Facial Nerve Paralysis - Paw Talk

Old Dog · #1 11-28-2007, 09:43 AM

I could use some vibes and well-wishing. For the last week, Yoda, my chihuahua has had trouble eating and his left eye was swollen and teary. Took him to the vet yesterday and the doctor told me his left facial nerve is paralyzed. He can't move the left side of his face or even blink his left eye. They don't know what caused it or whether it is permanent, we'll be taking him back in a week to see if it has gotten any better.

Has anyone else been through this? Did it get better or was it permanent? What kind of special care did you have to provide?

The doctor said it wasn't that bad, that it happens to a lot of dogs and doesn't really affect their quality of life. But it is breaking my heart that there is something wrong with him that I can't fix.

Formula86 · #2 11-29-2007, 03:15 AM

Aw, poor puppers. I'm sorry this is happening to him.

It doesn't sound like he's in a lot of pain, though. But I don't know.

The vet sounds optimistic. So that's good. I've never been through this with any of mine, so no advice there.

But keep us updated, ok?

mulder · #3 11-29-2007, 09:05 AM

poor puppy

i give you lots of well wishes and my *hugs*

HappyDancer · #4 11-29-2007, 02:53 PM

the poor sweetie, I have never had experience with it but I can see why it breaks your heart, we always want to do everything for our fur babies, take away all their pain...I will keep him in my thoughts and prayers as well as you...give him much love from me

kathydip · #5 11-29-2007, 10:06 PM

I am so sorry you guys have to go through this. I am glad to hear that it really shouldn't bother Yoda. I never dealt with facial paralysis but I did have a bunny with a head tilt. I felt badly for her until I came to realize she really didn't care about it. She was a happy bunny head tilt and all. I am sure Yoda is a happy pupper.

Old Dog · #6 12-04-2007, 08:34 AM

Well, it's been a week now. Yoda hasn't gotten much better (although I think I've seen him move his ear slightly a couple of times), but he doesn't seem to be in distress about it (except when I give him his eye drops, the big baby). I've been "blinking" his eye for him from time to time when he's sitting with me since he can't do it himself, and I think he actually likes it.

His follow-up at the vet is on Monday, so we'll see what the doctor thinks then.