Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Femoral nerve neuropathy of an endurance horse as a sequela of iliopsoas muscle myopathy diagnosed by transrectal ultrasonography.
- Journal:
- Journal of equine veterinary science
- Year:
- 2026
- Authors:
- Puccetti, M et al.
- Affiliation:
- Dubai Equine Hospital
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This case involves an endurance horse that developed lameness due to a problem with the femoral nerve, which is responsible for extending the stifle joint and helping the horse move its lower leg properly. The issue was caused by compression from a muscle problem in the iliopsoas, which is located in the hip area. The veterinarians used a special imaging technique called transrectal ultrasonography to diagnose the condition and monitor the horse's recovery. After a year of treatment, the horse fully recovered and was able to return to competition. This case highlights the usefulness of this imaging method in diagnosing nerve issues in horses.
Abstract
Femoral nerve neuropathy causes lameness, a condition clinically characterized by stifle's lack of extension with subsequent diminished lower limb function. This case report describes the ultrasonographic diagnosis of femoral neuropathy secondary to compression caused by myopathy of the iliopsoas muscle of an endurance horse during a competition. Transrectal ultrasonography played a pivotal role in diagnosis of the injury by assessment of the involved structures and monitoring of the healing process throughout the recovery period. The horse achieved complete recovery and successfully returned to competition one year post-injury. Transrectal ultrasonography is recommended to evaluate involvement of the femoral nerve in cases with clinical signs suggesting nerve dysfunction.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41482138/