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My dog's face is paralyzed, eye sunken, head tilted. What can I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | 80 lbs

I have a 7 yr old pit mastiff mix. One day he suddenly started stumbling to his left side. Took him to the vet the next day. They cleaned his ears out and put medication in them. 2 days later, his left side of his face was paralyzed. Took him back to vet. Put him on prednisone and doxycycline. It is now 8 days later and his eye is sunken in. Head tilt and coordination are better. I am using eye drops 2 times a day. He isn't worse but not much better. Any advice is welcomed and wanted. Thank you

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on July 24th, 2018

I'm so sorry to hear that Tank has developed these problems. It sounds like he may have developed something that affected a number of cranial nerves. The most likely reason for this would be a middle ear infection that has affected the vestibular apparatus as well as the nerves to the face. I am attaching more information about this below.
https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951444
If he has also developed Horner's syndrome ( https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951369 ) that can cause the eye to appear sunken in or the facial nerve paralysis can look worse as the muscle gets smaller. Unfortunately, facial nerve paralysis can be permanent, so if Tank does not regain the use of the left side of his face, he may have to continue using eye drops life-long. Hopefully the facial nerve paralysis will improve along with his head tilt and coordination. The only other suggestion I would have is that I have had some luck with facial nerve paralysis with acupuncture, so that may be an option for Tank.
Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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