Swim training as therapy of neurogenic induced unilateral shoulder instability in three horses

Abstract

This case report describes swim training as a treatment of a traumatically induced unilateral paralysis of the suprascapular/brachialis nerves combined with shoulder instability in three horses. Two horses had a history of shoulder instability of three months duration and one horse of six months duration. All horses showed full-weight-bearing and shoulder stability of the affected limb after one month of swim training. Altogether, physiotherapy and swim training were performed for a period of two to 5.3 months. In two horses atrophy of the supra- and infraspinosus muscles resolved completely. One horse showed moderate muscle atrophy at discharge. Swim training might be a valuable therapeutic option in horses affected with unilateral paralysis of the suprascapular / brachials nerves.