Species: Dog
Condition: Facial Nerve Paralysis
Organ System: Nervous/sensory
Facial nerve paralysis is caused by damage to branches of the facial nerve (7th Cranial nerve) as a result of metabolic diseases, neoplasia, infection, trauma and unknown causes (idiopathic). Idiopathic form usually occurs in mature dogs and breeds, such as Cocker Spaniels, Welsh Corgis, Boxers, and English Setters are predisposed. Dogs with facial nerve paralysis cannot close the eyelid and blink, cannot move the lip or ear, do not have palpebral and corneal reflexes, and have drooping of the lip and/or ear. Treatment and prognosis depends on the underlying cause. For the idiopathic form, spontaneous recovery may occur in weeks to months.
Breeds exposed to Facial Nerve Paralysis – Research Reference
Labradoodle Cross – (Pitcher & Hahn 2007)
Labrador Retriever Cross – (Pitcher & Hahn 2007)
Labrador Cross – (Pitcher & Hahn 2007)
Labrador – (Pitcher & Hahn 2007)
Labrador Retriever – (Pitcher & Hahn 2007)
Labradoodle – (Pitcher & Hahn 2007)
Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine
To learn more about Facial Nerve Paralysis or any other condition we invite you to search this website. Even better, pick up the phone and call your vet. Your vet knows your pet better than anyone else and is a fountain of information.
This information is accurate as at May 2014 and is subject to change without notice.
For Petmed Pet Health Insurance – pre-existing condition exclusion applies. Annual Benefit Limits and excess amounts vary based on pet health insurance plans.
