Entropion occurs in many dog breeds. This condition causes a pooch's eyelids to roll inwards, leading to pain, irritation and other secondary eye issues. In this post, our Ventura veterinarians describe what's involved in entropion eye surgery for dogs.
Eye Entropion in Dogs
Entropion is when your dog’s eyelids roll inward. It can be a genetic condition. Due to this inward position, your dog’s fur and eyelashes will frequently rub against the eye's surface and can cause eye infections, corneal ulcers, conjunctivitis, pain, perforations, and, in some cases, the development of pigment on the cornea. This can interfere with your dog's vision.
Entropion is a common issue in several breeds including the Basset Hound, Akita, Miniature and Toy Poodles, Cocker Spaniel, Dlamation, Bulldog, Staffordshire Terrier, English Toy Spaniel, English Springer spaniel, Flat-coated Retriever, Great Dane, Gordon Setter, Great Pyrenees, Irish Setter, Japanese Chin, Labrador Retriever, Bernese Mountain Dog, Newfoundland, Mastiff, Weimaraner and others.
Signs That Your Dog May Have Entropion
Entropion symptoms usually appear early in life. Most dogs are diagnosed by their first birthday. The most common symptoms of entropion include excessive tearing, holding the eyes shut, and squinting. In some cases, flat-faced dogs may not show obvious signs of discomfort.
Treatment for Entropion in Dogs
Puppies can sometimes grow out of entropion without any treatment. If the condition is causing discomfort, a procedure known as tacking, or temporary eyelid eversion, can help to alleviate symptoms in young dogs.
Medical treatments like antibiotic ointments can be prescribed to reduce corneal damage. But you should know that medications will not cure the entropion. Surgery will be required to correct the problem.
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 pup's discomfort.
To avoid overcorrection of this condition (which could result in outward rolling of the eyelids), two surgeries may be performed. The first is a primary (major) correction and the second is a minor corrective surgery.
Before and after the dog entropion surgery, your pup may be prescribed medications like 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.
The Prognosis for Dogs with Entropion
Recovery for dog’s that had entropion surgery is generally very good, and the condition does not return. That said, recurrence is common in Shar Peis because of 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.
If you suspect your dog may have entropion, contact our veterinary team at Ventura. We can thoroughly examine your dog and discuss suitable treatment options.
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