Unlike ectropion, entropion occurs when the edge of the eyelid or part of itbends inward , leaving the eyelashes in contact with the eyeball. This can occur in the upper eyelid, the lower eyelid, or both, although it is more common in the lower eyelid. It is also more common for it to occur in both eyes, and it can also occur in just one.
As a consequence of the friction of the eyelashes against the eyeball, friction, irritation, discomfort and pain are produced. If left untreated, this condition can lead to severe damage to the affected eyes. Keep reading and discover on our site the symptoms and treatment of entropion in dogs
Causes and risk factors
There are two different types of entropion in dogs according to the causes that cause them, primary and secondary. The primary entropion can occur from a defect during the dog's development or from congenital defects. For its part, secondary entropion is acquired and is due to environmental causes.
Primary entropion is most often found in puppies and young dogs. It has a very important genetic component and, for this reason, it is more frequent in certain breeds, especially those with flat faces and flattened snouts or those with facial wrinkles. Thus, the breeds most likely to suffer from this disease are:
- Chow chow
- Shar pei
- Boxer
- Rottweiler
- Doberman
- Labrador
- American Cocker Spaniel
- English Cocker Spaniel
- Springer Spaniel
- Irish Setter
- Bull terrier
- Collie
- Bloodhound
- M altese
- Pekingese
- Bulldog
- Pug
- English Mastiff
- Bullmastiff
- Saint Bernard
- Great Pyrenees
- Great Dane
- Newfoundland
Secondary entropion, on the other hand, occurs more frequently in older dogs and can affect all breeds of dogs. This type of entropion usually appears as a result of other diseases or environmental factors. Thus, the most common causes of secondary entropion in dogs are: blepharospasm (eyelid twitching), eye or eyelid trauma, chronic inflammation, obesity, eye infections, rapid and marked weight loss, and loss of muscle tone in associated muscles. to the eye.
Symptoms of entropion in dogs
It is important to take your dog to the vet as soon as possible if symptoms of entropion are detected. Among them, the main warning signs are the following:
- Watery eyes and excessive tearing.
- Ocular discharge, which may have blood or pus.
- Eyelid visibly rolled inward.
- Eye irritation.
- Thickened skin around the eyes.
- The dog keeps his eyes half closed.
- Blepharospasms (twitches of the eyelids that are always closed).
- Difficulty opening eyes.
- Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea).
- Cornea ulcers.
- Vision loss (in advanced cases).
- The dog constantly rubs its eyes, causing further damage.
- Lethargy.
- Pain assault.
- Depression.
Diagnosis
Entropion is easy to diagnose, although it can only be done by clinical auscultation by a certified veterinarian. In any case, the veterinarian will do a complete eye exam to rule out other associated complications and problems similar to entropion (such as distichiasis or blepharospasm).
If you consider it necessary, you can request other tests for the other complications you find.
Treatment for entropion in dogs
The only way to fix this eye problem in dogs is with surgery Surgery on puppies with entropion poses an additional problem, and is that they continue to develop into adulthood. In those cases, the vet may temporarily opt for other periodic procedures, until the dog reaches an age where surgery is appropriate. The prognosis for operated dogs is excellent.
Prevention
Entropion cannot be prevented What we can do is try to detect it early so that the symptoms do not worsen and the clinical picture is as favorable as possible. In this way, if our dog is among the breeds most prone to suffering from this eye disease, we must pay special attention to its eyes, maintain its hygiene and follow regular veterinary check-ups.
