Sudden Sunken Eyes and Poor Vision in a Young Dog

Eyes that suddenly look sunken, together with poor focus and vision, need to be checked by a vet soon. Sunken eyes can mean the eye is painful (dogs pull a sore eye back into the socket), that the fat or muscle around the eyes has shrunk, that he is dehydrated or unwell, or that there is a nerve problem.

One condition that fits a young, large dog is an immune problem that attacks the chewing muscles on top of the head (masticatory muscle myositis), which can make the eyes look sunken. Painful eye conditions such as glaucoma or inflammation inside the eye can also affect vision quickly, and some can permanently harm sight within days.

Please see your vet as soon as possible, today if you can. Go right away if he has a red or cloudy eye, squints, has trouble opening his mouth, or seems lethargic or isn't eating.

See neurological problems in dogs and red eyes in dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.