What causes eye protrusion (exophthalmos)?

Eye protrusion can result from an orbital mass, infection, haemorrhage or trauma. Your vet will use imaging and sample tests to determine the cause — early evaluation is recommended.

What simple steps can I take at home?

Start by recording body temperature, taking photos and videos of the eye, keeping the area clean and preventing your pet from touching it. If symptoms worsen or heavy bleeding occurs, seek veterinary care immediately.

What tests will be done at the clinic?

The vet will typically perform an ocular examination and palpation, followed by X-rays or ultrasound. If needed, cytology, bacterial culture, CT scan or biopsy may be arranged to reach a definitive diagnosis.

How often are follow-up visits needed?

Follow-up frequency depends on the cause and treatment. Acute cases or post-surgery patients are often seen within days to weeks, while chronic conditions follow a schedule set by the vet.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Orbital Eye Disease in Dogs & Cats: Exophthalmos, Enophthalmos & Strabismus – Symptoms, Diagnosis & Care [2025]

Orbital eye disease encompasses exophthalmos (eye protrusion), enophthalmos (eye recession) and strabismus, caused by tumours, infection or trauma — treatment targets the underlying cause.

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/06

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: WSAVA, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek Emergency Care Immediately

•Rapid and pronounced eyeball protrusion with inability to close the eye
•Heavy bleeding or rapidly expanding swelling around the eye
•Sudden vision loss with no response to light

Schedule a Clinic Visit Soon (within 24–72 hours)

•Persistent and gradually worsening eyeball protrusion
•Redness and swelling around the eye with abnormal discharge, but the animal remains alert
•Persistent strabismus or clearly inconsistent eye focusing

01What Symptoms Indicate a Problem?

Orbital eye disease in dogs and cats commonly presents as changes in eye position, discharge or pain behaviour — some cases are emergency warning signs requiring immediate veterinary attention.

Eye visibly protruding outward with asymmetrical appearance
Eyeball appearing sunken or the entire orbit recessed
Strabismus, with eyes unable to focus in the same direction
Abnormal eye discharge or change in eye colour
Fever, persistent loss of appetite or obvious signs of pain

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Rapid eye protrusion accompanied by obvious pain or distress
⚠️ Heavy ocular bleeding or rapidly expanding swelling around the eye
⚠️ Sudden loss of vision or complete absence of pupillary light response

02How to Assess the Situation at Home? Key Observations & Emergency Criteria

Recording key information at home helps your vet quickly understand how the condition has progressed and how severe it is.

Measure body temperature and note the time and reading to share with your vet
Observe any changes in alertness, energy levels or appetite
Note any changes in urination or defecation habits, including any blood
Take close-up photos and short videos with your phone for the vet to review
If temperature or symptoms worsen, arrange a clinic visit or emergency care promptly

03How Will the Vet Diagnose the Condition? Common Diagnostic Tests

After you arrive, the vet will use ophthalmic examination and imaging to assess the orbit and surrounding tissue, with further sampling if needed to confirm the cause.

Ocular inspection and palpation

to identify the pain location and assess globe motility

Head, neck and periocular X-rays

to evaluate orbital bones and space-occupying lesions

Orbital ultrasound

to examine soft tissues and detect fluid or masses within the orbit

Cytology or bacterial culture

sampling discharge or tissue to check for infection or neoplasia

CT scan or tissue biopsy when needed for a definitive diagnosis

04How Is the Condition Treated and Managed? Medication, Diet & Home Care Guide

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and typically involves medication, regular monitoring and home care to protect vision and minimise complications.

Anti-infective or anti-inflammatory medications prescribed based on diagnostic findings
Regular follow-up visits to monitor vision changes and assess recovery
Home care includes gentle eye cleaning, keeping the eye moist and avoiding irritants
Maintaining good nutrition and a healthy body weight supports overall recovery
Referral to a specialist hospital is recommended if the condition is complex or does not improve

05What to Prepare Before the Vet Visit? Key Information to Help the Vet Identify the Cause

Take clear close-up photos and short clips of the eye, including blinking and movement, for the vet to assess

Note the onset time, how symptoms have changed and any history of trauma

Describe the discharge: colour, volume and whether it contains blood or pus

Observe your pet's vision and any change in reaction when the area around the eye is touched

Bring any existing test reports and a list of current medications

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.