Ocular Manifestations in Dogs With Facial Nerve Dysfunction.
Fewer than half of dogs with facial nerve dysfunction regained facial function
Ocular Manifestations in Dogs With Facial Nerve Dysfunction.
To characterize the spectrum and frequency of ocular abnormalities associated with facial nerve dysfunction (facial nerve dysfunction) in dogs and to assess clinical outcomes, with specific comparison between brachycephalic (brachycephalic) and non-brachycephalic (non-brachycephalic) breeds: METHODS: Medical records of dogs with facial nerve dysfunction evaluated between 2009 and 2023 at the Ophthalmology Service of the Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, were retrospectively reviewed.
Facial nerve paralysis affected 63.1% of eyes, whereas paresis affected 36.9%.
The main etiologies were idiopathic (14.9%), iatrogenic (13.5%), and otitis media/interna (12.2%).
Recovery was unaffected by age or skull type, differed significantly by sex (p = 0.043), and tended to be higher in dogs with paresis (p = 0.075).
Worse ocular outcomes were linked to lower esthesiometry values (p = 0.023) and to the presence of anterior uveitis (p = 0.037).
Facial nerve dysfunction carries a guarded prognosis in dogs, with fewer than half achieving functional recovery.
Ocular surface disorders, particularly neurogenic keratoconjunctivitis sicca and neuroparalytic ulcerative keratitis, were frequent and often led to poor outcomes, especially in brachycephalic dogs.
Early ophthalmic management is crucial to preserve vision.