Section: Overview
Enophthalmus is a displacement of the eyeball backwards into the orbit. This can be seen in both dogs and cats and, depending on the underlying cause, different ages and breeds are affected.
General Causes
Ocular (eye) pain
Eyelid irritation, foreign body, corneal ulceration
Microphthalmia – congenitally small globe/eyeball)
Phthisis bulbi – irreversible ocular damage resulting in shrinkage of the eye)
Collapsed globe
Horner's syndrome – loss of a part of the innervation to the eye)
Dehydration
Loss of orbital fat or muscle
Conformational (normal anatomy) in long-nosed (dolichocephalic) breeds
What to Watch For
Drooping of the upper eyelid
Third eyelid protrusion
Extraocular (outside or surrounding the eye) muscle atrophy
Entropion (turning inward of the eyelid margin)
Diagnosis
A thorough ocular evaluation is of paramount importance. Additional tests include:
Complete blood cell count (CBC)
Biochemical profile
Urinalysis
Fluorescein evaluation of the cornea and thorough evaluation of the entire globe
Thoracic (chest) +/- cervical (neck) radiographs (X-rays) in cases of Horner's syndrome
Treatment
Depending on the underlying cause, specific therapy may be indicated:
Intravenous fluid therapy and support may be indicated in patients that are dehydrated due to an inability to eat and drink
Elizabethan collar to discourage additional self trauma
Treat corneal ulceration if present
Assess patients recent weight history and address if marked recent weight loss
Hot packing the eye if associated eyelid inflammation is present
Home Care and Prevention
Administer all medication as directed by your veterinarian and return for follow up.
Due to the many causes of enophthalmus, there is no specific preventative care.
Related Articles
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Protrusion of Third Eyelid in Dogs
Protrusion, prolapse or elevation of the third eyelid refers to the abnormal elevation of the smooth inner eyelid located between the cornea and the inside corner of the eyelids. It is a common symptom...
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2
Entropion in Dogs
Entropion is defined as inward rolling or turning of the eyelid edges. This is a common eye problem, most commonly affecting the lower eyelids, and can be present at birth or acquired later in life.
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