Entropion in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Entropion in dogs is an eyelid abnormality in which the eyelid rolls in on itself. Because the eyelid is rolled inward, the eyelashes and hairs on the eyelid rub on the cornea (the outer, clear layer of the eye).

The rubbing of the hairs on the cornea can cause pain and corneal ulcers (sores).

What Is Entropion in Dogs?

Entropion can occur on the upper eyelid, the lower eyelid, or both. It’s the most common eyelid abnormality in dogs.

Although entropion is painful, it’s not generally considered a medical emergency. If you are concerned that your dog has entropion, contact your veterinarian for an appointment.

Ectropion in Dogs

Ectropion in dogs is the opposite of entropion. In this condition, a dog's eyelid is rolled outward or is everted (turned inside out).

Generally, ectropion in dogs affects a pup's lower lid and causes the eye to have a “droopy” appearance. 

With ectropion, the pink tissue (conjunctiva) that lines the inner eyelid is exposed. In some cases, this can cause the tissue to dry out, leading to inflammation and potential scarring of the cornea. 

Certain breeds are more likely to develop ectropion, such as Cocker Spaniels, Saint Bernards, and Newfoundlands.

Symptoms of Entropion in Dogs

Symptoms of entropion in dogs include:

• Tears from the eyes (epiphora)

• Squinting of one or both eyes

• Holding the eye(s) shut

• Goopy (mucoid) discharge from the eye(s)

• Visible blood vessels or brown pigmentation on the cornea

• Ulcers (sores) on the cornea(s)

• Pawing at the eyes

Causes of Entropion in Dogs

Entropion in dogs is usually a hereditary condition that develops in growing dogs.

It’s most diagnosed in dogs that are under a year old. Because it’s hereditary, you can expect it to develop more commonly in specific breeds, such as:

• Shar-Pei

• Chow Chows

• Golden Retrievers

• English Bulldogs

• Boxers

• Rottweilers

• Pugs

Occasionally, a dog can develop entropion secondary to something irritating their eye.

For example, dogs with corneal ulcers can have spasms of the eyelids that result in entropion.

Unfortunately, these spasms can cause the eyelashes and fur of the eyelids to rub on the ulcer, perpetuating the issue.

In some cases, scarring of the eyelids from old injuries can also cause the eyelids to roll inward, resulting in hairs rubbing on the cornea.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Entropion in Dogs

Entropion in dogs is usually diagnosed when the veterinarian identifies the eyelid abnormality during physical examination.

If your dog is showing signs of entropion, your veterinarian will likely put a numbing drop called proparacaine in your dog’s eye to see whether the eyelid unrolls.

If the eyelid unrolls, it suggests that the entropion was due to spasm rather than a developmental abnormality. Spastic entropion usually occurs secondary to another eye condition, such as a corneal ulcer.

Your veterinarian will also likely put a stain (fluorescein) on your dog’s eye to check for corneal ulcers. If an ulcer is present, this stain glows when examined under a cobalt blue light.

Other tests and procedures might include a Schirmer tear test, to see whether the eye is making enough tears, and tonometry, to test the pressure in the eye.

Treatment of Entropion in Dogs

For hereditary entropion, treatment is surgical and is performed under general anesthesia.

In a puppy, your vet might temporarily suture the eyelids into a more normal position. Once your puppy’s face has grown, your vet can perform a more permanent fix if necessary.

The most common permanent fix is called a Hotz-Celsus procedure. During this surgery, your vet will remove a sliver of skin and then suture the sides of the skin back together, which pulls the eyelid out of its inverted state.

In some cases, your dog might need a second minor procedure after they recover from the first surgical repair.

This is because if your veterinarian removes too much skin the first time, your dog could develop ectropion. Instead, the vet will sometimes err on the side of removing too little skin, knowing that they can always take more later if needed.

For entropion that occurs due to an ulcer or eye injury, your veterinarian will treat the underlying issue.

This can include having your dog wear a recovery cone and using pain medications, such as atropine, and antibiotics, such as neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin ophthalmic drops.

Other treatments might include serum drops or ocular repair gels like BioHAnce™_.

Recovery and Management of Entropion in Dogs

Recovery from surgery for entropion generally takes 10 to 14 days.

During this time, your dog should always have their recovery cone on. Most veterinarians use absorbable sutures that dissolve on their own so that there is no need to remove sutures near the dog’s eyes.

Your pup will usually go home with a pain medication like carprofen.

If there was an ulcer present on the eye, treatments might include topical pain medications such as atropine drops, antibiotic drops, serum drops, or ocular repair gels.

Prevention of Entropion in Dogs

There is generally no way to prevent your puppy from developing entropion.

However, if your dog has entropion, it’s recommended that you avoid breeding your pet, since the condition can be hereditary.