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ENTROPION

First broadcast on www.provet.co.uk  As part of Provet's Focus on Eyes Week

Note for Pet Owners:

This information is provided by Provet for educational purposes only.

You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

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Description
Entropion is an abnormal distortion of the eyelids in which they roll inwards so that the eyelashes, and the edge of the eyelid rub on the surface of the eye. The entropion may affect the whole length of a lid or just part of it. Sometimes entropion and ectropion (turning out of the lid) are present at the same time.


Cause
Entropion can be :

The acquired form of entropion most commonly involves the upper eyelid of one eye.


Breed Occurrence
Congenital entropion is reported to be most commonly seen in the Bassett Hound, Bloodhound, Bullmastiff, Chow Chow, Cocker Spaniel, Dalmatian, English Bulldogs, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Newfoundland , Papillon, Pomeranian, Shar Pei and Springer Spaniel.

In some Breeds (the Bull Terrier and Chow Chow) the condition is associated with an abnormally  narrow opening between the upper and lower eyelids (called blepharophimosis), in other Breeds it can be associated with a large amount of loose facial skin.


Signs
Clinical signs inclu
de running eyes due to excess tear formation, blinking, squinting, the development of conjunctivitis with reddening of the whites of the eyes (called "red eye"), and sometimes the formation of ulcers on the surface of the eye (the cornea). Some dogs will rub their eyes along surfaces or floors, or paw at them because of the irritation. 


Complications
If left untreated serious damage can be caused to the cornea including ulceration , of chronic thickening and  black pigmentation. 


Diagnosis
Diagnosis can be made by visual examination of the eyelids


Treatment
If the entropion is minor, simply an undesirable cosmetic affect and not causing any clinical signs no treatment is necessary.

If the entropion is minor and just a few eyelashes are in contact with the surface of the eye epilation may be used.

For entropion associated with clinical signs, there are many surgical procedures to correct the alignment of the eyelids involving plastic surgery of the skin and muscle adjacent to the eyelid margin - various techniques have been described which incorporate the use of a scalpel or, more recently, laser technology.


Prognosis
The prognosis is good .


Long term problems
None provided the entropion is treated before serious secondary damage to the eye surface.

 

Updated October 2013