Videos

Facial paralysis in a dog | VETgirl Veterinary CE Videos

This VETgirl video demonstrates what a dog with facial paralysis classically looks like. When the medial or lateral canthus of the eyelids (or cornea) are touched, the normal reflex would be to close the eye. With facial paralysis, the eyelids cannot close, resulting in retraction of the eyeball into the orbit (provided the abducent and facial nerves are normal). In an attempt to protect the eye, the 3rd eyelid will passively elevate when the globe retracts into the orbit as seen here in the VetGirl video.

Typically, several clinically signs are seen with facial paralysis, including:

Inability to blink on the affected side
Withdrawal of the eyeball into the socket as a reflex to not being able to blink (on the affected side)
Dribbling or drooling saliva/food from the affected side
A lower hanging lip on the affected side
A lower held ear on the affected side
Decreased tear production on the affected side
A larger palpebral fissure on the affected side

Only VETgirl members can leave comments. Sign In or Join VETgirl now!