A 6-year-old, female spayed, Bichon Frise presented with a one day history of acute swelling of the left eye and inappetence. Ten days prior to presentation at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals, the patient had a periodontal treatment with multiple extractions. One day prior to presentation, she was lethargic, inappetent, and the primary veterinarian observed acute swelling and blindness of the left eye. On presentation, ophthalmic examination revealed absent palpebral reflex, menace response, and pupillary light reflex OS (left eye). There was significant swelling of the periorbita, OS and the left eye was severely exophthalmic with protruding third eyelid. The intraocular pressure in the left eye was abnormally elevated at 43mmHg. A presumptive diagnosis of retrobulbar abscess and cellulitis OS based on history and clinical signs was made. Complete blood cell count and chemistry panel, skull CT (computed tomography), and ocular ultrasonography were pursued. After lack of response to medical management, the patient was treated surgically. Surgical management was successful and clinical signs resolved within three days with positive long term outcome.