Facial nerve paralysis in 64 equids: Clinical variables, diagnosis, and outcome

• Published in: Journal of veterinary internal medicine 2020-05, Vol.34 (3), p.1308-1320
• Main Authors: Boorman, Sophie, Scherrer, Nicole M., Stefanovski, Darko, Johnson, Amy L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Bell's palsy; Central Nervous System Diseases - complications; Central Nervous System Diseases - therapy; Central Nervous System Diseases - veterinary; cranial nerve; EQUID; Equidae; equine; Facial Nerve Injuries - therapy; Facial Nerve Injuries - veterinary; Facial Paralysis - diagnosis; Facial Paralysis - etiology; Facial Paralysis - therapy; Facial Paralysis - veterinary; Female; Horse Diseases - diagnosis; Horse Diseases - etiology; Horse Diseases - therapy; Horses; Investigations; Male; Medical records; neurological deficits; ophthalmology; peripheral neuropathy; Recovery of Function; Retrospective Studies
• ISSN: 0891-6640; 1939-1676
• DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15767

Background Facial nerve paralysis (FNP) in equids is not well described in the veterinary literature. Objective To investigate the causes of FNP and associations among clinical variables, diagnosis, and outcome. Animals Sixty‐four equids presenting with FNP between July 2000 and April 2019. Cases of postanesthetic FNP were excluded. Methods Medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Variables were evaluated for associations with outcomes (diagnosis and case outcome) using logistic regression. Results The most common cause of FNP was trauma (n = 20). Additional diagnoses included central nervous system (CNS) disease (n = 16), idiopathic (n = 12, 4 of which had adequate diagnostic investigation and were considered “true” idiopathic, and 8 of which were considered “not investigated” idiopathic), temporohyoid osteoarthropathy (n = 10), otitis media‐interna (n = 3), lymphoma (n = 1), iatrogenic as a consequence of infiltration of local anesthetic (n = 1), and clostridial myositis (n = 1). Follow‐up was available for 55 (86%) cases. Twenty‐nine (53%) equids had full resolution of FNP, 14 (25%) were euthanized, 6 (11%) partially improved, and 6 (11%) were unchanged or worse. Conclusions and Clinical Importance If FNP is the consequence of CNS disease, successful treatment of the primary disease likely leads to resolution of FNP. Most cases of FNP in equids are traumatic in origin. True idiopathic cases are uncommon.