Entropion is a condition seen in many breeds where the dog's eyelids roll inwards causing irritation, pain, and other secondary eye problems. Today, our Shane Veterinary Medical Center vets share more about this common eye condition in dogs including symptoms and how entropion is treated.
Eye Entropion in Dogs
Entropion is primarily a genetic abnormality that causes the dog's eyelids to roll inward. This inward positioning means that your dog's fur and eyelashes rub against the surface of the eye often causing pain, conjunctivitis, eye infections, corneal ulcers, perforations, and in some cases the development of pigment on the cornea which interferes with 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
Signs of entropion typically appear early with most dogs being diagnosed before they reach their first birthday. Squinting, excessive tearing and holding eyes shut are the most common signs of entropion. Although in some cases flat-faced dogs will show no outward signs of discomfort.
Treatment for Entropion in Dogs
Puppies will sometimes grow out of entropion and no treatment will be required. However, if the condition is causing discomfort a procedure known as 'tacking' or temporary eyelid eversion can help to 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 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 dog's discomfort.
To avoid over-correcting this condition (which could lead to an 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 dog 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 but tends to range between $500 - $1800.
The 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.