Femoral nerve neuropathy of an endurance horse as a sequela of iliopsoas muscle myopathy diagnosed by transrectal ultrasonography.
Authors: Puccetti M, Beccati F, Pilati N
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Femoral Nerve Neuropathy Secondary to Iliopsoas Myopathy Compression of the femoral nerve by an injured iliopsoas muscle represents a significant but underrecognised cause of stifle dysfunction in endurance horses, presenting clinically as loss of stifle extension and reduced weight-bearing through the hindlimb. This case report documents the diagnosis and recovery of an endurance horse that developed femoral neuropathy during competition, with transrectal ultrasonography proving instrumental in identifying both the primary iliopsoas myopathy and secondary nerve compression. The diagnostic approach enabled monitoring throughout the rehabilitation period, and the horse returned to competitive endurance work within twelve months of injury. The clinical significance lies in recognising that stifle lameness with apparent neurological signs warrants investigation of proximal hindlimb structures, particularly the iliopsoas muscle; transrectal ultrasound provides superior visualisation of these deep anatomical structures compared to standard external imaging. Practitioners managing endurance athletes presenting with stifle extension deficits should consider proximal myopathy and nerve entrapment in their differential diagnosis, as early identification via appropriate diagnostic imaging may facilitate more targeted rehabilitation protocols and optimise recovery timelines.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Consider femoral nerve compression from iliopsoas myopathy in endurance horses presenting with stifle extension lameness; transrectal ultrasound can provide definitive diagnosis
- •Transrectal ultrasonography is a valuable diagnostic tool for evaluating femoral nerve involvement when clinical signs suggest nerve dysfunction
- •Even severe femoral neuropathy secondary to muscle myopathy can resolve completely with appropriate management, allowing return to athletic function
Key Findings
- •Femoral nerve neuropathy secondary to iliopsoas muscle myopathy was successfully diagnosed using transrectal ultrasonography in an endurance horse
- •Clinical presentation included stifle extension deficit with diminished lower limb function
- •Transrectal ultrasonography enabled monitoring of the injury and healing process throughout recovery
- •Complete clinical recovery and return to competition was achieved within one year post-injury