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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / Transient pelvic limb neuropathy following proximal metatars...
Equine veterinary journal2019; 52(3); 359-363; doi: 10.1111/evj.13181

Transient pelvic limb neuropathy following proximal metatarsal and tarsal magnetic resonance imaging in seven horses.

Abstract: Pelvic limb neuropathy is a rare post-anaesthetic complication. In the authors' experiences, the incidence of post-anaesthesia neuropathy is increased following MRI of the proximal metatarsus and tarsal regions when compared with previously reported incidences of post-anaesthetic neuropathy. Objective: This study reports the incidence, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of seven horses with post-anaesthesia neuropathy following proximal metatarsal and tarsal MRI. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Case record review of horses receiving general anaesthesia for MRI between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2017. Results: A total of 1134 MRI procedures were performed and reviewed for analysis. Eight cases of neuropathy were identified in 1088 limb scans (0.74%). Of these cases, one was subsequent to thoracic limb imaging (1/834; 0.12%) and seven were subsequent to imaging of proximal metatarsal and/or tarsal structures (7/181; 3.9%). Following proximal metatarsal and/or tarsal MRI, transient nondependent limb femoral neuropathy developed in six of the seven affected horses, with one additional horse developing peroneal neuropathy of the dependent limb. Recovery of pelvic limb function occurred within 72 h and 9 days in six and one horse, respectively. Conclusions: Anaesthetic protocol and neuropathy treatment for the affected horses were not standardised. Conclusions: Though an uncommon complication in horses, transient neuropathy may occur more frequently following MRI of the proximal metatarsal and tarsal structures when compared with other MRI scans. This may be due to patient positioning and the requirement for limb traction for MRI of more proximal regions. Supportive care facilitates rapid return to function.
© 2019 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2019-10-01 PubMed ID: 31498918DOI: 10.1111/evj.13181Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article investigates the increased occurrence of temporary nerve damage in horses’ hind limbs after undergoing MRI scans of the upper parts of the foot and ankle. The study examined seven cases and discovered that recovery usually occurred within 9 days.

Research Context and Objective

  • This research was prompted by the observation that nerve damage in the hind limbs of horses occurs more frequently after the animals have received anesthesia and undergone Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans of their feet and ankles, particularly in the upper parts known as the proximal metatarsal and tarsal regions.
  • The study aimed to record the occurrence, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of this issue in seven horses that had received general anesthesia for MRI scans.

Methods

  • The researchers implemented a retrospective case series method, reviewing the records of horses that had received general anesthesia for MRI scans between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2017.
  • A total of 1134 medical procedures were subsequently reviewed.

Results

  • Out of 1088 limb scans analyzed, eight cases of limb neuropathy were identified, giving a general incidence rate of 0.74%.
  • One case was as a result of an MRI of the chest limb (1 in 834 cases, or 0.12%), while the other seven cases occurred following scans of the upper foot and ankle regions (7 in 181 cases, or 3.9%).
  • Within these seven cases, six developed temporary nerve damage in the non-weightbearing hind limbs after the MRIs. One more horse showed nerve damage of the weight-bearing limb.
  • The improvement in limb function was observed within 72 hours to 9 days in six and one horse respectively.

Conclusions

  • The anesthesia protocol and treatment for nerve damage were not standardized for the horses in the study.
  • Though transient neuropathy is a rare complication in horses, it may occur more frequently after an MRI of the upper regions of the foot and ankle, compared to other parts of the body.
  • The researchers suggest that the influence of the patient’s posture during the scan and the necessity to adjust the limb for imaging these more upper regions could contribute to the higher frequency of this complication.
  • The study concludes that appropriate care plays a crucial role in quickly restoring the function of the affected limbs.

Cite This Article

APA
Moreno KL, Scallan EM, Friedeck WO, Simon BT. (2019). Transient pelvic limb neuropathy following proximal metatarsal and tarsal magnetic resonance imaging in seven horses. Equine Vet J, 52(3), 359-363. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13181

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 52
Issue: 3
Pages: 359-363

Researcher Affiliations

Moreno, K L
  • Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, College Station, Texas, USA.
Scallan, E M
  • Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, College Station, Texas, USA.
Friedeck, W O
  • Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, College Station, Texas, USA.
Simon, B T
  • Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, College Station, Texas, USA.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Hindlimb
  • Horse Diseases
  • Horses
  • Lameness, Animal
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Metatarsal Bones
  • Retrospective Studies

References

This article includes 23 references
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