Facial neuropathy in dogs and cats: 95 cases (1975-1985)

The medical records of 79 dogs and 16 cats admitted to the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine between January 1975 and October 1985 with facial nerve dysfunction were reviewed. In 31 dogs and 8 cats, facial neuropathy was the only abnormal finding. In 48 dogs and 8 cats, the clinical findings most often noted in the records in addition to facial neuropathy were vestibular signs. Facial neuropathy appeared unassociated with gender or right vs left sides in both dogs and cats, or with hypothyroidism in dogs. Facial neuropathy was associated with increased age, with certain breeds in both dogs and cats, and with otitis media/interna and keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs. Causes of facial nerve dysfunction in dogs and cats included surgical and nonsurgical trauma, neoplasia, and otitis media/interna. Facial neuropathy was judged to be idiopathic in 74.7% of dogs and 25% of cats.