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Facial and vestibular neuropathy of unknown origin in 16 dogs
Author(s) -
Jeandel A.,
Thibaud J. L.,
Blot S.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of small animal practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1748-5827
pISSN - 0022-4510
DOI - 10.1111/jsap.12428
Subject(s) - medicine , vestibular system , facial paralysis , clinical significance , concomitant , cerebrospinal fluid , paralysis , nystagmus , surgery , audiology , pathology
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.