Hemifacial spasm associated with an intracranial mass in two dogs

J Small Anim Pract. 2008 Sep;49(9):472-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2008.00565.x. Epub 2008 Jul 8.

Abstract

Two dogs were presented with hemifacial spasm. Computed tomography images of both the dogs revealed an intracranial mass. In the first dog, a lesion at the level of the medulla oblongata was thought to cause primary irritation of the facial nucleus, with consequently permanent contraction of the ipsilateral facial muscles. In the second dog, a mass seemingly arising from the middle cranial fossa presumably isolated the facial motor neurons from upper motor neuron control, which resulted in hemifacial spasm as a result of loss of inhibitory interneuronal activity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Belgium
  • Brain Neoplasms / complications
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain Neoplasms / veterinary*
  • Dog Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Dog Diseases / etiology*
  • Dog Diseases / pathology
  • Dogs
  • Euthanasia, Animal
  • Hemifacial Spasm / diagnostic imaging
  • Hemifacial Spasm / etiology
  • Hemifacial Spasm / veterinary*
  • Male
  • Medulla Oblongata / diagnostic imaging
  • Medulla Oblongata / pathology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / veterinary