Drooling may indicate serious problem

By Tina Neel

Published: September 8, 2008

Q:We have a 3-year-old boxer. Recently, she started drooling on the right side of her mouth and the pink part toward the side of her face is hanging down more than usual.

We frequently throw her the frisbie and we thought maybe her mouth had gotten torn. But we have not been throwing the frisbee and it looks as though it is making her face lopsided.

We are really worried, and again she never drooled before.

Does this sound like a major problem or am I just being a silly mama?

A:There are many potential causes for the symptoms. One of the most common reasons is facial nerve paralysis. If the facial nerve is damaged, the face, mouth and eyelid will droop. This causes an inability to close the eyelids, and affected pets tend to salivate. In people, Bell's palsy causes similar problems.

In some cases, facial nerve paralysis is idiopathic in nature, meaning that there is no known reason. However, in many cases, middle- or inner-ear infections cause the paralysis. Low thyroid levels, toxins like Botulism, trauma and even some cancers can damage the nerve.

It is important for your pet to have a thorough physical examination by your veterinarian, including a neurological evaluation to determine what nerves are involved. Identifying some causes such as low thyroid levels will require blood tests. In some cases, especially if a tumor is suspected, an MRI or CT scan may be necessary.

Your veterinarian will want to perform a complete ophthalmologic examination. This will include a Schirmer test to check tear production and a fluorescein eye stain of the cornea to identify ulcers. Lack of tear production will dry the cornea, and the inability to close the eye properly will allow drying as well as damage to the eye.

Corneal damage must be treated as an emergency to prevent loss of vision and decrease the significant pain associated with corneal problems. Antibiotic eye ointments and pain medications may be prescribed. If tear production is decreased or drying has occurred, medicine to replace and stimulate tear production is necessary. Keeping your pet inside as much as possible will make her feel better and help limit eye damage.

Middle- and inner-ear infections can respond well to antibiotics and prednisone. Idiopathic facial nerve paralysis may resolve on its own in three to six weeks, but many cases can result in permanent changes.

Thyroid problems require daily doses of thyroid medication. However, no matter what the cause of the paralysis, the eye issues are the most critical to address.

Tina Neel is a veterinarian and owner of Neel Veterinary Hospital. Submit your pet health questions online at NeelVet.com.

Comments