Cranial nerves in dogs are vital pathways that connect the brain to various muscles, sensory organs, and glands. Each nerve has specific functions, including controlling eye movements (oculomotor, trochlear, abducent), facial expressions (facial), taste (facial, glossopharyngeal), hearing and balance (vestibulocochlear), and bodily functions (vagus). Damage or dysfunction of these nerves can lead to a wide range of clinical signs, including vision problems, difficulty swallowing, and neurological deficits. Understanding cranial nerve anatomy and function is crucial for diagnosing and treating neurologic disorders in dogs.
