodic paralysis disease he may recommend DNA testing. Additionally, the veterinarian may want to take x-rays of the limbs.
Top
Treatment of Leg Paralysis in Horses
If the patient has radial nerve paralysis, the veterinarian will recommend stall rest and may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, which will also help with pain relief. He may apply support wraps to the affected leg. The veterinarian may also recommend DMSO cream, to be applied to the shoulder of the patient. Other treatment plans that the veterinarian may suggest are massage therapy, electrostimulation, electro-acupuncture and hydrotherapy.
If your horse was diagnosed with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis disease, the veterinarian will discuss with you a dietary management plan. Horses with HYPP must not eat feed with high potassium levels. Feed that has high potassium includes soybean meal, alfalfa hay, bromegrass, and sugar or beet molasses. Feeding should be done on a regular schedule a few times a day. The veterinarian may recommend the medication acetazolamide to prevent the further paralysis attacks.
Patients that ingested toxic plants will need supportive therapy, which may mean a hospital stay. The horse may also have a gastric lavage whereby the stomach is pumped. This is done to help clean out the toxic content. An intravenous line may be started to keep the horse hydrated and to administer medication.
Top
Need advice about your pet's health?
Get answers fast from a veterinary professional 24/7 in the Wag! App.
Get Vet ChatRecovery of Leg Paralysis in Horses
Most horses recover from radial leg paralysis within a few months of stall rest and therapy. Patients with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis can live full lives. They will need to be on medication and continue to be on a restrictive diet. Horses with HYPP should not be bred. Some horses can make full recovery after they are treated for plant toxins. Young horses and foal that ingest toxic plants often have a grave prognosis.
Top
Leg Paralysis Average Cost
From 372 quotes ranging from $1,000 - $8,000
Average Cost
$4,000
Top
Leg Paralysis Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Oisin
Icelandic
26 Years
1 found helpful
1 found helpful
Has Symptoms
She does not seem to know where her back legs are. Very wobbly/slurrying her legs. Could it be poising from weedkiller. The field was spayed 2 weeks before she got in, she was sick the next morning. 3 other ponies were fine. Vet is treating her for neurological issues/not very well defined. She is loosing a lot of weight. Otherwise fairly cheerful and alert
Aug. 19, 2018
Oisin's Owner

1 Recommendations
Without examining Oisin it is very difficult to narrow in on a specific cause for the paralysis; poisoning is one possible cause, but other conditions including trauma, neurological disorders among others may also lead to similar symptoms. If the paddock has been recently sprayed, it is important to know what was applied and the instructions from the manufacturer for turning out horses and other animals after application (but in these cases we would expect other horses to show symptoms). Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 20, 2018
Was this experience helpful?
Chief
American quarter ho
4 Years
1 found helpful
1 found helpful
Has Symptoms
I have a 4 year old gelding who was diagnosed with radial nerve paralysis in his left front leg 2 years ago.Acupuncture was too expensive for our budget &I would like to try massage therapy . I would like to know what you think and how to do it
July 8, 2018
Chief's Owner

1 Recommendations
I don’t have specific experience with massage and radial nerve paralysis in horses, however massage is done along with other treatments; I would recommend discuss this with an Equine Physiotherapist or your Veterinarian for some specific insight on technique to show you what and how to do it. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM www2.univet.hu/users/knagy/books/equine%20massage.pdf
July 9, 2018
Was this experience helpful?
Leg Paralysis Average Cost
From 372 quotes ranging from $1,000 - $8,000
Average Cost
$4,000
Related Health Articles
