What is entropion in dogs?
Entropion is a condition when there is an abnormality of the eyelids (one or both) in which the eyelid will roll inward. This condition causes the surface hair of the eyelid to mechanically scratch the cornea which results in pain, swelling, corneal ulcers, developing of pigments, perforations, and visual interference.
The signs of entropion in dogs are usually holding the eye shut, squinting, excessive tearing (epiphora) and sometimes a mucoid discharge from the eye.
In brachycephalic breeds, it is very common this condition to develop in both eyes and to be diagnosed in puppy younger than 1 year.
Entropion in dogs is a hereditary condition and some dog breeds are more predisposed than others.
This condition is most commonly seen in Akitas, American Staffordshire Terriers, Basset Hounds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Bloodhounds, Bulldogs, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Clumber Spaniels, Dalmatians, English and American Cocker Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels, English Toy Spaniels, Flat-coated Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Gordon Setters, Great Danes, Great Pyrenees, Irish Setters, Japanese Chins, Labrador Retrievers, Mastiffs, Newfoundlands, Old English Sheepdogs, Pekingese, Pomeranians, Pugs, Rottweilers, Shar Peis, Shih Tzus, Saint Bernards, Siberian Huskies, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Tibetan Spaniels, Toy and Miniature Poodles, Vizslas, Yorkshire Terriers, and Weimaraners.
How is entropion in dogs treated?
The preferable treatment for entropion in dogs is with a surgical correction. The surgery includes removing a section of the skin from the affected eyelid in order to reverse its inward rolling. If this condition is seen in very young puppies, most veterinary surgeons will wait until they reach 6-12 months of age to perform the surgery to prevent "overcorrection" which can result in an ectropion, or outward rolling of the eyelid.
Prior to surgery, the veterinarian will prescribe various antibiotic eye drops and creams, and artificial tears to protect the cornea until the surgery and to prevent secondary infections.
In the video below, you can see a surgical correction of entropion in dogs.
If you liked this video, read about "Cherry eye in dogs" on our blog.
