Facial nerve paralysis in 64 equids: Clinical variables, diagnosis, and outcome.
J Vet Intern Med 2020;
34:1308-1320. [PMID:
32249997 PMCID:
PMC7255662 DOI:
10.1111/jvim.15767]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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