Overview of Canine Enophthalmos

Enophthalmus is a displacement of the eyeball backwards into the orbit. This can be seen in dogs and depending on the underlying cause, different ages and breeds are affected. Some dog owners refer to exophthalmus as a “sunken eye”. In some dogs, the eye abnormal eye will appear smaller. 

General Causes of Enophthalmos in Dogs

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 of Enophthalmos in Dogs

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 of Enophthalmos in Dogs

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.