Brachycephalic Ocular Syndrome

Brachycephalic Ocular Syndrome is a term used to describe the condition whereby the eyes of a dog become damaged as a result of their flattened face. There are a number of very popular breeds effected by this condition, including Pugs, French Bulldogs, Pekingese and Shih Tzu. All of these breeds have had their muzzles significantly shortened through selective breeding.

Contents

• Why do their eyes bulge?
• Ulcers, popping eyeballs and infections
• Signs to look out for
• Is it treatable?

Bulging Eyes In Dogs

Many flat faced dogs have what appear to be very large eyes. They give them a very endearing and quite human expression, and a lot of people consider them to be incredibly cute. Unfortunately, this look brings with it some serious issues.

Dogs with bulging eyes look the way that they do, because the depth of the eye socket is too shallow. They might look cute, but the shallow eye sockets which cause them means that the eyes are in danger of some nasty damage.

One of the purposes of a normal eye socket is to protect the eye. It means that everyday knocks and scrapes don’t affect the surface of the eye or the eye itself.

Eye Ulcers In Dogs

In some cases a brachycephalic dog’s eyes bulge so much that the eyelids cannot close completely around them. This causes the surface of the eye to become dry, and prone to infection and eye ulcers.

These conditions are very painful for the dog, and can even result in him losing his sight in the affected eye.

Dogs Eyes Popping Out Of Head

This is a seriously unpleasant mental image to conjure up, but I am sure a far worse one to see in real life. In cases of serious Brachycephalic Ocular Syndrome, dog eyes popping out of their heads is a very real possibility.

Flat faced dogs’ eye problems aren’t just distressing to them, they can be a terrifying experience for their owners. The distress shown by dogs whose eyeballs have popped out suggests that it is an extremely painful experience too.

Eye Infections

Many brachycephalic dogs have a lot of loose skin folds on their face, because the shortened bones of the muzzle are not reflected in the skin. The folds are a problem in and of themselves in terms of dermatitis, but they can also directly affect the dog’s eyes.

The fur on the skin can rub the surface of the eye, causing pain and distress to the dog. Then, because of the structure of the eyelids, the tear ducts of the dog may be blocked and unable to drain properly.

This means a constant dripping from the corner of the eye, which stains the fur and predisposes the dog to infection.

He may also suffer from ingrowing eyelashes and rolling inwards of the eyelids, also causing damage to the eyeball and intense discomfort to the dog.

Symptoms And Signs

Brachycephalic Ocular Syndrome symptoms can include the following:

• weeping or teary eyes
• rapid blinking
• lowered eyelids
• light sensitivity
• discharge
• inflammation
• redness
• eye rubbing

If your dog is from a flat faced breed and shows these signs, then your veterinarian will in all likelihood diagnose brachycephalic ocular syndrome with no need for further testing.

Brachycephalic Ocular Syndrome Treatment

Eye infections in dogs can be treated, but tend to recur. Careful cleaning and monitoring is essential in helping the recurrences to be minimised. Surgery can sometimes be the course of action chosen by a veterinarian.

   

Caring For Dogs With Bulging Eyes

If you already own a flat faced breed of dog, then it is very important that you check their eye health daily. Make sure that there is no discharge around the eyes, and that they look clear and bright.

Clean the eyes using damp cotton wool at least once a day. Remember, one wipe then throw the cotton wool away. Do not do more than one wipe, and make sure you don’t wipe both eyes with the same piece, to avoid spreading any source of infection.

If you are in doubt when it comes to their eye health, seek help from your vet without delay. Have a regular appointment with your veterinarian to have them double check your pup’s eye health too.