Here's What You Need To Know About Droopy Eye In Pups

Droopy eye or Horner’s syndrome is a disorder of the nervous system that affects the eye. The eyelid will be partially closed, and the pupils will be small, the third eyelid may be up and slightly protruding.

Having Horner’s syndrome may be a signal that there are problems with your dog’s nervous system. Damage or inflammation to your dog’s nervous system will result in Droopy eye. Your dog’s pupil will be small and unable to dilate when it gets darker. Their upper eyelid may look drooped or not open fully.

Their nictitating membrane (“third eyelid”) may look red and look pushed out. Some causes of Horner’s syndrome include an infection of the brain or spinal cord, trauma to the brain, chest, or neck, a spinal or brain tumor, or an infection that compromises nervous tissue. If you should see any signs of droopy eye in your dog, you should make an appointment to see your veterinarian.

The vet will need a history of any activities your dog has participated in to rule out any injuries that could have caused injury. Other tests like a blood analysis, urine test, and a physical will be done. If there is a tumor, injury, or broken bone the doctor may take X-rays. Treatment of droopy eye is done with eyedrops that contain phenylephrine.

This medication will dilate the pupil and lower the inflammation in their third eyelid. Typically, the drops are given every 12 to 24 hours for three weeks. The outlook for dogs with Horner’s syndrome is good, if treated early.

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