Our dogs can experience various eye problems, such as allergies, infections, and injuries. In some cases, conditions can be genetic. One of these is entropion.
Entropion happens when the dog’s eyelids turn inward, causing the eyelashes and fur to make direct contact with the eyes. This persistent contact and friction lead to irritation, resulting in more serious complications such as corneal ulcers and vision loss.
Our blog provides a detailed overview of everything you need to know about entropion in dogs. With our help, you’ll be able to learn more about one of the many eye problems our best friends face.
What Causes Entropion in Dogs?
Entropion is often caused by inherited traits, structural issues, or physical changes that happen over time, such as injuries and chronic irritation.
Here are the most common causes of eyelid entropion in dogs:
Breed Predisposition
Some dog breeds are considered more prone to entropion due to their physical traits. These generally include facial structures such as heavy facial folds, short noses, prominent eyes, and weak eyelid support.
These features can increase the risk of entropion, even at a young age. Common breeds prone to this eye condition include:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Boxer
Basset Hounds
Eye and Eyelid Injuries
Injury to the eyelid or the surrounding area can lead to scarring, which can result in skin tightening, distorting the normal shape of the eyelid. Scar tissue doesn't stretch like normal skin, which means that it can potentially pull the eyelid into the eye’s surface.
These injuries can include:
Scratching of the eyes
Fights with other animals
Running through shrubbery
Surgical scars
Foreign objects
Chronic Eye Irritation
Other types of eye problems, such as canine conjunctivitis, eye infections, dry eye, and allergies, can trigger canine entropion. Dogs with these conditions often squint, blink, and paw at their eyes excessively.
This leads to chronic irritation and inflammation, causing tension that leads the eyelid to roll inward.
Nerve Damage
Facial nerve damage can also cause entropion in dogs by disrupting the muscles that control eyelid movement. This results in muscle weakness, sagging eyelids, and abnormal eyelid positioning.
Entropion caused by nerve damage often comes with other neurological symptoms, such as uneven facial movement and eyelid drooping.
What Does Entropion Look Like in Dogs?
The symptoms of entropion are often similar to other types of eye problems in dogs. Due to the structural abnormalities, they often present with eye irritation and discomfort. These include:
Excessive Tearing. One of the first signs of entropion is constant tearing. As the eyelashes and fur rub against the eye, it becomes irritated and inflamed. This results in increased tear production, leading to significant wetness on the eye and tear stains on the fur.
Squinting and Blinking. Excessive squinting and blinking are common signs of a painful eye condition, such as entropion. The constant irritation experienced by dogs causes them to try to shake away the pain.
Redness and Inflammation. Persistent irritation from the eyelid rolling inward can cause eye irritation. An irritated eye can appear red and swollen, with inflammation of the surrounding tissues.
Eye Discharge or Crusting. Along with tearing, eye discharge can manifest on the eyes of affected dogs. You might see mucus, pus, or crust forming around the eyelids, which will worsen when secondary infections set in.
Frequent Pawing at the Eyes. Dogs instinctively try to relieve discomfort by pawing at their face or rubbing against furniture, rugs, or walls. This can worsen the issue and lead to eye injuries and infections.
Behavioral Changes. Painful eyes can affect your dog’s mood and behavior. You’ll notice decreased activity and playfulness.
How is Entropion in Dogs Diagnosed?
Diagnosing entropion comes with checking for any associated eye conditions. Here are the methods our pet ophthalmologists use:
Physical Eye Examination
We’ll start by visually inspecting your dog’s eyes and eyelids. Numbing drops will be used so your dog won’t feel anything painful, while we assess if the eyelids unroll or if the lashes come into contact with the eyes. We’ll check for any inward rolling, eyelid elasticity, and any changes to the cornea, conjunctiva, and other parts of the dog’s eye.
Eye Stain Test
An eye stain test uses a special dye and blue light to help detect any scratches, injuries, or ulcers on the cornea caused by the inward rolling of the eyelid.
Other Tests
In some cases, other tests such as a Schirmer tear test and tonometry will be used to assess tear production and intraocular pressure, respectively.
How Do You Treat Entropion in Dogs?
Entropion dog treatment consists of several methods, depending on the case.
For mild cases, we might recommend medications to help manage the condition. This can include lubricating eye drops and antibiotic medications. Sutures can also be done on younger dogs to help relieve the contact.
These options are generally short-term solutions.
Surgical correction is the most effective long-term fix. The most common technique is the Hotz-Celsus procedure, in which a sliver of skin is removed, and the remaining areas are sutured back to reposition the eyelid.
For puppies with entropion, a milder treatment option should be considered. We may place temporary sutures that help keep the eyelid in a much more normal position. This helps develop the eyelids properly as the puppy grows, resolving on its own.
A recovery cone, pain medications, and other medications will be used in order to promote healing and relieve the pain.
Are There Any Home Remedies for Entropion in Dogs?
While there aren’t any definitive home remedies for canine entropion, it’s always good practice to keep your dog’s eyes clean. After a vet visit, we can advise on the ways you can keep your best friend comfortable, which can include lubricating eye drops or saline eyewash.
What Is the Prognosis for Dogs With Entropion?
The good news is that the prognosis for dogs with entropion is excellent following surgical correction. For many dogs, a one-time correction is typically enough, with recovery being the main focus at home.
Again, recovery cones and medications will be essential for the recovery process, which usually takes about two weeks.
Follow-up checkups will be needed if you notice any complications. For dogs prone to entropion, repeated surgeries can potentially be needed, but it will depend on your dog’s case.
Vet Tips: How to Prevent Entropion in Dogs?
Entropion in dogs is mostly inherited, but there are ways to prevent other factors from triggering this eye condition.
Schedule Regular Eye Checkups
Routine visits help detect early signs of entropion in dogs, especially in breeds that are prone to the condition. Earlier diagnoses lead to less painful complications and better recovery.
Protect Your Dog’s Eyes from Injury
Avoid exposing your dog to situations that put them at risk of eye injuries, which include rough play with other animals and playing through dense shrubbery.
Regularly Clean Your Dog’s Eyes
Gently wiping your dog’s eyes with a soft, damp cloth helps remove dirt, debris, and bacteria that can cause irritation. Use clean water or a vet-approved eye wipe.
What Happens if Entropion Is Left Untreated?
If left untreated and unattended, entropion can develop into more serious eye issues and health risks. When the eyelid rolls inward, the irritation and friction cause constant pain and discomfort, leading to other issues such as:
Corneal ulcers
Scarring
Loss of vision
Infections
Chronic pain and discomfort
“Your dog sees the world through their eyes, and protecting them is one of the simplest ways to show our love.”
- Dr. Nenad Misura
Final Thoughts
Entropion is a painful condition in dogs, and certain breeds are significantly more predisposed than others. These dogs require more attentive care and early monitoring to prevent long-term eye damage.
Luckily, entropion can be treated and managed, helping your best friend to enjoy clear, comfortable vision and a better quality of life.
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