dog - facial paralysis

[whitelabmix]

My 8 y/o lab mix has recently developed right sided facial paralysis. She is unable to blink her eye, move her ear, control her lip and her head tilts toward the affected side. All signs and symptoms appeared on Sept 30/09. We visited our local veterinary clinic that day and she was kept overnight for a full work up..ie..blood work, urine analysis, thyroid hormone level, electrolyte screen all which came back within normal limits. Fast forward to Dec 13/09, all signs and symptoms disappear. Yesterday Dec 15/09, the left side(opposite side) develops same deficit. Even the head tilt has changed sides. Robertas routine has not changed and she is acting appropriately. The problem seems to be idiopathic in nature. Comments and suggestions are welcome. Anyone ever experience this? Thanks in advance.

[hazelrunpack]

Welcome to the board, whitelabmix.

Have you notified the vet that's been seeing her for the problem? The side-switch might be the clue he needs to figure out what's going on

[BenMax]

I am sorry to hear this. I can only tell you of my personal experience. My rott had the same problem. After testing and seeing the obvious, a tumour grew rapidly on the brain. He had a stroke and one side of his face slid. Eventually the whole side of his body as well paralyzed and he succomed to the cancer and the paralysis.

I hope this is not your case, but ask them to check for a tumour.

Best of luck to you.

[rainbow]

Dogs can get something called Horners Syndrome which is similar to Bells Palsy in humans.

http://www.vetspecialists.co.uk/06_A...Paralysis.html


http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body..._syndrome.html