![]() If all of this testing is normal, your dog would be diagnosed with idiopathic facial nerve paralysis. In some cases, an MRI is paired with a spinal tap, which helps us to rule out inflammatory conditions such as meningitis. An MRI allows us to look at the brain and the middle ear to evaluate for a possible underlying cause for facial nerve paralysis. If this testing is normal, an MRI is the next recommended step. We may also recommend performing a thyroid hormone level to rule this out as a cause for your French Bulldog’s signs. General blood work should be performed as a screening test for overall health. What tests can be done to help my dog with a facial droop? Some other possible causes for facial nerve paralysis include an auto-immune inflammatory process (meningitis/ encephalitis), certain types of cancers such as lymphoma, or strokes in the brain.Įven problems outside of the brain, such as a deep ear infection or low thyroid level, can cause facial nerve paralysis. However, there are other, more serious causes for facial nerve paralysis. It is most commonly unilateral (only affecting one side of the face), but can present with bilateral involvement (both sides). This condition is similar to Bell’s Palsy in people. In this disorder, there is no active underlying cause for the paralysis. One of the most common causes is called “idiopathic facial nerve paralysis”. There are many possible causes for facial nerve paralysis in dogs. What are the causes for facial nerve paralysis in dogs? Dogs have both a right and left facial nerve that supplies each side of the face. Sometimes dogs can drool excessively from one side of the mouth. ![]() In turn, the face begins to droop or “sag.” You may also notice that your dog doesn’t blink as much. These muscles help with blinking, moving the ears, and “smiling.” When this nerve is not functioning, the facial muscles become weak or, in some cases, completely paralyzed. ![]() The facial nerve, or cranial nerve VII, exits the back of the brain and innervates the muscles of facial expression. When a dog has a “drooping” face, we become concerned about a problem with the facial nerve. ![]()
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