Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Facial paralysis and balance loss in 16 dogs with unknown cause
By Jeandel, A et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2016·Neurology Unit & UPR de Neurobiologie, France·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Facial and vestibular neuropathy of unknown origin in 16 dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 16 dogs showed sudden facial paralysis along with balance issues, which are signs of facial and vestibular neuropathy of unknown origin. After thorough testing, including brain scans and spinal fluid analysis, it was found that many dogs had some abnormalities in their spinal fluid. While about a third of the dogs fully recovered, others experienced long-term balance problems or facial muscle issues. The overall outlook for complete recovery is uncertain, and some dogs may have relapses after initially improving.
People also search for: dog facial paralysis treatment · dog balance problems · sudden facial droop in dogs · vestibular disease in dogs · dog neurological symptoms
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe the signalment, clinical presentation, diagnostic findings and long-term follow-up in dogs with concomitant facial and vestibular neuropathy of unknown origin. METHODS: Appropriate cases were located through medical record searches. Inclusion criteria comprised dogs that had: clinical signs of facial paralysis with concomitant peripheral vestibular syndrome, thyroid function tests, no abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and tympanic bullae, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. RESULTS: Sixteen dogs met the inclusion criteria. Facial paralysis had acute onset (<24 hours) in all dogs, thyroid function was within normal limits. There was albuminocytologic dissociation in cerebrospinal fluid of 69% of the dogs. There was complete resolution of clinical signs in 31% of the dogs but 38% showed long-term vestibular deficits, 46% developed hemifacial contracture, 15% had permanent facial paralysis and 15% relapsed. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Facial and vestibular neuropathy of unknown origin shares similarities with idiopathic facial paralysis. The prognosis for return of normal facial and vestibular function is guarded and there may be relapse after recovery.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27168487/