Entropion
Entropion in pets is an eye condition that is uncomfortable and often very painful. It is a condition where the eyelid rolls inwards causing the eyelashes and or other hair around the eye to rub against the cornea. In some cases, an entropion is never more than a minor annoyance, however in other cases it can cause burning ulcers and erosions causing scarring and can disturb vision.
This type of entropion will require a surgical correction.
It is not common for both upper and lower eyelids to be involved, but the condition can occur in one or both eyes.
Causes of this disorder
The disorder is frequently due to a genetic factor, however not all dogs with the condition are as a result of this.
In dogs with the susceptible genetics, entropion can be seen well before your dogs first birthday. Breeds that are predisposed include:
· Boxer
· Bull Mastiff
· Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
· English Bulldog
· Golden Retriever
· Chow Chow
· Irish Setter
· Pug
· Poodle
· Chinese Shar Pei
· Springer Spaniel
· Cocker Spaniel
· St. Bernard
Entropion can also occur as a secondary condition, i.e., as a result of scarring in the eyelid, infection, corneal spasms and pain, trauma, or nerve damage. Sometimes entropion occurs after the eyelids lose their normal neurologic function.
What to look for.
If you think your pet may be suffering from an entropion there are some signs you need to look for:
1. Your animal may be squint.
2. They may suffer from an excessive amount of tears coming from the affected eye.
3. Your companion may be sensitive to light and rub there eyes, particularly when they are outside.
4. Some animals may produces a mucous-like discharge from their eyes.
It is important to know that dogs and cats with flat faces may not display any of these signs nor any discomfort simply due to the structure of their face.
Surgery
To fix the eyelid in severe cases, surgery is needed. In this case the outer eyelid can be removed in a simple surgery called blepharoplasty. This is essentially plastic surgery, what we would refer to as “Having our eyelids done.” The excess skin that causes the skin folds is also removed, and the eyelids are tightened. Typically the entropion does not return after surgery, however should the case be severe it may. The recurrence is more common in Chinese Shar Peis, due to the breed’s excessive facial skin folds.
The sutures used are dissolvable. Some dogs will need to wear an Elizabethan collar to prevent them from rubbing at their sutures.
If the animal has corneal ulcers, the treatment thereof will be necessary. Untreated corneal ulcers may scar excessively and lead to impaired vision. Treatment will reduce the incidence of scarring. Treatment usually involves the use of antibiotic ophthalmic ointment.
Young puppies generally have only a minor procedure called ‘lid tacking’ rather than the full blepharoplasty. Permanent surgery like the blepharoplasty isn’t typically done in puppies that are less than 6 months old. The reason for this is because it is not always possible to predict what the animal's adult head shape and skin folds will be, thus full surgery may not be needed. In lid tacking, temporary sutures are used to roll out the eyelids and keep the puppies' eyes healthy until they mature and grow into their adult facial features. Entropion can be seen in Chinese Shar Peis as young as two or three weeks old.
