WHAT
IS ENTROPION?
Entropion
is an abnormal “ rolling-in” of the eyelid. This rolling-in causes hairs to rub
on the cornea (the clear surface of the eye).
WHAT
CAUSES ENTROPION?
Entropion
is most commonly due to an inherited faulty eyelid conformation. Occasionally,
entropion results from an eyelid spasm due to some other painful eye condition.
WHAT
BREEDS ARE COMMONLY AFFECTED?
Entropion
is commonly seen in breeds such as the Bulldog, Bloodhound, Chow Chow, Shar
Pei, Rottweiler, and Retreivers. These breeds are all prone to entropion,
although any breed may be affected.
HOW
DO I KNOW THAT MY DOG HAS ENTROPION?
Most
owners notice that the affected eye is
partially held shut and has excessive tearing. Both eyes are usually affected
simultaneously (entropion can occur in the upper or lower eyelids, or in both
upper and lower at the same time). Inherited entropion usually affects dogs
under 1 year of age.
HOW
IS ENTROPION DIAGNOSED?
A
thorough examination of the eye is performed to make certain that there are no
other painful eye conditions present that are causing an eyelid spasm. If none
are found, a diagnosis of inherited entropion is made.
HOW
IS ENTROPION TREATED?
Surgery
is required to correct entropion. This involves removal of a small portion of
skin to tighten the eyelid. Temporary eyelid tacking may be used in very young
dogs. Surgical correction is often delayed until the dog has a mature head
conformation at 4-6 months of age. If the entropion is left uncorrected, the
eyelid hairs will continue to rub on the surface of the eye, causing pain,
corneal ulcers, pigmentation, and scarring which can result in vision loss.
WILL
ENTROPION RECUR AFTER SURGERY?
In
most cases, no. Some breeds however, such as the Shar Pei and Chow Chow, may
have severe and complex entropion that requires several corrective surgeries.
WHAT
HAPPENS THE DAY OF SURGERY?
The
night before surgery, your pet can have dinner, but then no food after 8 pm and
no water after midnight. The morning of surgery, please be at the clinic
between 8-8:30 am to drop off. Your pet will be given pain control and sedative
medications to help keep him/her calm. An IV catheter is then placed in the leg
to administer fluids during and after surgery. For surgery, a breathing tube will
be placed in his/her windpipe to administer gas anesthetic. Heart rhythm, blood
pressure, blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels will all be closely monitored
for the entire surgery. Please call us around noon to arrange for a pick up
time later the same day.
HOW
WILL MY DOG LOOK AFTER SURGERY?
Initially,
after surgery, the eyelids will look “over-corrected” (or “rolled-out”) due to
swelling. This is normal and will subside over the next week or so. You may
notice some bloody +/or blood tinged discharge from the eye for a few days.
This can be gently cleaned away with a Kleenex. The stitches in the eyelids are
dissolvable and will fall out on their own (this can take up to a month). It is important that your dog wears the head
collar AT ALL TIMES for at least a week to prevent him/her from rubbing at the
eyes and potentially doing damage (which may require more surgery to correct!)
WHAT
WILL I NEED TO DO AT HOME?
When
using eye drops, be sure to hold the lids open so the medication is placed
directly onto the eye.
Keep
the head collar on at all times, even at night.
Wipe
away any discharge from the eye with a clean, moist Kleenex or face cloth.
Book
the recheck appointments as requested by the doctor. It is important to monitor
your pet to ensure proper healing.