If your dog's eyes seem to constantly tear or are always inflamed, entropion could be the cause. Entropion is a condition in which a dog's eyelids are folded inwards, allowing the eyelashes and skin to make contact with and irritate the eye. Entropion can cause a variety of issues, including corneal damage, if the irritation is chronic. If you suspect your dog has entropion, consult a veterinarian.
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Who it Affects
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According to veterinarian Bari Spielman of Pet Place, entropion can affect any dog. There are certain breeds, however, that develop this condition more than others. Purebred dogs that seem to be the most affected include Shar-peis; chow chows; Labrador, golden and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers; St. Bernards; English bulldogs and Irish setters.
Causes
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Entropion is believed to be a genetic condition, or one that is passed on from the dog's parents. Spielman goes on to say the entropion can also occur later in the dog's life, as a result of changes around the eye. Entropion can develop if the dog's eye moves backwards, causing the eyelids to fall in toward the eye. Furthermore, entropion can occur if the eye shrinks after an injury or infection. Entropion can also be a result of eyelids that have lost their normal neurologic function.
Symptoms
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Veterinarian Race Foster of Doctors Foster and Smith states that dogs with entropion can exhibit a variety of eye issues. Most dogs will have red, irritated eyes that may tear excessively. In addition, some dogs will paw at their eyes due to pain. Pawing at the eye can cause scratching, which can cause further damage to the eye. The dog may also have mucus or thick discharge coming from the eyes.
Diagnosis
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A veterinarian needs to perform an eye examination to diagnose entropion. The vet will examine the eyelid for signs of inward movement. The doctor may also apply fluorescein stain to the eye to look for scratches or ulcers caused by the chronic irritation. In addition, the veterinarian may examine the movement of the eye both before and after anesthesia is given.
Treatment
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Foster states that the only treatment for entropion is surgery. There are many different surgery techniques that are used to correct entropion. The most common, however, involves making an incision below the eye and removing a portion of the skin. The vet then sutures the two sides of the incision, which will pull the border of the eyelid down into the proper position. Antibiotics may be prescribed to resolve any infection as a result of the entropion, in addition to ointment that protects the eye from further irritation.
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