Holstein cow with paraplegia due to bilateral paralysis of the obturator nerves following a dystocic birth with a large calf. Unfavorable outcome. The obturator nerves innervate the adductor muscles of the hind limbs and can suffer crush injuries during calving because they run along the pelvic floor before heading to the aforementioned muscles through the obturator foramen (see subsequent images). The animal exhibits a "frog-like" posture, with the hind limbs spread apart but retaining the ability to flex (the displacement of the straw due to attempts to stand up is evident in the image). THERAPY: NSAIDs, vit. B1. Furthermore, to facilitate functional recovery of the hindquarters, the limbs can be kept tied together above the fetlocks, spaced about 50-60 cm apart, by applying hobbles (subsequent images) for a few weeks or months (depending on the severity) to avoid further splaying.
Differential diagnosis with rupture of the adductor muscles (the limbs remain extended and immobile); with femoral fracture (evident unnatural movement of the extremity distal to the fracture site); with diastasis of the pubic symphysis (sometimes perceptible upon rectal or vaginal examination).
