Brachial Plexus Disease in the Dog and Cat: A Literature Review and Clinical Case Study

[摘要] The aim of this thesis is to detail the clinical, ancillary and, in some cases, pathological findings in thirteen cases of brachial plexus disease which were presented to Glasgow University Veterinary School during the period October 1991 to June 1993. Clinical findings ranged from mild foreleg lameness, in the absence of specific neurological deficits, to profound bilateral forelimb paresis. Neoplasia was the most common cause of brachial plexus disease in this series, affecting seven out of the thirteen cases. Three cases were traumatic in origin and three were due to inflammatory or idiopathic disease. One dog with brachial neuropathy of unconfirmed aetiology had a concurrent insulinoma, suggesting a possible metabolic cause. In most cases, the diagnosis was reached on the basis of history and clinical findings but certain ancillary investigative techniques, notably electrophysiological examination, were found to be useful in some cases. The diagnosis was confirmed by pathological examination in six cases. These findings are discussed in the light of a broad review of the literature pertaining to brachial plexus disease in dogs and cats and relevant comparative aspects in man.

[发布机构] University:University of Glasgow

[关键词] Veterinary science