The Case of the Proptosed Eye

By Sandra Brautigam

What is Proptosis?

• Proptosis is when the eye (globe) moves forward out of its orbit– Also called eye luxation or

displacement

• This causes lots of swelling and bleeding – Often very painful

MRI of Proptosis

• This view is as if you are looking down on the top of the head

• The left eye is much farther forward than the right in this image.

• This one is caused by a tumor in the brain of a human

Causes of Proptosis

• Trauma–Most common cause in dogs and cats

• Hit By Car• Dog fight

• Brachycephalic Breeds are predisposed–Dogs with short noses

• Pugs, Boston Terriers, Pekignese

Treatment Plan

• Pain medications as this can be quite painful

• Keep the eye moist so it wouldn’t dry out

• Anesthetize the patient to see how much damage there is to the eye

Surgery• Used to analyze the degree of

damage– Either can be returned to its orbit– Or if too damaged it may need to

be completely removed (enucleation)

• The eyelids are then sutured shut to help prevent infection and to promote healing

• The patient is sent home with some more pain medications and antibiotics

Possible Complications

• Could lose vision in that eye– 40-60% of patients recover vision and depends on the

severity

• Could get an infection• Could get glaucoma

• These all depend on the severity of the proptosis

Works Cited

• Kahn, C. M. (2010). The Merck veterinary manual (10th ed.). Whitehouse Station, N.J.: Merck & Co..

• Tilley, L. P. (2011). Blackwell's five-minute veterinary consult (5th ed.). Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell.

Special Thank You to

Iowa Veterinary Specialties’ Doctors and Staff

For being wonderful mentors