Enophthalmos (sunken eye) in Dogs
When to visit the vet?
Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days
ORANGE for acute onset, Pain, trauma, accompanying neurological signs (ptosis/miosis/3rd eyelid), Fever, or significant general illness.
Unsure about what’s wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our Symptom Checker for more clarity
Definition
The term “enophthalmos” describes a condition where a dog’s eyeball appears to be retracted deeper into the orbital cavityThe orbital cavity is a bony structure in the skull that surrounds the eye and its adnexa. It protects the eye and provides attachment points for the eye muscles. than normal. This can occur in one or both eyes and is a symptom that can indicate various underlying health problems.
Can Occur with the Following Diseases:
- Cherry Eye (Prolapse of the Nictitating Membrane Gland)
- Horner's Syndrome (Unilateral paralysis of specific eye muscles)
- Ophthalmia Neonatorum (Neonatal Conjunctivitis)
- Vestibular Syndrome (Dysfunction of the Balance Organs in the Ear)
- Collie Eye Anomaly, CEA
- Brachial Plexus Avulsion (Foreleg Injury with Nerve Root Injury)
Basics and possible causes
EnophthalmosEnophthalmos is the sinking back of one or both eyeballs into the orbital cavity. It can be caused by trauma, inflammation, or other diseases. can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from physical to neurological causes. One of the most common causes is the loss of fatty tissue behind the eyeball, which normally serves as a cushion. This can happen due to aging or sudden Weight loss.
Another possible cause is dehydrationDehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to a number of problems, including headaches, Dizziness, and in extreme cases, renal failure or Cardiovascular collapse., which causes the tissue around the eyeball to lose volume. DehydrationDehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to a number of problems, including headaches, Dizziness, and in extreme cases, renal failure or Cardiovascular collapse. often occurs in dogs with insufficient fluid intake or those with excessive Fluid loss (dehydrationDehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to a number of problems, including headaches, Dizziness, and in extreme cases, renal failure or Cardiovascular collapse.), for example, due to Vomiting or DiarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems..
EnophthalmosEnophthalmos is the sinking back of one or both eyeballs into the orbital cavity. It can be caused by trauma, inflammation, or other diseases. can also be a sign of a neurological disorder, especially if the sympatheticIn medicine, sympathetic refers to the sympathetic nervous system, a part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for "fight or flight" responses by increasing heart rate and blood pressure, among other things. nerve that controls the muscles around the eye is affected. A well-known neurological condition that causes enophthalmosEnophthalmos is the sinking back of one or both eyeballs into the orbital cavity. It can be caused by trauma, inflammation, or other diseases. is Horner’s syndromeA syndrome is a group of symptoms that occur together and indicate a specific disease or condition. A syndrome can be caused by various factors and is often complex in its diagnosis and treatment., which is characterized by a dysfunctionDysfunction refers to an impaired or abnormal function of an organ or system in the body. This can be due to diseases, disorders, or damage and can affect the quality of life. of the nervous system.
Traumatic injuries to the head or facial area can also lead to enophthalmosEnophthalmos is the sinking back of one or both eyeballs into the orbital cavity. It can be caused by trauma, inflammation, or other diseases., as they cause Swelling or bruising that pushes the eyeball into the orbital cavityThe orbital cavity is a bony structure in the skull that surrounds the eye and its adnexa. It protects the eye and provides attachment points for the eye muscles.. Infections or inflammatory processes near the orbital cavityThe orbital cavity is a bony structure in the skull that surrounds the eye and its adnexa. It protects the eye and provides attachment points for the eye muscles., such as sinusitis or Abscesses, are other possible causes.
In rarer cases, a tumorA tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue that can be benign or malignant. Tumors can develop in any part of the body and affect various functions. in or around the orbital cavityThe orbital cavity is a bony structure in the skull that surrounds the eye and its adnexa. It protects the eye and provides attachment points for the eye muscles. can push the eyeball backward. Certain systemic diseases, such as severe proteinProteins are large molecules made up of amino acids and play an essential role in almost all biological processes. They are necessary for building body tissue, the function of the immune system, and as enzymes for metabolic reactions. deficiencyDeficiency means a lack or absence of a necessary substance required for normal bodily functions or health, such as vitamins, minerals, or hormones. or muscle wasting due to chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. illness, can also lead to a sunken eyeball.
Typical accompanying symptoms
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Inward rolling of the third eyelid: Often the third eyelid, also called the nictitating membraneThe nictitating membrane, also called the third eyelid, is a protective membrane in the inner corner of the eye in dogs and cats. It provides additional protection and moistening of the eye., appears partially or completely rolled over the eye when the eyeball is sunken.
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Reduced reaction to light: Dogs with enophthalmosEnophthalmos is the sinking back of one or both eyeballs into the orbital cavity. It can be caused by trauma, inflammation, or other diseases. may show a decreased pupillary response to light, especially if there is a neurological cause.
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Changes in eye movement: The dog may have difficulty moving the affected eye, or there may be uneven movement compared to the other eye.
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Change in eye size: The affected eyeball may appear smaller compared to the other eye, which is due to its position in the orbital cavityThe orbital cavity is a bony structure in the skull that surrounds the eye and its adnexa. It protects the eye and provides attachment points for the eye muscles..
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General signs of discomfort: These include apathyApathy refers to a state of indifference and reduced interest or lack of emotional involvement in activities or events that would normally arouse interest., loss of appetite, or Behavioral changes that may indicate Pain or discomfort.
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Watery eyes: Due to the altered position of the eyeball, there may be increased tear flow.
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Swelling or redness: An inflammation or infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. can affect the surrounding tissue and lead to visible changes.
When to see a vet?
A veterinarian should be consulted immediately if enophthalmosEnophthalmos is the sinking back of one or both eyeballs into the orbital cavity. It can be caused by trauma, inflammation, or other diseases. occurs suddenly or if it is accompanied by other noticeable symptoms, such as severe Pain, Swelling, or a deterioration in the dog’s general condition.
A veterinary visit is also necessary if the affected eye shows signs of infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease., such as pus or severe redness. These symptoms could indicate a serious condition that requires immediate treatment.
If a neurological cause is suspected, especially if other neurological symptoms such as a head tilt or Balance disorders occur, the dog should be examined as soon as possible.
Symptom recognition for the pet owner and veterinary diagnostic procedure
As a pet owner, it is important to watch for changes in your dog’s appearance and behavior. A sunken eyeball is often easy to recognize when it occurs along with other symptoms like the protrusion of the third eyelid.
The veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination and may order specific tests to determine the cause of the enophthalmosEnophthalmos is the sinking back of one or both eyeballs into the orbital cavity. It can be caused by trauma, inflammation, or other diseases.. This may include blood tests to rule out systemic diseases, imaging techniques such as X-rayX-ray is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to create images of the inside of the body. It is often used to diagnose bone fractures, lung diseases, and other conditions. or ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. to examine the orbital cavityThe orbital cavity is a bony structure in the skull that surrounds the eye and its adnexa. It protects the eye and provides attachment points for the eye muscles. and surrounding structures, as well as neurological tests to check nerve function.
In some cases, a referral to a specialized veterinary ophthalmologist may be necessary to make a definitive diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and discuss complex treatment options.
What the pet owner can do and professional therapy options
As a pet owner, you can take some measures to improve your dog’s well-being until the veterinary appointment. Make sure your dog has access to fresh water to avoid dehydrationDehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to a number of problems, including headaches, Dizziness, and in extreme cases, renal failure or Cardiovascular collapse., especially if this is being considered as a possible cause.
Avoid touching or manipulating the affected area, as this could cause Pain or worsen the condition. Ensure your dog stays in a stress-free and comfortable environment to avoid additional stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being..
If your dog shows signs of Pain, you should not give Pain relievers without consulting your veterinarian, as some medications are not suitable for dogs and can do more harm than good.
Prepare for the vet visit by noting when the symptoms first appeared, if they have changed, and if other symptoms were observed, to provide the veterinarian with the most accurate information possible. This can facilitate and speed up the diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients..
Outlook on current research
Enophthalmos, the sinking of the eyeball into the orbital cavityThe orbital cavity is a bony structure in the skull that surrounds the eye and its adnexa. It protects the eye and provides attachment points for the eye muscles., is a symptom that can indicate various health problems in dogs. Current research approaches focus on understanding the exact mechanisms that lead to this symptom. This involves investigating how structural changes in the orbital cavityThe orbital cavity is a bony structure in the skull that surrounds the eye and its adnexa. It protects the eye and provides attachment points for the eye muscles. or neurological disorders can affect the eyeball. Scientists use imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT)Computed tomography (CT) is an imaging technique that uses X-rays and computer technology to create cross-sectional images of the body. It enables a detailed view of bones, organs, and other structures and is used for the diagnosis of injuries, diseases, and for planning medical interventions. and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)Magnetic resonance imaging is an imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. It is used in veterinary medicine to diagnose diseases of the brain, spine, and other organs. to analyze the anatomical conditions in detail. These technologies help identify subtle changes that are not visible to the naked eye and provide valuable insights into the pathophysiologyPathophysiology deals with the changes in physiological processes caused by diseases or injuries. It examines how these changes lead to the symptoms and signs of a disease. of enophthalmos.
Another aspect of current research is the genetic predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases. for enophthalmosEnophthalmos is the sinking back of one or both eyeballs into the orbital cavity. It can be caused by trauma, inflammation, or other diseases. in certain dog breeds. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are used to identify genetic markers that correlate with the occurrence of this symptom. In the future, these studies could help optimize breeding programs to minimize the risk of enophthalmosEnophthalmos is the sinking back of one or both eyeballs into the orbital cavity. It can be caused by trauma, inflammation, or other diseases. in susceptible breeds.
Additionally, the role of systemic diseases that could influence enophthalmosEnophthalmos is the sinking back of one or both eyeballs into the orbital cavity. It can be caused by trauma, inflammation, or other diseases. is being intensively researched. Diseases such as Horner’s syndromeA syndrome is a group of symptoms that occur together and indicate a specific disease or condition. A syndrome can be caused by various factors and is often complex in its diagnosis and treatment., involving a disorder of the sympathetic nervous systemThe sympathetic nervous system is part of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates unconscious bodily functions. It triggers the "fight-or-flight" response and affects heart rate, blood pressure, and energy supply in dogs and cats., are a primaryPrimary refers to the first or original cause of a disease or condition, as opposed to secondary causes or symptoms that develop from it. focus. Researchers are investigating how these diseases affect the nerves and muscles responsible for the position of the eyeball. Veterinarians work closely with neurologists and ophthalmologists to develop interdisciplinary treatment approaches targeting the specific causes of enophthalmosEnophthalmos is the sinking back of one or both eyeballs into the orbital cavity. It can be caused by trauma, inflammation, or other diseases. in dogs.
Another branch of research is dedicated to developing new therapeutic approaches. Medical professionals are testing various medications that can reduce Inflammatory conditions or improve blood flow in the affected areas. Surgical techniques are also being further developed to correct structural anomalies in the orbital cavityThe orbital cavity is a bony structure in the skull that surrounds the eye and its adnexa. It protects the eye and provides attachment points for the eye muscles.. The goal is to create individually tailored treatment plans that improve the quality of life for affected dogs.
Research on enophthalmosEnophthalmos is the sinking back of one or both eyeballs into the orbital cavity. It can be caused by trauma, inflammation, or other diseases. in dogs is a dynamic field that constantly provides new insights. By combining technology, geneticsGenetics is the science of genes, heredity, and the variation of organisms. It studies how genetic information is passed from generation to generation and how it influences the development, appearance, and behavior of living things., and clinical practice, scientists hope to significantly improve the diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and treatment of this symptom in the coming years.