Proptosis of the eye is a condition where the eyeball dislocates from the socket. It is often the result of a traumatic injury (car accident). It is a true emergency and immediate treatment is necessary. The sooner the eye can be replaced, the better the prognosis.

First aid is strongly recommended especially if veterinary care is not immediately accessible. The eye should be kept moist with wet cotton (or with whatever is available) and trauma to the eyeball should be reduced. Moisture should continuously be applied to the eyeball until the animal arrives at the veterinary hospital. Rubbing the eyeball (for cleaning) is strongly discouraged.

Proptosis of the eye is often seen in flat-faced, bulgy-eyed dogs, such as the Shih-Tzu, Pekingese, and Lhasa Apso.

Immediate emergency surgery with general anesthesia is required to replace the dislocated eyeball. The eyelids are usually sutured closed for several days.

Even with first aid, aggressive therapy, and immediate surgery, some eyes are inevitably lost.