Entropion is an eye problem that, unlike ectropion, occurs when the eyelid folds and the eyelashes turn inside directly touching the eye. Due to this, there is an eye irritation that ends up producing pain and even ulcers and inflammation of the cornea, among other symptoms and secondary conditions.
As soon as we detect that our dog has eye discomfort, we should go to the vet and, if he thinks it necessary, operate. In this case, in order to help our furry we must know what care it will need after surgery. For this reason, in this article on our site we are going to explain the care of a dog operated on for entropion
Protection with an Elizabethan collar
One of the first cares for a dog operated on for entropion is to place a Elizabethan collar, also known as a bell, cone or protective screen. This is to avoid scratching the stitches, since if you touch the stitches you can remove them by reopening the wound and, in this case, we will have to go back to the vet to put them back on.
By putting on this type of protection we will ensure that the operation wound does not get hurt or infected. Although they usually don't like to wear it at first and may try to take it off, if we calm them down and reward them when they are calm, they quickly get used to wearing it.
The cone should be left in place for about 2 weeks to ensure that the wound is already minimally healed correctly. But, obviously, it will have to be removed when indicated by the veterinarian in each case, always depending on how the recovery has gone.
Cures with saline solution
To care for the wound after entropion surgery in dogs and achieve good healing, we must clean it with physiological saline and sterile gauze. Between 2 and 3 times a day we will have to soak a sterile gauze with physiological saline and, with gentle touches, remove the legañas and exudations from the wound. It is very important to do it carefully so as not to harm our dog and, in addition, we must always do it before applying the topical treatment that our veterinarian has prescribed.
Postoperative medication
Another of the main cares for a dog operated on for entropion is to correctly follow the treatment indicated by our veterinarian. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatories are usually prescribed, the former as eye drops or cream, the latter by mouth or injection. The duration of this treatment will depend on the rate of recovery that our furry has and only the veterinarian will be able to indicate when the medications can be withdrawn.
If the specialist tells us to, we should apply the antibiotic ointment to the surgical wound with gentle massages to promote its absorption and circulation in the area. In this way, we will help the antibiotic to act more easily and the healing to be more optimal.
Recovery Feeding
When dogs undergo surgery, depending on the type, it is likely that the vets will recommend us for a few days strengthen the dietof our pet. To offer a greater supply of protein and help make recovery easier, we can give our furry special veterinary range food for recovery and provide more energy or, also, food for puppies.
Contact with other pets
Among the care of a dog operated on for entropion is monitoring her contact with other petsof the house or with other dogs by the street. We have to ensure that other animals do not touch or lick the wounds on the eyelids so that they do not become infected or open the stitches. For this reason it is good that we walk our furry with the cone on and/or that we warn the owners of other dogs who want to approach them to do so carefully.
Frequently asked questions after the entropion operation
There are some frequently asked questions, in addition to the care already mentioned, among dog owners who undergo this eyelid surgery:
When can stitches be removed?
Depends on the type of stitches the vet has used, for example if they are absorbable they do not have to be removed as they disappear on their own. On the other hand, if the suture has been done with normal stitches, they are usually left for about 2 weeks before they fall out on their own or are removed by the vet.
Is the operation final?
In most cases, the surgery should never be repeated, but it is true that some breeds such as Shar Peis, due to the fact that they have many wrinkles in this area, can suffer from entropion again in the future.
Entropion surgery in Shar Pei
The shar pei breed has a certain propensity for this type of eyelid condition due, above all, to the amount of wrinkles that they have on their faces. Also, due to the type of skin they have, the entropion operation in Shar Pei is somewhat different.
Normally, a portion of the wound is left unclosed specifically to create more scar tissue, thereby strengthening the eyelid and greatly reducing the chances of this problem recurring. For this reason, this type of dog should receive the same care as a dog operated on for entropion, but with more care and protection.
