Entropion is a condition in which the eyelids roll inwards, making the eyelashes rub on the surface of the eye. The condition can be painful and cause damage to the eye. It is possible to treat the condition surgically and your vet will be able to advise on what course of action is best for your pet.
What happens in entropion?
The following animation shows how the eyelids normally function in dogs and cats. These pets have upper and lower eyelids like we do, as well as a 'third eyelid' that comes across the surface of the eye when they blink. Entropion can affect either the upper eyelid, the lower eyelid or both.
Animation of the anatomy of the eye in the dog:
In entropion, the edge of the eyelid 'rolls' inwards so that it rubs on the surface of the eye. The following animations show entropion of the upper and lower eyelids.
Animation showing entropion of the upper eyelid in a dog:
Animation of entropion of the lower eyelid in a dog:
Entropion of the lower eyelid is also shown in this picture.
Image of a dog with an entropion of the lower eyelid:
What are the signs of entropion?
The rubbing of the eyelid and eyelashes on the eye surface causes irritation and pain. This can lead to the following symptoms:
- Watery eyes, or sometimes a thicker mucus-like discharge
- Squinting or holding the eye shut
- Rubbing at the eye
Sometimes, the irritation to the eye causes ulcers, which will need to be treated as well as the entropion. If entropion is left untreated for some time, the surface of the eye can become pigmented as a reaction to the chronic irritation. This can affect your pet's eyesight.
Which dogs are more likely to develop entropion?
Entropion is more common in some breeds than others. Predisposed breeds include:
- Chow Chow
- Akita
- Norwegian Elkhound
- American and English Cocker Spaniels
- English Springer Spaniel
- Shar Pei
- St Bernard
- English Bulldog
- Bull Mastiff
- Great Dane
- Rottweiler
- Miniature and Toy Poodles
How is entropion diagnosed?
Your vet can diagnose entropion by examining your dog. They can also look for any complications that have developed as a result of entropion, such as eye ulceration or pigmentation. This will help them work out how best to treat your dog.
Sometimes, entropion develops secondary to another condition that causes inflammation around the eye. If this is the case, the entropion may settle once the underlying condition is treated.
How can entropion be treated?
If entropion is the primary problem and it has not developed as a result of another eye disease, your vet will probably recommend surgery to correct it. In entropion surgery, the vet will usually remove a small crescent of skin from the eyelid. This will stop the eyelid rolling inwards and bring the eyelashes away from the eye.
Animation illustrating the surgical correction for entropion in the dog:
Image of a dog after entropion surgery:
If your dog is very young, your vet may advise delaying surgery until they are a little older, as the shape of the eye and eyelids can change as dogs grow up. After surgery, it is important to follow your vet's advice and give any medication they provide in the form of tablets or eye drops.
If your dog has an ulcer on the eye surface that has developed as a result of entropion, this will need to be treated with eye drops as advised by your vet.
Animations ©Medi-Productions