shih tzu bulging eye

Question
6/24/04 6:53pm central time
I pulled my son's dog (boxer/pit bull) off of
Snuggles our shih tzu.  Snuggles left eye is out of the socket.  It seems to be functioning fine but over the last hour has become sore..what do I do.  

Answer
Hi Darla!  I just got your email now, and I hope it gets to you soon!  I have a shih tzu too!  Their eyes can be very sensitive.  
You will definatley have to get Snuggles to a veterinarian ASAP.  The eye will need to be sewn back into the socket.  Snuggles may or may not go blind in that eye.  If there is an emergency veterinarian in your area, getting Snuggles there ASAP will increase his chances of making a full recovery with minimal to no sight problems.
If there is no veterinarian in your area that is open at this time, you will need to get Saline solution (NOT VISINE OR THE LIKE, as these will cause blindness).  Keep the eye very moist with the saline solution.  If the eye becomes dry, corneal ulceration and blindness will occur.
Keep the eye as moist as possble and keep Snuggles comfy and quiet.  If you can't get into a vet now, call your veterinarian first thing in the morning and get Snuggles there.  Please give Snuggles tons of get well kisses for me!
Hilary