Bulging eyes can cause dogs injury

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By Dr. John Koch

Question: I have a Pekinese that I take on walks around the neighborhood with me. The other day I stopped to talk with someone who moved in down the street, and she cautioned me that I might want to rethink using a collar on our walks. She explained that she once knew someone who had a Pekinese that used a collar while going on walks. One day the dog lunged to chase a cat. The sudden pressure of the collar against the dog's neck caused its eyes to pop out. Can that actually happen?

Answer: Yes, it is possible. All the breeds that have punched in or flat noses, such as Pekinese, Pugs, Boston terriers, etc., have shallow eye sockets and bulging eyes. This condition makes these eyes susceptible to trauma and injury. Lunging against a collar or even picking the animal up by the scruff of the neck can significantly increase the pressure behind these protuberant eyes and cause them to dislodge. It would be far better to use a harness to walk such dogs.

Dogs that have short noses are called brachycephalic breeds. Their eyes should be watched carefully throughout their lives. They are more likely to be injured by being scratching, bumped, rubbed or irritated. Facial hair that grows down into the eyes causes irritation leading to scar tissue forming on the clear portion of the eye. Constant extra exposure to dirt and dust causes irritation. Eyelids that do not fit tightly against the eye or eyelashes that turn into the eye are all problems more commonly seen in these breeds. Blindness is unfortunately a common sequel to the irritation and extra wear and tear suffered by these bulging eyes.

Veterinarians are familiar with these problems in brachycephalic breeds. Careful examination of the eyes is an important part of the yearly physical. In some instances surgery may help prevent problems. Surgically tightening the eyelids, removal of damaging eyelashes or removal of nasal folds that cause facial hair to rub against the eyes are some examples of help that may be suggested in certain patients.

Dr. Koch is a Cape Girardeau veterinarian.