cocker spaniel having eye problems?

Question

My cocker spaniel is 4 years old and over the last few months has been having problems. First the upper left top of her head started looking like the muscle was deteriating.  We took her to the vet and he said he had seen this in several dogs this year and gave us some pills for her to take.  The deterioration seemed to stop but her eye on that side started looking funny.  The second eyelid was always down. Not the red one but the clear one.  Now she can't see out of that eye and it doesn't blink.  We took her back the the vet and he didn't have much to say.  He said it wasn't life threatening.  Now her head stays twisted so it looks like she is going to bread her neck.  Any ideas. Thank you

Vikki · Accepted Answer

She could have paralysis of the nerve supplying the eyelid, and also to the muscle on her head. When a nerve supplying a muscle stops working, the muscle starts to waste. Sometimes this is due to damage to the nerve, or sometimes a virus or tumour. 
If you are not happy with your vet's opinion, you can go to another vet for a second opinion, however be aware that the second vet will need to get a copy of your dog's medical records in order to give you the best opinion and treatment.
She could also have something called Horner's syndrome, which can be related to inner ear problems, or a brain lesion. although the problem is distressing for you to see, your vet is probably correct in that it does not appear to be life threatening, however that does not mean your dog is not suffering some discomfort.

I would ask for more information from your vet, and perhaps ask for referral for second opinion to a specialist opthalmologist or neurologist.

Vikki Halliday BVMS MRCVS
Veterinary Director,
Companion Care Stirling

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cocker spaniel having eye problems?

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