SAEVA Congress 2018 Proceedings | 12-15 February 2018 | ATKV Goudini Spa
D. Flexor Reflex
Flexor reflex is a reflex stimulated by painful stimuli, e.g., pinching the skin of
the distal limbs with hemostats. In the pelvic limb, the flexor reflex is
mediated by the sciatic nerve mainly through L 6 , L 7 , and S 1 .
In the thoracic limb, a number of peripheral nerves are responsible for flexion
of the limb joints and these arise from C 6 to T 2 .
E. Biceps and Triceps Reflexes
Biceps and triceps reflexes are elicited by tapping the tendons of insertion of
the muscles, or the muscle bellies themselves in adult horses.
The triceps reflex is mediated by the radial nerve via C 7 -T 1 .
The biceps reflex is mediated through the musculocutaneous nerve via C 7
and C 8 .
VII. Summary of Signs with Lesions at Specific Areas of the Spinal Cord
A. Lumbosacral intumescence: (L4 through caudal segments).
1. Thoracic limbs normal.
2. Ataxic and paretic pelvic limbs with decreased ability to support weight, to
paraplegia (total pelvic limb paralysis).
3. Decreased or absent tail, anus, and pelvic limb tone and reflexes. Atrophy
of pelvic limb muscles.
4. Hypalgesia or analgesia of the same areas as in #3, with a line at the
cranial edge of the lesion.
5. Urinary incontinence or obstipation.
B. Thoracolumbar: (T3-L3)
1. Thoracic limbs normal.
2. Pelvic limb ataxia and paresis to paraplegia.
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