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

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 ClinicalImportance: 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. K E Y W O R D S cranial nerve, equine, neurological deficits, ophthalmology, peripheral neuropathy

Succesvolle behandeling van een open os incisivumfractuur van de bovenkaak met een compressieplaat met vergrendelde schroeven in combinatie met intraorale cerclage bij een paard

“…Facial nerve branches were not visible at the moment of dissection, but damage to the nervous tissue during manipulation and dissection of the soft tissues cannot be excluded. In a study by Boorman et al (2020), horses with an acute onset of clinical signs of facial nerve paralysis were shown to be more likely to have full resolution of clinical signs. In the present case, the facial nerve paralysis had resolved without further treatment.…”

Successful treatment of an open incisive bone fracture using a locking compression plate combined with intraoral cerclage wiring

“…Facial nerve branches were not visible at the moment of dissection, but damage to the nervous tissue during manipulation and dissection of the soft tissues cannot be excluded. Boorman et al (2020) described that horses showing an acute onset of clinical signs of facial nerve paralysis were more likely to have full resolution of clinical signs. In our case, the facial nerve paralysis had resolved without further treatment except nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs.…”

Internal Fixation of a Complicated Mandibular Fracture in a Filly Using a String-of-Pearls Locking Plate Assisted by a 3D Printed Model

“…17 Dysfunction of both nerves, therefore, suggested a more central lesion such as a temporal bone fracture, 18,19 rather than if she had presented with signs of peripheral facial nerve dysfunction, such as muzzle deviation, alone. 20 After CT eventually ruled out disruption to the temporohyoid articulation and the neurological signs resolved with anti-inflammatory medications and supportive care, it was deemed likely that the trauma sustained which had fractured the filly's skull had also caused a minor injury to her brain. 21 Initially bilateral rostral maxillary fractures, fracture of the left mandibular ramus and the mandibular symphysis were the radiographically identified injuries.…”