In this article on our site we will deal with Horner's syndrome in dogs, a disorder that can be easily recognized by caregivers, as that manifests itself in alterations in one or both eyes that can be perceived with the naked eye. It will be more complicated, as we will see, to determine the cause that originates it. We will also explain the characteristic symptoms, as well as the possible treatment for this disorder that can affect any dog, although adults suffer from it in a higher percentage. Keep reading and discover how to detect Horner's syndrome in dogs
What is Horner syndrome in dogs?
Horner's syndrome in dogs is known as a neurological disorder that manifests ophthalmologically. Its origin can be a trauma, a bite, an otitis, a neoplasm, etc. In the latter case, the prognosis is usually unfavourable. There are so many possible causes of Horner's syndrome in dogs, that in a considerable number of cases it is not possible to find out; they are called idiopathic.
We could define Horner's as a problem that prevents the correct contraction of facial muscles due to a failure of communication in the nervous system It can be uni or bilateral depending on whether it affects one or both eyes. It is possible for any dog to suffer from it, especially if it is an adult, although it has been noted that golden retrievers have a predisposition to suffer from it.
Symptoms of Horner syndrome in dogs
As we have said, the symptoms will manifest in one or both eyes, and will be as follows:
- Drop of the upper eyelid, which is called palpebral ptosis.
- The pupil has miosis, that is, it is permanently contracted.
- The third eyelid, also known as nictitating membrane, prolapses, that is, it becomes visible, covering a large part of the eye.
- The eye seems smaller, as if sunken in the socket. It's the enophthalmia.
- In addition, the eye may appear red, as well as the conjunctiva.
All these symptoms of Horner's syndrome in dogs are perfectly visible to caregivers. As soon as one appears, we should go to the vet, since there are several pathologies with which it can be confused, such as uveitis, and it will be this professional who reaches the diagnosis. To achieve this, a complete neurological and ophthalmological examination is required. X-rays, ultrasounds and even, if possible, CT or MRI can also be done.
Treatment for Horner's syndrome in dogs
To know how to treat Horner's syndrome in dogs we must discover the cause that is causing it, which, as we have seen, it is not always possible. For example, Horner's caused by a middle ear infection will require treatment for otitis. In other cases, it is not treated and the syndrome remits spontaneously in a few months. On the contrary, in some dogs it is irreversible. Once again, a visit to a specialist is crucial to arrive at a correct diagnosis and establish the best treatment.
How to prevent Horner syndrome in dogs?
Although in numerous cases of Horner's syndrome in dogs we will not be able to follow any preventive measures, we can take into account the following recommendationsgeneral:
- Maintain good ear hygiene. The duct should appear pink and may not emit any odor.
- In the event of any ear secretion, bad smell, inflammation, redness, warmth or discomfort, which is usually translated by continuous head movements and attempts to scratch with the paws or against objects, we mustgo to the vet to prevent, if it is an infection, from worsening and affecting deeper structures of the ear.
- Be careful cleaning the ears, since, in some cases, it is the cause of Horner's syndrome in dogs.
- Attention, too, to relationships with other dogs. We must be careful when allowing our dog to approach another stranger or to be alone to avoid bites that could trigger the syndrome.
- We must also offer our dog a safe environment to avoid accidents that could cause trauma.
- Except in specially adapted areas, we must walk them on a leash. In this way we will prevent it from escaping and being hit by something that could trigger the Horner, among other damage.
Since caring for the ears is essential to prevent Horner's syndrome in dogs as much as possible, we recommend reviewing the article "Cleaning a dog's ears step by step" to do it correctly.
