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Ocular Manifestations in Dogs With Facial Nerve Dysfunction
L Gaztelu1, M Leiva1,2, T Peña1,2
1Servei d'Oftalmologia, Fundació Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
Veterinary Ophthalmology
|July 1, 2026
Summary
Facial nerve dysfunction in dogs often leads to severe eye problems, especially in brachycephalic breeds. Less than half of affected dogs recover facial function, highlighting the need for prompt veterinary eye care.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Ophthalmology
- Canine Neurology
Background:
- Facial nerve dysfunction (FND) in dogs can cause significant ocular complications.
- Brachycephalic (BC) breeds may be predisposed to or experience different outcomes with FND.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize ocular abnormalities in dogs with FND.
- To compare clinical outcomes between brachycephalic (BC) and non-brachycephalic (NBC) breeds.
- To identify factors influencing recovery and ocular prognosis in FND cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records from 74 dogs (84 eyes) with FND.
- Evaluation of breed, etiology, ocular parameters (corneal sensitivity, tear production), and clinical outcomes.
- Comparison of outcomes between BC and NBC dogs.
Main Results:
- French Bulldogs were the most affected breed; paralysis was more common than paresis.
- Reduced corneal sensitivity and tear production were noted in affected eyes.
- Ulcerative keratitis was frequent (61.9%), more severe in BC dogs.
- Functional recovery occurred in 47.6% of dogs, influenced by sex but not skull type.
- Poorer outcomes were associated with reduced corneal sensitivity and anterior uveitis.
Conclusions:
- FND in dogs has a guarded prognosis, with limited functional recovery.
- Ocular surface disorders, including neurogenic keratoconjunctivitis sicca and ulcerative keratitis, are common and lead to poor outcomes, particularly in BC dogs.
- Early ophthalmic intervention is critical for vision preservation in dogs with FND.
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