Entropion is a condition seen in many breeds where the pup's eyelids roll inwards causing irritation, pain and other secondary eye problems. Today our Citrus County vets share information about the surgical procedure used to fix this problem.
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 pup'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 a number of 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. In order 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 pup's discomfort.
In order 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 you 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 a number of factors but tends to range between $500 - $1800. To find out how much this surgery will cost to correct your pup's eye condition contact your vet for details, or request a referral to have your dog seen by our Board-Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist at Carolina Veterinary Specialists in Greensboro.
Recovery After Entropian Surgery For Dogs
Recovery from entropion surgery is rapid. Your dog's eyes will be swollen from surgery and will be the most swollen around 24 hours after surgery. The swelling can take 2-4 weeks to completely go away. Your dog will need to wear an Elizabethan collar after surgery to protect the sutures around their 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.