Trigeminal Nerve Paralysis in Dogs and Cats

1 Symptoms

Trigeminal paralysis often follows a violent stretch or contusion of the motor branch when a dog bites a heavy object or chews a hard bone; pontine contusion, inflammation, distemper, or B-vitamin deficiency can also cause it.

Complete paralysis: total loss of sensation in the nerve’s territory with chewing difficulty. Ophthalmic-branch paralysis removes sensation from forehead to ear base, eyelid, and cornea; the corneal reflex is lost. Maxillary and mandibular branch paralysis removes sensation from the face, nose, cheek, lips, and oral and tongue mucosa; the mouth hangs open, the tongue drops, drooling occurs, and eating and drinking become difficult; chewing is disrupted.

2 Causes and Transmission

Causes include tumors, abscesses, inflammation, canine distemper, contusion, and B-vitamin deficiency. It is not contagious except for the distemper component.

3 Diagnosis

A neurological examination identifies the deficits. Ear and oral examination and imaging look for a mass or inflammation.

Other causes of a dropped jaw or eating difficulty should be ruled out.

4 Treatment

Strengthen nursing and nutrition, restore nerve function, and remove the primary cause. Anti-inflammatory medication (corticosteroids) may be used; eye lubrication protects the cornea when sensation is lost.

Treating inflammation or infection and correcting B-vitamin deficiency support recovery; rehabilitation includes massage and acupuncture.

5 Prevention

Avoid letting pets chew excessively hard objects; keep distemper vaccinations current; ensure adequate B-vitamin nutrition.

Prompt care for facial trauma or infection protects nerve function.