Neurological Disturbances

Canine ear consists of external pinna, external ear canal, middle ear and inner ear. External ear with its cartilage structure catches the sound while middle ear through its three unique ossicle structures and tympanic membrane transmits the wave to internal ear. The bony labyrinth and associated structures of inner ear along with different nerve innervations in inner and middle ear acts as sensory organ for hearing and balance. The complex nerve structure which passes part of its course through middle or internal ear structures also innervates the surrounding facial, lip, ear, nose, eye, neck regions. Thus, a little obstacle or infection (otitis media or interna) in middle or inner ear affects the nerve function and creates different muscular or nueurogenic abnormality presented through different clinical symptoms. Among various canine ear problems, the most common vestibular diseases (peripheral and central), namely horner’s syndrome, hemifacial spasm, deafness, facial nerve paralysis are discussed briefly in this chapter. 

Keywords: Cranial nerves, Facial paralysis, Horner’s syndrome, Otitis media, Vestibular disease.