At Avoca Drive Animal Hospital, we believe that informed pet parents are the best partners in providing excellent care. That's why we're sharing some important information about a common eye condition known as entropion.

What Is Entropion?

Simply put, entropion is a condition where a section of your pet's eyelid rolls inward toward the eyeball. This causes the eyelashes and surrounding fur to constantly rub against the surface of the eye, known as the cornea.

This constant rubbing can be incredibly irritating and painful, much like having a small piece of grit in your own eye that you can't remove. If left untreated, this irritation can lead to more serious problems like corneal ulcers and, in severe cases, even permanent blindness.

Which Pets Are Affected by Entropion?

While entropion can affect almost any breed, it is more commonly seen in certain breeds of dogs and cats, particularly those with loose facial skin or short snouts.

Commonly Affected Dog Breeds:

• French Bulldogs
• Pugs
• Cavaliers
• Bulldogs
• Mastiffs
• Shih Tzus

Commonly Affected Cat Breeds:

• Persians
• Scottish Fold
• Exotic Shorthaired

Symptoms to Look Out For

As a pet parent, your close observation is key. The symptoms of entropion can be subtle at first, but they will become more noticeable over time. Be on the lookout for:

• Excessive Tearing: You may notice your pet's eye weeping or having a teary discharge. This is by far the most important and common symptom.
• Squinting or Holding the Eye Shut: Your pet may squint or keep the affected eye partially or completely closed due to the discomfort.
• Redness and Swelling: The eye and the surrounding skin may appear red, swollen, but not always.
• Paw-rubbing: Your pet may constantly paw or rub their face to try and relieve the irritation.
• Visible Eyelash Irritation: You may be able to see the eyelashes pointing inward and touching the surface of the eye.

The Importance of Treatment

The good news is that entropion is highly treatable. The most effective long-term solution is a minor surgical procedure to reposition the eyelid.

Here at Avoca Drive Animal Hospital, our skilled veterinary surgeons like Dr. Nyssa Ross has extensive experience with this kind of corrective surgery. We've had quite a few cases recently, and Dr. Nyssa Ross has successfully operated on all of them, bringing relief to the pets and peace of mind to their owners. This means you can get the specialised care your pet needs without the added time and expense of a referral to an outside specialist.

Early intervention is crucial to prevent lasting damage to your pet's eye. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, please don't hesitate to contact us. We can perform a full examination to diagnose the condition and discuss the best course of action to make your pet comfortable again.