What this means
This sign is seen when you look at the puppy's face from the front: both eyes seem lowered, more of the white shows above, and the coloured part looks shifted down and sideways. The dog may seem to look downwards even when its head is held straight. Sometimes it is noticed from early on, and sometimes only as the puppy grows. A photo from the front in even light helps, and so do a few photos over time.
The position of the eyes depends on how the head has developed and what lies behind the eyes. An unusual position is often inherited or related to growth, and sometimes goes with other changes in the head, such as an unusually shaped head or a soft spot on top of it. Only a vet who examines the dog can find the cause, so there is no need to guess about breed or outcome.
It will help your vet to know since when you have noticed the change, whether it is growing, and how the puppy grows, eats and plays compared with its littermates. Note down whether it stumbles, walks in circles, bumps into things, or has had seizures. Say whether other puppies in the litter show a similar sign.
Possible causes
These are things that can cause this sign. It is not a diagnosis, and they are not equally likely for your dog.
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Fluid building up in the head
When too much fluid collects inside the head, the head may enlarge and the eyes turn down and sideways. The puppy may be slower, start walking later or behave differently from its littermates.
About the condition: Hydrocephalus -
A soft spot in the skull that has not closed
When the skull bones on top of the head do not join, the shape of the head and the position of the eyes can change. The soft spot feels like a dip or softness when touched.
About the condition: Open fontanelle -
An inherited difference in head or skull development
Sometimes the eye position is simply like this from birth and goes with the build of the head. It is worth assessing so it is clear that it is not harming the puppy.
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A disorder of the nervous system
Some nervous system disorders change the position or movements of the eyes. An unsteady walk or unusual behaviour may be seen.
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A problem with the eye muscles or nerves
If the muscles or nerves that move the eyes do not work properly, the eyes can be turned out of position. It is often seen in only one eye.
What else to watch for
These observations help your vet build the picture faster. Note down what you saw and when.
- Since when you have noticed the change and whether it is growing
- Whether the head looks larger or oddly shaped
- Whether there is a soft spot on top of the head
- Whether the puppy grows and gains weight like its littermates
- Whether it walks unsteadily, bumps into things or walks in circles
- Whether other puppies in the litter show a similar sign
When to book a routine visit
An unusual eye position is worth showing to a vet, especially in young puppies, so that the cause can be found. Bring photos and say since when you have noticed it.
Related conditions
Conditions whose entries mention this sign. The list is somewhere to read on, not a way to reach a diagnosis.
- Hydrocephalus Nerves and muscles Hydrocephalus is a condition in which too much cerebrospinal fluid builds up in and around the brain and presses on the brain tissue. It can be present from birth and show up in puppies, or develop later when inflammation, an injury or a tumour blocks the fluid from draining. The pressure on the brain can affect a dog's behaviour, movement, sight and ability to learn.
- Open fontanelle Bones and joints An open fontanelle is a gap between the skull bones on top of the head that has not closed after birth as it should. It is seen in some small puppies: in some it closes over time, in others it stays for life. At this spot the brain is not covered by bone, so the fontanelle should be assessed by a vet.
Body systems: Nerves and muscles Bones and joints