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Sistema nervioso

Facial paralysis

Loss of movement in the muscles on one side of the face due to involvement of the facial nerve.

Moderate🐕 Dogs🐈 Cats

Symptoms to watch for

  • Asymmetrical face: one side droops
  • Unable to blink or fully close the eye on that side
  • Drooling or food falling out of that side of the mouth
  • Drooping ear
  • Risk of corneal ulcer from being unable to protect the eye

Causes

Ear infections, trauma, hypothyroidism, tumours, or idiopathic (with no identifiable cause, the most common).

Diagnosis

Neurological examination plus a search for the cause (otoscopy, blood tests and sometimes an MRI scan).

Treatment

Treating the cause if one is identified. Protecting the affected eye (artificial tears, preventing ulcers) is the priority. Many idiopathic cases improve partially or fully over time.

Prevention

Treat ear infections promptly.

When should you see the vet?

See the vet if you notice your pet's face is asymmetrical or that one eye does not blink. Protecting that eye is important to prevent ulcers.

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.