What is entropion?
Entropion is a condition where the eyelid margin rolls inwards and onto the cornea. One or both eyes may be affected on the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both eyelids.
As a result, the eyelashes or other eyelid hairs are now rubbing on the clear window of the eye which is called the cornea. If left untreated, it is likely to result in irritation of the eye, corneal ulcers (scratches or abrasions on the surface of the eye) and other eye problems. These are extremely painful and uncomfortable for the animals.
What causes entropion?
Entropion is usually genetically predisposed in dogs. It occurs in certain breeds, such as below:
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Bull Dog
- Bullmastiff
- Bull Terrier
- Curly-Coated Retriever
- Chow Chow
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
- Old English Sheepdog
- Rottweiler
- Shar-Pei
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Weimaraner
Entropion can happen in cats as well. When it does occur, it is most likely in breeds with short noses and facial skin folds, like Persians. It also happens in cats with deep-set eyes like Maine Coons.
Sometimes, entropion can be secondary to another condition, such as the loss of nerve function in the eyelids, but this is much less common. It can also happen when eyelid spasms occur due to other eye problems.
What are the clinical signs of entropion?
- Unusual looking eyelid(s)
- Watery to mucky eye discharge
- Red eye
- Cloudy eye
- Squinting and rubbing of the eye
*Clinical signs of entropion in a cat
How is entropion treated?
Surgery is usually recommended to correct entropion in adult dogs and cats, to prevent the pain and irritation that would otherwise happen in the eyes daily.
This procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. The eyelid hairs are clipped and aseptically prepared. A small portion of the outer surface of the eyelid (usually crescent-shaped) is removed. The surgeon then closes the incision in a way to ‘lift’ the pet’s eyelids. As a result, the eyelid is now in a normal position and not rolled inwards.
In a very young puppy or kitten with entropion, the vet may recommend a “temporary tacking” procedure. A few sutures are placed on the eyelid to hold it up in a normal position until the puppy and kitten are grown and ready for permanent entropion repair. In some puppies and kittens, the temporary tacking may help to correct the entropion as they grow so that they may not need entropion correction repair.
Dr Foo Chen Yin (*including photo credits)
Kota Damansara Veterinary Centre
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