title: Facial and vestibular neuropathy of unknown origin in 16 dogs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to describe the signalment, clinical presentation, diagnostic findings and long-term follow-up in dogs with concomitant facial and vestibular neuropathy of unknown origin.
  
  
  METHODS
  Appropriate cases were located through medical record searches. Inclusion criteria comprised dogs that had: clinical signs of facial paralysis with concomitant peripheral vestibular syndrome, thyroid function tests, no abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and tympanic bullae, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sixteen dogs met the inclusion criteria. Facial paralysis had acute onset (<24 hours) in all dogs, thyroid function was within normal limits. There was albuminocytologic dissociation in cerebrospinal fluid of 69% of the dogs. There was complete resolution of clinical signs in 31% of the dogs but 38% showed long-term vestibular deficits, 46% developed hemifacial contracture, 15% had permanent facial paralysis and 15% relapsed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Facial and vestibular neuropathy of unknown origin shares similarities with idiopathic facial paralysis. The prognosis for return of normal facial and vestibular function is guarded and there may be relapse after recovery.
authors.affiliation: Neurology Unit & UPR de Neurobiologie, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est Créteil, 94700 Maisons Alfort, France.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jeandel
authors.affiliation: Micen-Vet, 94000 Créteil, France.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Thibaud
authors.affiliation: Neurology Unit & UPR de Neurobiologie, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est Créteil, 94700 Maisons Alfort, France.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Blot
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D020330:Bell Palsy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D020338:Vestibular Neuronitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*