Eye Socket (orbital) Disease (exophthalmos)

[Spoony]

I have posted this on another dog forum, though I've found through searching this one has some really good info and clued up people so figured toss it up on here too :)

Anyone had this sort of thing happen to their dogs?

My 1 year 11 month old Shar-pei Cross (Dingo...... maybe kelipie, looks like a dingo a bit lol) Chilli, has been diagnosed.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/30992402/pics/20131204_073412.jpg

The problem is the cause is unknown. With this issue it is to do with something behind the eye pushing the eye forward, causing bulging eye, plus protruding third eyelid.

Causes are varied and many http://www.critters360.com/index.php/causes-of-exophthalmos-in-dogs-2860/

Being past the local vets abilities she's been to the specialist centre (VSS Brisbane (Underwood)........I practically live at the place, my other dog has Lymphoma and goes there for Chemo).

Today they did a local and used an ultrasound finding two areas beside each other behind the eye that were not normal, but were not appearing to be an abscess type infection that could be drained. With this inconclusive info there were not keen to put her fully under and go sticking needles behind into the unknown areas for fluid sample.

For 'more info' they recommended and said an MRI is really the best bet to get an 'idea'. $2000.

Now normally I would have said, yes do this, but my other dog (6 year old Traditional Chinese (bone mouth) Shar-pei) has Lymphoma, and this got me adding up costs, $17,000 (at the same centre) so far so understandably I'm not the most flush in funds these days.

The only alternative given (which in hindsight now the Vet said 'could try') is a course of anti-biotics and anti-inflamitories to see if it helps. There's a 'chance' it could work, as it is the treatment given for some of the causes. But no one sounds very confident in this.

From what I've assessed from the info at hand, an MRI would give a better idea of the issue, but the issue may well be still not treatable or possibly involve major surgery (ie skull/bone grafting etc), or the MRI could still not tell the story.

My logic now being if drugs work or help a bit, it does eliminate a few things on the list that don't respond to the drugs. Though still puts things in a very hard place.

While it's a rare condition keen to hear from anyone that's had experience with this.

Edited December 4, 2013 by Spoony

[harley]

Sorry no experience but wow, you are going through a lot at the moment.

I hope you get some answers and good results too.

[~Anne~]

I also haven't any specific experience but it seems that it could be genetically linked to the Shar Pei or so states this article;

http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/eyes/c_multi_orbital_diseases#.Up7VN38ayK0

We have some experienced Shar Pei people here so hopefully they'll see this thread and provide some insights.

[persephone]

perhaps put this in General ? palliative care doesn't get heaps of traffic .... thinking of you & your poor dog/s

[kayla1]

Sorry I have no advice but just want to say I hope you are able to get some answers. All the best with the treatment for both of your dogs.

[Guest Ams]

Hi Spoony,

Welcome to DOL. I am so sorry you are having such a rough time with both your Shar Pei at the moment. I am essentially useless to you for information on exopthalmia as I've not had a since case diagnosed in 5 years whilst involved in Shar Pei Rescue. I have seen a number of Shar Pei withmicropthalmia though which is the opposite.

I totally understand where you are at regarding ongoing vet fees and I am wondering if anyone has anyone discussed the option of simply removing the eyes? I have one blind dog who arrived in care with both his eyes already removed and he is now a permanent member of my family (Grosby). I've also recently rehomed (Ronnie) who came into care with his eyes but we coulnd't discern any sight. He tested positive to glaucoma and given the advanced stage of it, a decision was made to remove his eyes rather than try to treat when they were useless to him anyway.

If you would like to meet Grosby and see how he copes sans eyes I am happy to organise a meet with you.

[Spoony]

Thank you all for responses and kind words. Certainly not feeling very lucky with my adopted family at the moment.

persephone, I reposted this in General, hopefully a mod will merge the threads

http://www.dolforums.com.au/topic/253888-eye-socket-orbital-disease-exophthalmos/

Anne, interesting mention of the Shar-pei in that article. I had done a bit of searching and first mention.

I am actually on a shar-pei health Facebook group, posted also but before knowing the details, will update them.

Chilli is obviously a cross though sharing a few Shar-pei features, ears, a tiny bit of head jowels but no real extra skin/folds or coat from a Pei, build is a bit ligher too. Few pics below. I get a few people asking if she's a Dingo or something at times haha. (RSPCA girl did 'indicate' the cross that way who knows, legalities in QLD it certainly wouldn't be stated lol)

I am quite a aware of the greater problems poor Western (Meat Mouth) Shar-pei's have, and as such have steered clear of a pure breed of this Pei type.

In saying that would be good to know more info on what is the cause when it is 'common' in Shar-pei's, she may have been unlucky to still inherit this or something if it can happen that way.

AMS, that has crossed my mind as a fix. However the issue at this stage is 100% behind the eye, the eye it self is fine. The eye itself and the skull obviously make diagnoses and access very hard.

Edited December 4, 2013 by Spoony

[~Anne~]

Wow! love that first pic!!

[Spoony]

Yeah she loves the water, not bad given 5 months ago wouldn't even walk in to swim. I had to jump along side and take that pic in the air. Waterproof camera obviously lol