What to Do If Your Pug’s Eyes Pop Out (Proptosis)

Pugs, with their adorable pushed-in faces and prominent eyes, are unfortunately prone to a condition called proptosis, where one or both eyeballs pop out of their sockets. This is a serious veterinary emergency requiring immediate attention. Delaying treatment can lead to permanent vision loss or even the loss of the eye itself.

Recognizing Proptosis

Proptosis is visually alarming. You’ll see the eyeball bulging significantly out of its socket. Other signs may include:

• Visible third eyelid (nictitating membrane) protruding.
• Swelling and redness around the eye.
• Inability to blink.
• Excessive tearing or discharge.
• Pain and discomfort (your pug may paw at its face).

Immediate Actions – What to Do Right Away

1. Stay Calm: While it’s undoubtedly distressing, try to remain calm to help your pug stay as relaxed as possible. Your panic can transfer to your dog.
2. Prevent Further Injury: Immediately prevent your dog from pawing at the affected eye. An Elizabethan collar (“cone of shame”) is ideal, but if you don’t have one, gently restrain your dog’s paws.
3. Keep the Eye Moist: The most crucial step is to keep the exposed cornea moist. A dry cornea can quickly become damaged, leading to ulcers and complications. Use the following:
   • Lubricant: If you have artificial tears (over-the-counter eye lubricant) on hand, apply them generously and frequently.
   • Clean Water or Saline: If you don’t have artificial tears, use clean, lukewarm water or, even better, sterile saline solution (like contact lens solution without preservatives) to irrigate the eye.
4. Wrap and Protect (Optional, If You Can Do So Safely): If possible and without causing further stress to your dog, gently cover the eye with a clean, moist cloth or gauze. This will help protect it from further trauma and keep it hydrated. Don’t apply pressure.
5. Transport Immediately to a Vet: This is absolutely non-negotiable. Go to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic immediately. Call ahead if possible to let them know you’re on your way and the nature of the emergency. This allows them to prepare.

What NOT to Do

• Do not attempt to push the eye back in. This can cause further damage to the eye and surrounding structures.
• Do not use any medications other than lubricant or saline solution unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian.
• Do not delay seeking veterinary care. Time is of the essence.

Veterinary Treatment

The veterinarian will examine your pug and determine the best course of action. Treatment typically involves:

• Anesthesia: Your pug will be anesthetized to allow for a thorough examination and treatment.
• Repositioning the Eye: The veterinarian will carefully attempt to reposition the eyeball back into its socket.
• Temporary Tarsorrhaphy: The eyelids may be temporarily stitched together (tarsorrhaphy) to protect the eye and allow the tissues to heal.
• Medication: Antibiotics (to prevent infection), pain medication, and anti-inflammatory drugs will likely be prescribed.
• Monitoring: Close monitoring is necessary to assess the eye’s healing and vision.

In severe cases, if the eye is severely damaged or cannot be saved, enucleation (surgical removal of the eye) may be necessary. While this is a difficult decision, it’s often the best option to relieve pain and prevent further complications.

Preventing proptosis is difficult due to the breed’s conformation. However, avoiding situations where your pug could experience trauma to the head and face is essential. Remember, quick action is critical in saving your pug’s eye and vision. Know the location of your nearest emergency veterinary clinic and don’t hesitate to seek immediate professional help.

770×514 pugs eyes pop zooawesome from zooawesome.com

1024×1024 pug eyes pop kooky pugs from kookypugs.com

950×476 pugs eyes pop avoid proptosis from blackpugsite.com