Facial Nerve Paralysis in Dogs and Cats

1 Symptoms

Facial nerve paralysis is a conduction failure of the facial nerve trunk or branches under various causes; it occurs most in Spanish Spaniels and Boxers aged 6–9 years.

It is graded as complete or incomplete. Causes include otitis media or interna, medullary lesions, tumors, fights causing vestibular dysfunction, infections, toxins, and transient idiopathic neuritis.

Complete paralysis: superficial facial muscles soften, cheek and nasal folds disappear, the face flattens, the ear drops and is unresponsive to sound. Eyelid reflex is lost, the lower lid droops (eye pouch). The lip droops with drooling. Chewing and swallowing are difficult; food lodges in the cheek. Severe cases bring dry eye or oral tissues and progress to keratitis and conjunctivitis. Incomplete paralysis: the affected side is softer and droops, the nose deviates to the healthy side, the nostril collapses, the lip is slack, and skin and mucosa lose sensation.

2 Causes and Transmission

Causes include ear disease (otitis), trauma from fights, central nervous lesions, tumors, infections, toxins, and idiopathic neuritis. It is not contagious.

3 Diagnosis

Diagnosis is by neurological examination identifying facial nerve deficits and the affected branches. Ear examination and imaging look for otitis or a mass.

Other causes of a drooping face or primary eye disease should be ruled out.

4 Treatment

The goal is to remove the cause, restore nerve conduction, and prevent muscle atrophy. Anti-inflammatory medication (corticosteroids) may be used, along with eye lubrication or ointment to protect the cornea.

Facial massage, acupuncture, and physiotherapy support recovery. Treating underlying ear disease or infection is essential.

5 Prevention

Keep ears clean and treat otitis promptly; avoid fights and head trauma.

Soft-food feeding and eye care during illness prevent complications such as keratitis.