Brachycephalic ocular syndrome is the name given to the set of characteristics present in flat-faced breeds that predispose them to potentially serious eye problems.
Brachycephalic breeds are characterized by having a short head and a flattened face (short nasal bones), shallow eye sockets, and an elongated soft palate.
Breeds such as the English and French Bulldog, Pug, Boxer, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese, among others, are some of those with a greater predisposition to being affected by this syndrome. Knowing what your companion is exposed to and what you can do about it is very important for caring for their visual health.
Main Characteristics of Brachycephalic Ocular Syndrome
Dogs of the aforementioned breeds have certain conditions that increase the likelihood of severe eye problems:
Euriblepharon: The eyelid is too large, so the eyeball is very exposed and unprotected. Having an excessive palpebral opening and very protruding eyes, the eyelids cannot cover the entire ocular surface, so blinking does not imply total protection of the eye. This condition is called lagophthalmos. Many of these animals sleep with their eyes partially open.
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca: Commonly called dry eye. Many brachycephalic breeds are predisposed to reduced and poor-quality tear production.
Exophthalmos: Because the eye orbit (the bony cup where the eye is housed) is shallow, the eye lacks protection against frontal trauma.
Corneal hyposensitivity: The reduced corneal sensitivity of these breeds means they blink less frequently and that some blinks are incomplete. This, together with reduced tearing, predisposes them to the development of corneal ulcers in the central area of the eye.
Medial entropion (eyelid rolled inward towards the cornea) and nasal skin folds tend to cause corneal alterations.
Precautions You Need to Take with Your Flat-Faced Dog
Establishing an accurate diagnosis of the ocular condition of your brachycephalic dog is important to determine the best preventive measures. This diagnosis is important to perform both during puppy development and once growth is complete.
Keeping the eyes clean of secretions will prevent certain problems and allow us to detect issues at their onset.
It is also advisable to use dense artificial tears before and during walks in areas with potential causes of irritation: sandy or dusty areas, scrubland, days with strong winds...
If your dog shows discomfort in the eyes, frequent discharge, closed eyes, or any other eye symptom, it is recommended to see a veterinary ophthalmologist for a thorough examination.
At IVeM, we are specialists in caring for your pet's eyes. Contact us without obligation.
