Dog had eye pushed back into socket

My mutt has a short face with bulging eyes. Last week, my dog groomer called to say my dog’s right eye apparently popped out of its socket! The staff put some lubrication on it and pushed it back in place. They suggested I call my vet for a follow-up, but my dog seems to be acting normally and his vision isn’t affected from what I can tell. There was no redness, swelling or discharge from his eye, and after so many days, I wonder if I should still have his eye evaluated. Is there something that the vet would have done differently?

The condition of an eye popping out of a socket is known as proptosis. In most cases, especially when addressed immediately, it can resolve itself without negative long-term consequences. It usually occurs in short-faced or brachycephalic breeds and as a result of trauma, although in some dogs, sheer manipulation of the face can cause it to occur. What the groomer did by pushing the eye back in the socket immediately was quick thinking. However, I would advise that it should be done by a veterinarian to be sure that it is done correctly and that there is no muscular damage. If there is any time involved in getting the dog to a veterinarian, it is wise to keep the eye moist with a piece of gauze that is soaked in saline. Once the eye is back in the socket, veterinarians will often temporarily suture the eyelids shut for one to two weeks to allow the area to heal and tighten. Your dog was extremely lucky, and I would still advise that you have your dog evaluated. There are many possible issues that can develop such as muscular damage, corneal ulcers or even vision impairment and blindness. I am glad to hear that it seems to have worked out well but take him to your veterinarian to be sure.