Prolapse of Orbital Fat

Prolapse of retrobulbar adipose tissue can occur sporadically in dogs and cats as a result of weakness of the orbital soft tissues. It appears as a smooth, pink, fluctuant, nonpainful subconjunctival swelling, sometimes accompanied by enophthalmos, and is most commonly unilateral.

Treatment

Prolapsed adipose tissue itself does not constitute a significant problem. Because it can resemble neoplasia, biopsy or fine-needle aspiration for cytologic analysis should be performed to confirm the diagnosis. If necessary, the prolapsed tissue can be surgically excised.

Prolapse of orbital fat in a cat.

Prolapse of orbital fat in a cat, lateral view.

Adapted from the Atlas of Ocular Diseases in Dogs and Cats by Dr. Siniša D. Grozdanić and colleagues. © Animal Eye Consultants of Iowa. The text and clinical images on this page are original content from the authors' own clinical practice and research, and may not be reproduced, distributed, or repurposed without permission.

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