An important part of caring for your pup is avoiding the complications related to dry eye and the inability to blink. Idiopathic facial paralysis in dogs does not have a prescribed treatment except for supportive care. Other tests they might prescribe include a complete blood count, a chemistry profile and a thyroid function profile, which are helpful in evaluating various hormonal disorders associated with facial paralysis. Veterinary Partner notes that a disruption of cranial nerve VIII causes vestibular disease, which manifests as an unsteady gait, weakness, head tilt and nystagmus (abnormal eye movement).Īlthough the underlying cause of most cases of facial paralysis in dogs remains unknown, your dog's vet might recommend blood work to rule out other conditions. Cranial nerve VIII transmits both sound and information about the body's sense of balance from the ear to the brain. Some cases also impact cranial nerve VIII, the vestibulocochlear nerve, which lies in close proximity to cranial nerve VII. An ear canal exam helps rule out an external ear infection, but in order to definitively determine if middle or inner ear or brain disease exists, CT or MRI scans are often needed. From their point of origin in the brain, the fibers of cranial nerve VII run close to the middle ear on their way to the face. Other Assessmentsīesides a thorough exam of your dog's eyes, the vet will also closely evaluate his ear canals. They may prescribe artificial tears since dogs with dry eye are at risk for developing corneal ulcers. Your vet may conduct an exam called the Schirmer tear test to see if your dog's eyes are producing enough lubrication. This condition develops when a dog can't produce enough tears or close the affected eye. Pet Health Network notes that a significant risk of facial nerve paralysis in dogs is keratoconjunctivitis sicca, commonly known as dry eye. Looking Out for Dry EyeĪn important part of your vet's exam will be testing your dog's ability to blink with the eye on the affected side of his face. They will perform a comprehensive physical exam of your dog's eyes, ears and motor coordination and check for other cranial nerve and systemic neurological problems. If you suspect your dog has facial nerve paralysis, contact your veterinarian. Sloppy eating, dropping food from mouth.Inability to blink and close the affected eye.Deviation of the nose toward the unaffected side.Drooling (the facial nerve also controls the salivary glands).The common signs of damage to cranial nerve VII include: Pet parents familiar with Bell's Palsy, a form of facial paralysis in people that the Mayo Clinic notes also includes nerve damage, will notice a similar change in the appearance of their dog's face. Signsĭepending on the underlying cause, the signs of facial paralysis in dogs can manifest on one or both sides of the face. A slim margin can also be iatrogenic, or accidentally caused during surgery. Surprisingly, the majority of cases of facial paralysis in dogs are idiopathic and not traceable to a specific cause. Tumors, especially growths that invade or compress cranial nerve VII or the brainstem.Toxins, including botulism, which is used to synthesize Botox and which dogs can get from eating raw meat, according to Wag!.Endocrine disorders (hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, Cushing's disease).Possible causes of facial paralysis include: Depending on the underlying cause, temporary facial paralysis in dogs can last several weeks. The effects of nerve damage may persist for an extended or indefinite period of time.Ĭocker spaniels, beagles, corgis and boxers are more frequently affected during their mature years compared to other breeds. This nerve is connected to the muscles that control your dog's eyelids, lips, nose, ears and cheeks, and when it's damaged a portion of his face can appear frozen or droopy. Read on to learn about the causes and management of this condition.įacial paralysis results from damage to a facial nerve called cranial nerve VII. Most cases have a favorable outcome even if some dogs require extra care following their diagnosis. If your dog is looking like a canine Harvey Dent, don't worry. Has your dog suddenly developed a lopsided smile? Facial paralysis in dogs is a condition that is characterized by changes in your dog's expression and facial control.
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