Facial Nerve Paralysis in 64 Equids: Clinical Variables, Diagnosis, and Outcome

Overview

Journal J Vet Intern Med

Specialties General Medicine
Veterinary Medicine

Date 2020 Apr 7

PMID 32249997

Citations 3

Authors

Sophie Boorman

Nicole M Scherrer

Darko Stefanovski

Amy L Johnson

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

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

Boorman S, Scherrer N, Stefanovski D, Johnson A J Vet Intern Med. 2020; 34(3):1308-1320.

PMID: 32249997 PMC: 7255662. DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15767.

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