Ophthalmological aspects in Shih-Tzu dogs: literature review

Veterinary ophthalmology is the specialty dedicated to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of eye diseases in animals. This field has gained prominence due to the increasing number of ocular pathologies in small animals. With the exponential rise in the popularity of brachycephalic dog breeds, the demand for ophthalmic care has also increased. These breeds are frequently seen in ophthalmology clinics due to their representativeness. The Shih-Tzu, one of the twenty most popular dog breeds today, is brachycephalic, which means it has anatomical and genetic characteristics that favor the development of ophthalmic problems. This statement underscores the importance of studies on the subject and highlights the relevance of further research into ocular abnormalities specific to the Shih-Tzu. This literature review aims to describe the ophthalmic alterations frequently diagnosed in Shih-Tzu dogs, as well as the characteristics that predispose them to these conditions.