Hypoglossal Nerve Paralysis in Dogs and Cats
📝 Summary
Hypoglossal nerve paralysis causes the tongue to protrude from the mouth and makes eating, chewing, and swallowing difficult. It usually follows submandibular trauma, a hematoma, or a tumor pressing on the nerve, and chronic cases can lead to tongue atrophy.
1 Symptoms
It usually results from deep trauma to the submandibular space and hematoma, abscess, or tumor pressing on the nerve; some brain diseases also accompany it.
The tongue protrudes from the mouth and cannot be retracted, causing difficulty eating, drinking, chewing, and swallowing. Over time the tongue becomes edematous, traumatized, and eventually atrophic, with a wrinkled surface.
2 Causes and Transmission
Submandibular trauma with hematoma, abscess, or tumor, or brain disease affecting the nerve. It is not contagious.
3 Diagnosis
Diagnosis is by neurological examination showing tongue protrusion and weakness. Imaging and examination look for a mass or trauma at the throat.
Other causes of a protruded tongue should be ruled out.
4 Treatment
Treat the primary cause (tumor, trauma). Antibiotics are used for infection; nerve-supporting care, massage, and acupuncture aid recovery.
Soft or liquid food prevents malnutrition while the tongue cannot function normally.
5 Prevention
Prevent throat and jaw trauma and treat masses or infections early.
Regular checks for a protruding tongue or eating difficulty allow prompt care.
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