How to Treat Entropion in Dogs (Including Symptoms, Causes, and Prognosis)

Quick Summary

• Surgical correction is typically the way to treat entropion in dogs. In this procedure, the inverted part of the eyelid is removed. Sometimes a vet will require a major and minor corrective surgery to complete the treatment.
• Eyelid entropion in dogs happens when an extra eyelid fold inwards causing corneal ulcer and affecting the vision.
• Mainly a hereditary disorder, eyelid entropion are commonly observed in breeds such as Akita, Bulldog, Dalmatian, Golden retriever, Great Dane, Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, Pomeranian, Poodle, and more.

I’ve seen many dogs with parts of their eyelids rolled inward, coupled with inflammation and even pus—and it is not a pleasant sight. Dog owners who see these unsightly symptoms on their poor pets must know how to treat entropion in dogs. The answer to this is surgical correction which only vets can do. This is why I urge you to immediately have your dog checked if you suspect he has eyelid entropion.

What is Entropion in Dogs?

Eyelid entropion in dogs occurs when an abnormality causes one or both of a dog’s eyelids (such as excess skin or skin folds of the upper, lower eyelid, or both) to become inverted, or rolled inward. It is a genetic condition that can lead to an eyelash or hair irritating the surface of the cornea, and can result in corneal ulceration (corneal ulcer) or perforation. Entropion often also causes scar tissues to build up over the wound which can lead to an inference in your dog’s vision.

Entropion is a hereditary disorder. It is commonly seen in a variety of breeds. This condition can occur in both purebred and mixed breed dogs but is more common in purebreds. It is most often affects them including short-nosed breeds, giant breeds, and sporting breeds.

Are Certain Breeds More Prone to Entropion than Others?

A hereditary condition seeing as Entropion. While the exact genetics of the problem is unknown, it has identified as many breeds. According to VCA Hospitals, the following breeds are most likely to develop this condition:

• Akita
• Bulldog
• Dalmatian
• Golden Retriever
• Great Dane
• Labrador Retriever
• Mastiff
• Pomeranian
• Poodle
• Pug
• Rottweiler
• Shih Tzu
• Siberian Husky
• Vizsla
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Basset hound
• Chesapeake bay retriever
• Staffordshire bull terrier
• Bernese mountain dog
• Shar pei
• Cavalier king charles spaniel
• English toy spaniel
• American Staffordshire terrier
• Tibetan spaniel
• Saint bernard

Types of Entropion

Primary entropion:

It is caused by anatomical problems with the eyelid.

Secondary entropion:

It is caused by an external factor such as an injury or infection.

What are the Symptoms of Entropion in Dogs?

Symptoms of entropion vary depending on dog size. For smaller dogs, like toy breeds, a leading symptom of entropion is excess tears and inner eye inflammation. In many cases for giant breeds, mucus or pus often leak from the outer corner of the eye. Other breeds may exhibit eye tics, pus, or eye inflammation.

What are the Causes of Entropion in Dogs?

The facial structure causes Entropion, a genetic condition primarily. With short-nosed breeds, the tension of the ligaments around the inner eye is higher than normal, and facial structure, particularly around the nose, can lead to the top and bottom eyelids rolling inward towards the eyeball. For giant breeds, it’s the opposite as they have excess skin on the outer corners of their eyes that is prone to fold inwards.

While entropion is primarily caused by a genetic disposition, repeated incidents of conjunctivitis or inflammation of the chewing muscles can lead to functional entropion. Additionally, severe weight loss in dogs can lead to a loss of fat around the eye socket and cause entropion.

How Vets Diagnose Entropion in Dogs

If you notice your dog exhibiting the signs of entropion, then immediately seek medical attention for your dog from his veterinarian. Your vet will perform a thorough examination before diagnosing your dog. Diagnosis for entropion is fairly straightforward. If your dog is diagnosed, your vet will be able to determine the underlying causes, usually genetic disposition, before recommending entropion treatment.

What is The Prognosis for Entropion?

The prognosis for entropion is good as long as the condition is treated surgically. If left untreated, however, the condition can lead to vision loss or other complications. Surgery to correct entropion, done by a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist, is typically a relatively simple procedure, and most dogs make a full recovery following surgery. With proper treatment, most dogs with entropion can enjoy a good quality of life.

If you think your dog may have entropion, then please contact your veterinarian for an evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing any long-term damage to your dog’s eyes.

Recovery and Management of Entropion in Dogs

If your dog is suffering from entropion, then there are a few things you can do to help them recover and feel more comfortable. The most important thing is to keep their eyes clean and free of infection. You can do this by gently wiping their eyes with a soft cloth or cotton ball every day. It’s also important to keep the area around their eyes clean, so you may want to wash their face with a mild soap every day.

If your dog’s entropion is severe, then they may need surgery to correct the problem. A veterinarian usually performs the surgery. This is relatively simple and safe. After the surgery, your dog will need to wear an Elizabethan collar (or “cone of shame”) to keep them from rubbing their eyes. They will also need to be kept calm and quiet for a few days while they recover.

With proper care, most dogs make a full recovery from entropion surgery and are able to go back to their normal activities. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to talk to your veterinarian.

FAQs

How can I treat my dogs entropion at home?

Some people try rolling out their dog’s eyelids to invert the entropion and relax the eye muscles, however, it is better to take your dog to the vet to avoid any infection due to improper handling.

Does entropion in dogs go away?

Experts say entropion in dogs do not go away on its own and therefore needs corrective surgery to avoid complications.

Can entropion in puppies correct itself?

In rare cases, as a puppy grows and his muscles develop, the entropion goes away. However, most experts still agree that corrective surgery is necessary.

How is entropion treated without surgery?

Pet parents can relieve the discomfort of entropion through artificial tears and eye lubricants. However, without corrective surgery, this may lead to complications to the eye including loss of vision.