A dog with a red eye can mean many things. Entropion in dogs, for example, is a very common eye condition characterized by the inversion of the eyelid towards the eye, causing friction of the eyelashes and hairs on the eyeball. Consequently, this generates irritation and various uncomfortable symptoms. But in addition to pain and discharge, the dog's vision can also be compromised. Ifyou have noticed that there have been changes in your pet's eyes (such as redness, for example) and he is having difficulty keeping his eyes open, it is important to be aware. Read the following article and learn what to do about entropion in dogs!

Entropion in dogs occurs when the eyelid enters the inner part of the eye

Entropion in dogs is a disease that affects the dog's eyes. The pathology begins in the eyelid (skin responsible for protecting the eyeball), which turns inwards and causes the hair and eyelashes to come into contact with the cornea. As a result, the dog can suffer from various infections and inflammations in the eyes. When severe, entropion can also result in corneal ulcer in dogs, among other things.The opposite of this condition is called ectropion, in which case the skin of the eyelid is exposed.

Cases of entropion are not exclusive to dogs and cats and humans can also be affected (but it is not a zoonosis). Another detail is that this disease is more common in some breeds, with the SharPei being the most affected due to the accumulation of skin in the eye area. That is, any breed with sagging eyelids can develop entropion more easily. Examples are:

• Chow Chow
• São Bernardo
• Labrador
• Rottweiler
• Doberman
• Bloodhound
• English Mastiff
• Terra Nova
• Boxer
• Cocker Spaniel
• Bulldog (French or English)
• Pug
• Poodle
• Pekingese

Swollen dog eyelid is one of the symptoms of canine entropion

The symptoms of the pathology are usually accompanied by a lot of pain. Lump on the eyelid of the dog's eye and not being able to open his eyes are just a few signs of entropion. In addition, behavioral changes are noticeable due to the discomfort that takes away the appetite and causes discouragement in the animal. It is also quite common for the animal to bring his front paws to his eyes in an attempt to relieve the pain.discomfort - which can make the condition worse. These are physical signs of entropion in dogs:

• Dog with photophobia (sensitivity to light)
• Excessive lacrimation
• White layer in the cornea
• Redness
• Eyes blinking frequently
• Conjunctivitis in dogs
• Swelling

The good news is that entropion in dogs is easy to diagnose. During the medical history, the veterinarian relies on the support of the owner to identify the causes of the problem, as well as the severity of the condition. For example, if the puppy has entropion, it may be a hereditary case. But when it appears out of the blue or after an ophthalmological treatment (such as conjunctivitis therapy), it is a sign that the dogIdentifying the cause is important for the correct treatment of the problem.

Lump on dog's eyelid and inflammations can cause entropion

There are three types of causes for entropion in dogs: primary, secondary or acquired.

• Primary: Hereditary entropion means that the dog has inherited the disease from its parents, in which the breed is already predisposed to the disease;
• Secondary: It usually happens due to changes in the cornea that have become more sensitive due to infections or inflammation. In this case, it happens that the dog suffers from blepharospasm, a condition where he opens and closes his eyes constantly as a way to protect his sight (but which affects the eyelid, which is inverted);
• Acquired: occurs due to injuries to the eyelid and arises during the healing process of the skin, which undergoes a change and consequently folds). Canine obesity is another contributing factor.

Does entropion in dogs need surgery?

The treatment of canine entropion depends on the cause of the disease. When it is spastic entropion, one should treat the underlying disease with eye drops and ointments recommended by a veterinarian, as well as use of pain-relieving medications. But when entropion in dogs is congenital or acquired, the ideal is to perform eyelid correction surgery.

In the case of entropion surgery in dogs, the cost varies according to the clinic and the degree of the disease. It is not a complex surgery, but it is delicate - so it is good to choose a trusted professional. In this operation, a small half-moon cut is made in the skin below the eyelid. The post-surgery requires the use of an Elizabethan collar (to prevent the paws from having contact with the eyes), as well as rest and sleep.Healing time also varies according to the dog's organism. In some cases, more than one surgery may be necessary to ensure successful treatment.

In brachycephalic breeds (which tend to have excess skin in the snout area), entropion surgery removes not only the skin of the eyelid, but also shortens the excesses of the entire region as a way of preventing the problem from returning. In the case of puppies, entropion treatment involves only suturing (not cutting the skin).

Prevention of entropion and ectropion in dogs is done with genetic study

The major cause of entropion in dogs is genetic, so prevention is aimed at not crossing parents with a history of the disease to avoid new cases. Predisposed breeds should be followed up by a veterinarian for eye evaluation. Brachycephalic dog breeds should also be given extra attention due to excess skin. These details should not be ignored by other dogs, whichMaintaining proper hygiene of the dog's eyes is important to prevent entropion and ectropion in dogs, as well as other eye diseases.