Does your Dog have Entropion?

Is your dog squinting, pawing at their eyes, and blinking a lot? These are several signs of possible Entropion. Entropion is fairly common in several dog breeds and can usually be diagnosed by a puppy’s first birthday.

 

What is Entropion?

Some dogs have eyelids that roll inwards. This is called entropion. Entropion in dogs causes hair to rub on the surface of the eye, resulting in pain, increased tear production, and eventually damage to the cornea. Dogs can be born with this condition or it can develop as a result of chronic squinting due to discomfort or eyelid scarring.

 

Signs of Entropion in Dogs

  • Squinting
  • Excessive tearing
  • Eye discharge
  • Apparent swelling around eyes
  • Rubbing at eyes
  • Eye redness
  • Excessive blinking
  • Corneal ulcers

 

Can My Puppy Grow Out Of Entropion?

Many puppies will outgrow the condition by the time they reach one year of age. In adult dogs, permanent eyelid surgery can be performed to correct the abnormality by removing a section of tissue near the eyelid margin and/or shortening the eyelid.  

 

What Are the Effects of Entropion Surgery?

In many cases, the first entropion surgery will be followed by a second, minor corrective surgery later. Over-correction could occur and can lead to complications that are difficult to fix, so we will generally be conservative rather than risk removing too much tissue. Your dog will leave with a cone, to prevent pawing at their eyes or rubbing on the carpet, which can cause trauma and removal of stitches. The stitches can be removed 14 days after surgery. Your pet’s eyes will take some weeks to heal and usually within a month your dog will be back to normal with healthy eyesight!

 

If you’re interested in entropion surgery for your dog, please reach out to us, and we’d love to schedule a consultation to discuss options and prognosis for your pup!