Facial nerve paralysis - has anyone's horse been affected?

[sarahl]

Hi There,

Has anyone's horse suffered facial nerve paralysis as a result of damage to the hyoid bone?
My (very fit and able) 24 year old mare (Star) suffered sudden facial nerve paralysis three weeks ago on the left side of her face and has developed a corneal ulcer as she can't yet blink properly. Her blink is improving very slowly, but I just wanted to ask if anyone else had experienced this and how long the recovery period was?
Star was in an equine hospital for 6 days initially, and is getting good care.
I'd be grateful for any insights you would have

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

How did she damage her hyoid bone S? Was it an impact injury? My friend's horse got kicked in the head and his nose bled gallons (well...seemed like it!) He damaged his nasal bones and has a healed bulge on his nose now, plus a permanently watery eye that the vets think is linked to the original trauma. Glad Star is slowly improving but watch that corneal ulcer like a hawk...they can be a nightmare to heal.

 

[vicijp]

I guess youve done it up by the ears?
My horse did it just below the eye, so only his nose/mouth affected.
My physio is sure it will come back 100%, she told me about a case like yours which took 6 months to return to normal.
Physio will help a lot, as will stimulating it by rubbing it all the time. She said there is nothing better for it than riding.

 

[sarahl]

Thanks a lot for your responses

The vet thinks Star somehow hit her head very hard, possibly in the stable the night before. She has no bruising on her face or head but I guess she could have hit her poll maybe when having a little roll in the stable.
The whole left side of her face is affected, including the left ear. I'll make sure to lightly massage her face every day, she has a little feeling in it and has been rubbing it on her foreleg the odd time.
I'm not allowed to ride her until after the bone has healed which could be around Christmas time. We have to go back to get an xray in Dec to check it has healed before starting gentle work again.
The corneal ulcer is quite visible, so I'll keep a close watch on it.
Thanks again for your advice