Post-calving paralysis

• Post-calving paralysis describes a spectrum of neuromuscular damage of traumatic origin.
• Cause: traumatic nerve damage during calving, usually associated with an oversized calf or prolonged second stage labor.
• Signs: signs of lower motor neurone dysfunction which varies depending on nerves involved and severity of trauma.
• Diagnosis: diagnosis is based on presenting signs, clinical history and careful clinical examination to rule out differential diagnoses.
• Treatment: casualty slaughter is an option if prognosis deemed poor. Intensive nursing care is the mainstay of treatment +/- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Unilaterally affected animals should be housed with soft bedding which provides plenty of grip. Recumbent animals require regular turning to minimize pressure myopathy.
• Prognosis: very variable and difficult to predict. Neuropraxia generally takes around 3 weeks to resolve, but is very difficult to differentiate from permanent damage.

Age predisposition

• All ages.
• Heifers have been shown to be more prone to sciatic nerve damage than multiparous dams following calving.

Public health considerations

• Animals are fit for casualty slaughter if no withdrawal periods in place and prognosis is deemed poor.

Cost considerations

• Cost of treatment is very low as it mostly involves nursing care.