Eye Prolapse in Dogs: What to Do If Your Dog’s Eye Pops Out (Reign’s Story)
At Cascade Veterinary Clinics, we recently treated Reign, a 5-year-old Yorkshire Terrier who arrived after an emergency involving his eye. His story highlights a critical condition known as eye prolapse (or proptosis)—when a dog’s eye partially or completely pops out of its socket, often due to trauma.
What Happened?
Reign was suspected to have had an altercation with his housemate, likely during playtime. This type of interaction can sometimes result in sudden pressure or a bite near the head. In Reign’s case, the trauma caused his eye to partially prolapse—a serious condition where the eye bulges or slips forward from its normal position.
If your dog’s eye is bulging, or if it appears to “pop out” and then return to normal, don’t wait. Eye trauma in dogs is always an emergency—even if the eye looks better after a few minutes.
Emergency Treatment for Dog Eye Prolapse
Our veterinarian, Dr. Leah Edwards, led the emergency response. After carefully evaluating Reign, we were able to:
- Reduce the prolapsed eye (gently return it to the socket)
- Temporarily tack the eyelid closed to protect the eye during healing
- Begin medications to manage pain, reduce swelling, and prevent infection
This type of treatment helps preserve vision and comfort while allowing the swelling to go down safely. Small breeds like Yorkies are especially at risk for this type of injury due to their prominent eyes and shallow eye sockets.
What Causes a Dog’s Eye to Pop Out?
A dog’s eye can prolapse from:
- A bite or paw injury to the head or face
- Rough play with other pets
- Falls or sudden impacts
- Pre-existing eye disease or weak orbital support (more common in flat-faced breeds)
- Yorkshire Terriers
- Pugs
- Shih Tzus
- Chihuahuas
- Boston Terriers
Signs of an Eye Emergency in Dogs
If your pet is showing any of these signs, seek veterinary care immediately:
- Eye bulging or protruding
- Swelling around the eye
- Squinting or excessive blinking
- Cloudy or discolored cornea
- Blood or discharge
- Sudden disorien
