Eye Entropion in Dogs
The main genetic abnormality that causes the dog's eyelids to roll inward is entropion. Due to this inward positioning, your dog's eyelashes and fur frequently rub against the eye's surface, leading to pain, conjunctivitis, infections, corneal ulcers, perforations, and occasionally the growth of pigment on the cornea that impairs your dog's vision.
Entropion is a common problem in several breeds including Toy and Miniature Poodle, Akita, Staffordshire Terrier, Basset Hound, Bloodhound, Bulldog, Dalmatian, Cocker Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, English Toy Spaniel, Flat-coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, Gordon Setter, Great Dane, Great Pyrenees, Irish Setter, Japanese Chin, Bernese Mountain Dog, Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, Newfoundland, Old English Sheepdog, Weimaraner, Pekingese, Pomeranian, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Pug, Rottweiler, Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Saint Bernard, Siberian Husky, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel, Vizsla, Yorkshire Terrier and Clumber Spaniel.
Signs That Your Dog May Have Entropion
Most dogs are diagnosed with entropion before they turn one year old because the symptoms typically start early. The most common symptoms of entropion are squinting, excessive crying, and closing one's eyes. Even so, there are times when dogs with flat faces will not appear to be in pain.
Entropion Repair for Dogs
Puppies can sometimes grow out of entropion without any treatment. If the condition causes discomfort, a procedure known as 'tacking' or temporary eyelid eversion can help relieve symptoms in young dogs.
Medical treatments with antibiotic ointments can be prescribed to decrease damage to the cornea, but medications will not resolve the entropion itself. To correct the issue surgery will be required.
Entropion Eye Surgery in Dogs - Blepharoplasty
If entropion continues to be an issue as your puppy reaches their first birthday surgery can be performed, to correct the issue and relieve your pup's discomfort.
To avoid overcorrecting this condition (which could result in outward rolling of the eyelids), two surgeries may be performed, the first being the primary (major) correction and the second being a minor corrective surgery.
Before and after the surgery your pup may be prescribed medications such as ophthalmic antibiotics or lubricants to treat conditions resulting from the irritation caused by entropion.
The cost of entropion surgery for dogs varies depending on several factors. To find out how much this surgery will cost to correct your pup's eye condition, contact your vet for details.
Prognosis for Dogs with Entropion
Following surgery, most dogs recover well and the condition does not return. That said, recurrence is common in Shar Peis due to their excessive folds of skin around the eyes.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.