Horner’s Syndrome in Dogs: How One Golden Retriever’s Sudden Eye Issue Led to a Rare Diagnosis
We’ll never get tired of emphasizing how important it is to closely monitor your dog. Doing so will enable you to quickly notice anything abnormal about their health and seek veterinary help promptly.
This was the case of Tobi, a Golden Retriever who one day woke up with sunken eyes characterized by droopy upper eyelids. He had also developed redness in both eyes. At first, Tobi’s owner assumed his lovely Goldie simply had eye irritation. Still, he opted to monitor him throughout the day for any changes. What he observed led to an uninterrupted night trip to the vet.
@tobithegoldenretriever It took me so much courage to share this with you. We’re sharing this for awareness of everyone. Tobi is very much okay and normal now. Hope this will help all our fur parents out there.🙏🏻
♬ A warm piano instrumental ballad(808701) – NOPPO MUSIC
“It comes and goes, like for 30 minutes his eyes will go back to normal, then after 30 minutes, it will become like that again. He had this for 7x that day,” Tobi’s owner captioned in a TikTok video.
Then came the shocking diagnosis…
Tobi was suffering from Horner’s syndrome, nothing close to what his owner thought. Thankfully, he received the necessary treatment — which included special eyedrops and antibiotics — and the condition eventually resolved, never to recur again.
“We’re posting this for awareness and to remind all the fur parents to always monitor your pets…more than anyone else, you know your pets well, so you know what’s normal and what’s not,” reads part of the text layered over the clip.
What Is Horner’s Syndrome in Dogs?
Horner’s syndrome is a rare condition resulting from the malfunctioning of the sympathetic nervous system. When it comes to the eyes, the sympathetic nervous system controls the proper functioning of a dog’s eye muscles, pupils, and other surrounding parts.
“Horner’s Syndrome is where there is an interruption to the sympathetic supply of the eye. The sympathetic nerves dilate the pupil, elevate the upper eyelid, retract the lower eyelid, and retract the third eyelid,” explained veterinarian Dr Clare Rusbridge of NeuroVet Clare in a YouTube video.
In most cases, the root cause of Horner’s syndrome in dogs is unknown (idiopathic). It can simply occur out of the blue without an identifiable cause. In other cases, secondary factors such as tumors, severe ear infections, or injuries to the eyes, spine, neck, or head can affect the sympathetic nerves, triggering Horner’s Syndrome.
Usually, this condition isn’t painful or life-threatening unless there’s an underlying injury or medical condition involved. According to experts from Highcroft Veterinary Group, Horner’s Syndrome is more prevalent in Golden Retrievers than in any other breed.
Horner’s Syndrome is typically associated with four main symptoms:
- Constricted pupils
- Droopy upper eyelids
- Protruding of the third eyelid (the pink membrane inside the lower eyelids)
- Sunken eyeballs
Diagnosis & Treatment of Horner’s Syndrome
The diagnosis of Horner’s Syndrome often involves a clinical examination of the symptoms. Additional tests such as X-rays, blood tests, and CT scans may be carried out to rule out any serious underlying injury or medical condition. It’s not uncommon for Horner’s Syndrome to resolve on its own, particularly when the root cause can’t be identified.
If there’s an underlying cause for the syndrome, the treatment approach will be geared toward addressing it so that normal nerve function is restored.
Horner’s Syndrome in Dogs FAQs
What role does the autonomic nervous system play in Horner’s Syndrome in dogs?
The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary functions like pupil dilation and facial sweating. Horner’s Syndrome occurs when there is a disruption in the sympathetic branch of this system, leading to specific symptoms on the affected side of the face.
How is the sympathetic nervous system related to Horner’s Syndrome in dogs?
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for controlling the dilation of pupils and other responses to stress. Damage to the sympathetic nerves can disrupt these functions, resulting in symptoms such as a constricted pupil and drooping eyelid in the affected eye.
Can sympathetic nerves be repaired if damaged in a dog with Horner’s Syndrome?
Recovery of the sympathetic nerves depends on the severity of the damage. Mild cases may resolve on their own, while severe nerve damage might require medical intervention and could result in permanent symptoms.
Can ear infections lead to Horner’s Syndrome in dogs?
Yes, ear infections, especially middle ear infections, can lead to Horner’s Syndrome by causing inflammation or damage to the sympathetic nerves located near the ear.
What symptoms appear on the affected side of a dog’s face in Horner’s Syndrome?
Symptoms on the affected side include a drooping eyelid (ptosis), constricted pupil (miosis), a recessed eyeball (enophthalmos), and decreased tear production.
How does a constricted pupil help in diagnosing Horner’s Syndrome in dogs?
A constricted pupil in one eye, compared to the other, is a hallmark sign of Horner’s Syndrome. It indicates dysfunction of the sympathetic nerves responsible for dilating the pupils.
Can Horner’s Syndrome affect the side of the face opposite the damaged nerve?
No, Horner’s Syndrome symptoms always appear on the same side as the nerve damage because the affected sympathetic nerves directly serve that side of the face.
Are phenylephrine drops used to treat or diagnose Horner’s Syndrome in dogs?
Phenylephrine drops are used diagnostically to confirm Horner’s Syndrome. When applied to the affected eye, these drops can dilate the pupils if the damage is localized to a specific part of the sympathetic nerve pathway.
Can a middle ear infection lead to Horner’s Syndrome in dogs?
Yes, middle ear infections can damage the sympathetic nerves located near the ear, potentially leading to Horner’s Syndrome.
Is Horner’s Syndrome life-threatening for dogs?
Horner’s Syndrome itself is not life-threatening. However, underlying causes, such as ear infections or carotid artery dissections, may require prompt medical attention to ensure the dog’s overall health.
