TL;DR: While eyes rolling back can be normal during deep sleep, it is a high-priority emergency if it occurs while your dog is awake or is accompanied by shaking, stiffness, or difficulty breathing.
Why are my dog's eyes rolling back and is it normal?
Seeing your dog's eyes roll back can be frightening for any pet owner. In many instances, what you are actually seeing is the third eyelid, or nictitating membrane, moving across the eye. This can happen for several reasons, ranging from deep relaxation during sleep to serious neurological distress or physical trauma.
When is my dog's eye rolling considered a veterinary emergency?
- Urgency Level: High.
- Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog's eyes are rolling back while they are awake.
- Seek help if the episode is accompanied by shaking, stiffness, or loss of consciousness.
- Watch for difficulty breathing or signs of poisoning, which require urgent intervention.
- Be aware that these signs can indicate seizures, vestibular disease, or severe neurological conditions.
How does taking a photo or video help my veterinarian diagnose the issue?
- Provides a crucial visual record for triage, as episodes often stop by the time you reach the clinic.
- Allows the veterinarian to see the exact movement of the eyes and the dog's overall body posture.
- Helps the vet distinguish between a simple eye irritation and a complex neurological event.
- Leads to a faster and more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
During traumatic proptosis, the globe is luxated from the orbit following blunt trauma, and eyelid spasms prevent retraction. Secondary orbital hemorrhage and swelling further displace the globe. Corneoconjunctival drying and malacia can follow. Prognosis depends on pupil size and reflexes, duration of exposure, other globe or orbital damage, and breed. Treatment involves providing moisture to lubricate the exposed corneoconjunctiva, general anesthesia, lateral canthotomy, and complete temporary tarsorrhaphy. Central blindness, presenting as acute blindness with normal pupillary light reflexes, can result from cardiac arrest during anesthesia, seizures, or severe head trauma.
Chapter: Ophthalmology, Emergency
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1700)