ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the common conditions seen in brachycephalic breeds to assist veterinarians managing these patients. It also discusses the common periocular pathologies seen in brachycephalic breeds. Brachycephalic breeds seem prone to traumatic proptosis; however, they seem to have better prognosis compared to dolichocephalic breeds when it occurs. The extreme conformational changes selected for in brachycephalic breeds have resulted in a shortening of the orbital cavity, large palpebral apertures and prominent globes. Brachycephalic breeds have a high risk to develop anaesthetic complications, so the author's personal opinion is to proceed to surgery to shorten the palpebral fissure unless the patient is showing clear clinical signs. Euryblepharon is also known as macropalpebral fissure. Brachycephalic breeds tend to have large palpebral fissures leading to corneal exposure due to incomplete or inadequate closure of the eyes and therefore inadequate protection of the globe.
