Equine Bell's Palsy

Bell's palsy is a disorder found in humans causing paralysis on one side of the face. The condition occurs when the facial nerve stops functioning, leading to sudden facial weakness. Horses do not get Bell's Palsy, but other conditions mimic the disorder. Facial paralysis in horses may move to other areas of the body, including the hind quarters and organs. If your horse shows signs of facial paralysis, it's important to seek urgent veterinary care.

  1. Conditions and Diseases That Cause Equine Facial Paralysis

    • Bilateral temporohyoid osteoarthropathy, equine protozoal myeloencephalitis and hyperkalemic periodic paralysis all include facial paralysis as a possible symptom. Left untreated, the conditions may spread to other areas of the body; or cause your horse's death. It's important to understand what causes these diseases and understand the symptoms. In many cases, early treatment leads to a full recovery.

    Bilateral Temporohyoid Osteoarthropathy

    • Bilateral temporohyoid osteoarthropathy occurs when some of the facial bones develop bony growths that put pressure on facial nerves. Horses with this disease frequently shake their head, rub their ear on solid surfaces and resist having a bit put in their mouth. The only way to diagnose this condition is by taking x-rays of the temporohyoid joint and stylohyoid bone.

    Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis

    • Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis is a disease caused by parasite found in contaminated water or horse feed. The parasite spreads through the fecal matter of certain mammals; like opossums, raccoons and striped skunks. The parasite attacks the neurological system causing a variety of symptoms -- ranging from facial paralysis or head tilting -- to depression and seizures.

    Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis

    • Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis targets specific horse breeds; such as American painted, appaloosas and quarter horses. The condition passes down from parent to child and is typically diagnosed before the age of three. Symptoms include prolapsed third eyelids, facial paralysis, muscle weakness and a staggered gait.

    Facial Paralysis Caused by Injury or Trauma

    • Injury to a horse's face may also lead to facial paralysis. Bridles or halters with an improper fit put pressure on facial nerves causing temporary paralysis. Injury to a horse's head or neck also cause facial paralysis. These forms of paralysis clear up over time. It's important to make sure there are no torn muscles or bone fractures, if the horse suffered a blow to the head or neck.

    Prevention of Facial Paralysis

    • Certain causes of facial paralysis are easily prevented. On icy days, leave your horse in his stable to reduce the risk of slipping and falling. Check the pasture areas regularly for holes or other obstacles that may cause a horse to trip.

      Make sure your horse drinks from a clean water source that other animals cannot access. If your horse does drink from a pond or river, have the water tested regularly for bacteria and fecal contamination -- or fence off the area -- to prevent the horse from accessing that water source.

      Before breeding horses, check the dam and sire for genetic conditions like Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis. Feeding these animals a diet low in potassium is recommended.