Shih Tzu Eyes Pop Out: A Guide to Diagnosis and Home Care

Shih Tzus are prone to eye problems due to their flat face and large eyes, which can make them more susceptible to proptosis, or eyes bulging out of their sockets.

A common cause of proptosis in Shih Tzus is a condition called entropion, where the eyelid rolls inward and irritates the eye.

Shih Tzus are also at risk for ectropion, where the eyelid sags and exposes the eye to the environment.

In some cases, proptosis can be caused by a blow to the face or a fall.

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Shih Tzus are prone to eye problems, and one of the most alarming symptoms is when their eyes pop out. This can be caused by trauma or injury, such as a fight with a larger dog or a blunt blow to the face.

Other causes of bulging eyes in Shih Tzus include shallow eye sockets, which are more common in brachycephalic breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs. These breeds have squished-in faces and shallow eye sockets, making them more susceptible to eye problems.

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Shih Tzus are also more likely to experience cherry eye, a condition where the gland in the third eyelid becomes inflamed and bulges out. This can be caused by a weak attachment between the gland and the lower rim of the eye socket, and it's a common issue in breeds with shallow eye sockets.

Some breeds that are more likely to suffer from third eyelid prolapse include Beagles, Bloodhounds, Boston Terriers, Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, Lhasa Apsos, Poodles, Shih Tzus, and Pugs.

Here's a list of potential causes of bulging eyes in Shih Tzus:

If you notice your Shih Tzu's eye is bulging or hanging out of the socket, it's essential to seek veterinary attention immediately to prevent further injury and preserve their eye health.

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Cherry eye is a condition that can affect dogs, causing a prolapsed gland in the third eyelid to become red and swollen. This is a common issue in certain breeds.

Some dog breeds are more prone to cherry eye than others. These include Beagles, Bloodhounds, Boston Terriers, Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, Lhasa Apsos, Poodles, Shih Tzus, and Pugs.

A weak attachment between the gland and the lower rim of the eye socket can cause the gland to rupture and protrude from the inner corner of the eye. This is a likely cause of cherry eye.

Cherry eye can look like trauma due to its red and swollen appearance, but it's not as painful as it looks. However, it still requires immediate veterinary attention.

The symptoms of cherry eye are quite noticeable. The inflamed tissue in the corner of the lower eyelid is often the first sign.

Eye bulging in dogs can be caused by trauma or injury, which can happen suddenly or as a result of a fight with another dog. This is especially true for small breed dogs that are grabbed by the scruff of the neck during a fight.

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Shallow eye sockets are a common cause of eye bulging in dogs, particularly in breeds with smushed faces like pugs and shih-tzus.

Overexertion or excessive pressure on the head can also cause eye bulging in dogs.

Underlying medical conditions can also lead to eye bulging in dogs.

Some breeds, such as beagles, bloodhounds, and bulldogs, are more prone to eye bulging due to their shallow eye sockets and brachycephalic features.

Causes of eye bulging in dogs can be categorized into:

These causes can lead to serious consequences, including blindness, if left untreated.

Diagnosis of Shih Tzu eye proptosis requires a thorough physical examination, focusing on the face and eye area. The veterinarian will look for signs of injury, such as cuts, scratches, or abrasions on the surface of the eye.

A complete physical examination is crucial, especially in dogs with a history of head trauma, as it may reveal other serious complications. In severe cases, the muscles of the eye may be torn, causing the eye to deviate outward or be attached by only a few thin strands of tissue.

The veterinarian may perform various tests, including staining of the cornea to detect any damage, examination of the interior of the eye for bleeding or inflammation, and examination of the muscles, skin, and nerves attached to the proptosed eye.

Here are the steps the veterinarian may take to diagnose eye proptosis:

The veterinarian may also perform other tests, such as skull x-rays and chest x-rays, a complete blood count, and a serum chemistry panel, to evaluate the condition of the dog.

Diagnosis is a crucial step in treating proptosis in dogs. A thorough physical examination is necessary to determine the extent of the injury.

The veterinarian will examine the eye to determine the extent of the injury, which will help determine the course of treatment. This examination can reveal cuts, scratches, or abrasions on the surface of the eye.

A staining of the cornea, the superficial clear layer of the eye, may be performed to detect any damage. This is a quick and simple test that can provide valuable information.

The veterinarian may also examine the interior of the eye for bleeding or inflammation in the front chamber of the eye. In severe cases, the interior of the eye may not be visible due to significant bleeding.

If the muscles surrounding the eye are severely damaged or if the optic nerve behind the eye is torn, removal of the eye may be recommended. This is a serious decision that requires careful consideration.

Here are some common tests that may be performed to diagnose proptosis in dogs:

In some cases, the veterinarian may perform additional tests such as skull x-rays and chest x-rays to evaluate the condition of the dog. A complete blood count and serum chemistry panel may also be suggested to evaluate the condition of the dog.

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Treatment for eye problems in dogs can vary depending on the severity of the issue. Replacing the eye and allowing it to heal is the preferred treatment for dogs with eye proptosis, unless the eye is severely damaged.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the eye. If the optic nerve is torn or the eyeball is attached by only a small amount of tissue, enucleation is the preferred treatment.

For cherry eye, a surgical procedure called the mucosal pocket technique is often used to repair the gland of the third eyelid. This involves making a small pocket in the corner of the eye and relocating the exposed gland inside.

General anesthesia is usually necessary for these types of surgeries, as the eye is a delicate area. After the surgery, your pet may be given pain medicine, antibiotics, and eye drops or ointment to manage discomfort and reduce the risk of infection.

Here are some common treatments for eye problems in dogs:

It's essential to follow your veterinarian's instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery and minimize the risk of complications.

After your Shih Tzu's eye has been treated, it's essential to keep a close eye on their recovery. Your veterinarian will prescribe medications to apply to the eye, and it's crucial to follow their instructions carefully. Apply all ointments and antibiotics as prescribed, and pay special attention to the sutures (if present).

It's also vital to monitor your dog's overall health, looking for signs of infection, such as bleeding, discharge, or swelling. Check their temperature regularly to spot a fever, and notify your vet immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. Follow your vet's orders, and don't miss the follow-up visit to examine your dog's progress or remove the sutures.

Here's a quick checklist to help you keep track of your dog's home care:

Remember, preventing proptosed eyes is key, and keeping your dog confined can significantly reduce the chance of this type of trauma. If your Shih Tzu is prone to proptosing their eyes, discuss with your vet the possibility of a surgical procedure to make the eyelid opening smaller.

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You'll need to keep a close eye on your dog's eye after treatment, watching for signs of swelling, bleeding, or infected discharge. This can be a big adjustment for both you and your dog.

Keep the Elizabethan collar on at all times, unless you're supervising your dog, to prevent them from pawing or rubbing at the sutured eye.

Examine the eyelids daily, looking for signs of trouble. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, notify your veterinarian right away.

Apply medications to the eye as prescribed by your vet, and be sure to let them know if you're having trouble giving any medications.

Home care for a recovering dog is crucial for a smooth and successful recovery. Your dog will likely have to wear an Elizabethan collar, also known as a cone of shame, to prevent pawing or rubbing at the affected eye.

This collar should be kept on at all times, unless you can provide direct supervision to ensure your dog doesn't touch the eye. It's essential to follow your veterinarian's instructions for the duration of the recovery period.

To prevent infection, apply medications to the eye as prescribed, and watch for signs of swelling, bleeding, or yellow-green discharge. If you notice any of these symptoms, notify your veterinarian immediately.

Monitor your dog's temperature to spot a fever, and call your vet if a fever is present. Follow your vet's orders and don't miss follow-up visits to examine your dog's progress or remove sutures.

Here's a list of home care instructions to keep in mind:

Remember, every dog is different, and your veterinarian may have specific instructions tailored to your dog's needs. Be sure to follow their guidance to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.