What is entropion?
Entropion is a condition where either the upper or lower eyelids (or both) roll inwards, leading to the eyelashes rubbing on the cornea. Affected animals usually present with wet ‘blinky’ sore eyes.
Commonly affected breeds
Most commonly this condition is seen as rolling-in of the lateral (outer) eyelashes of the lower eyelid of breeds such as Rottweilers, Mastiff breeds, Malamutes and more commonly Shar Pei. This type of entropion is also seen in older cats. With Pugs, we see entropion of the medial (inner or near the nose) area of the lower eyelids. In Shar Pei puppies, we see entropion of the upper eyelids which self corrects as the puppy grows. This can often be managed with the use of anti-inflammatory/antibiotic eye ointments. Occasionally we place sutures to hold the upper eyelids away from the cornea for a couple of months as the puppy grows.
Why surgery is needed
Left untreated this will eventually lead to scarring of the cornea and eventual partial or complete blindness. This condition causes marked discomfort 24 hours a day, every day, until treated.
Treatment method
The procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic, the surgery can take anywhere between 20 – 45 minutes depending on if one or both eyes are affected. Incisions are made along the length of the affected eyelid to ensure the eye is symmetrical given the curvature of the eye. Incisions are made within 2 – 3mm of the eyelid margin, so it is difficult to see a scar long term. We have also found that it is not necessary to shave any of the hair away from around the eyelids to perform this surgery. As a result, owners do not have to wait months and months for the hair to return around the surgical area, leading to a much more rapid and pleasing result to the eye.
Recovery and aftercare
Your pet will go home on the same day as the procedure, with antibiotics, pain relief and eye ointment. Your pet will need to have a cone in place until suture removal, to prevent rubbing of the eyes with a paw or on carpet causing trauma and removal of sutures. The sutures are removed 14 days post-surgery. Your pet’s eyes will take some weeks to heal and usually within a month will be back to normal. Many owners comment when they return they have noticed their pet has changed in behaviour due to the relief of pain and discomfort.
