Nerve damage
Radial nerve paralysis
The radial nerve supplies the muscles that allow the forelimb to extend and can become damaged after a blow, e.g. kick or fall, to the elbow or shoulder area.
Signs
The affected animal will be unable to move the leg forwards and drag the toe. They will also stand with the elbow dropped.
Treatment
The horse should be rested to allow the nerve time to repair, this can sometimes take several months.