Entropion is a condition that occurs in many breeds and causes the pup's eyelids to roll inwards, causing irritation, pain, and other secondary eye problems. Today, our Perry veterinarians explain more about this common eye condition in dogs, including symptoms and treatment options.
Eye Entropion in Dogs
Entropion is a genetic condition that causes the dog's eyelids to roll inward. Because of this inward positioning, your dog's fur and eyelashes frequently rub against the surface of the eye, 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
Entropion symptoms typically appear early in life, with the majority of dogs being diagnosed before their first birthday. The most common symptoms of entropion are squinting, excessive tearing, and holding the eyes shut. Although flat-faced dogs may not show any obvious signs of discomfort in some cases.
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 such as antibiotic ointments can be prescribed to reduce corneal damage, but 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 being a primary (major) correction and the second being a minor corrective surgery.
Before and after the dog entropion surgery your 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 several 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 Perry.
The prognosis for Dogs with Entropion
Dog entropion surgery recovery is generally very good, 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.