Entropion is a condition that can be very serious for the animals as it can affect their vision. Entropion rolls the eyelid inward so that the eyelashes rub against the eye, causing discomfort to the animal. The condition is congenital, although it is common in some dog breeds. Entropion is more common in dogs than cats. It can also develop in older dogs or dogs that have lost muscle tone.
Certain breeds are prone to entropion such as the Chow Chow, Chinese Shar-Pei, Irish Setter, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Collie, Great Dane and Rottweiler, but the condition is not limited to these breeds. Animals diagnosed with entropion should not be used for breeding.
Infections that cause swollen and red eyes in dogs
Infection is one of the most common reasons for a red or swollen eye and can occur in different parts of the eye. There are a variety of causes that lead to redness or swelling in your dog’s eye, so let’s talk about some of them. These conditions are diagnosed by a veterinarian.
Inflammation of the inner part of the eye is inflammation of the inner part of the eye and consists of the iris, pleura and choroid. This is a deeper eye infection and is usually caused by a systemic cause (something outside the eye itself) such as tick-borne diseases, viruses, cancer, etc.
You have invited your new puppy or kitten home. What now?
We recommend booking a new pet checkup with your local vets.
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What to expect in your new pet check:
- Physical examination to see if they are fine and healthy
- Where appropriate, vaccinations can be started or continued. Vaccinations are important because, like humans, our pets can suffer from serious diseases, and these vaccines have been shown to be safe and provide good protection against life-threatening conditions. Vaccination schedules are made on a case-by-case basis as some breeders may administer the first dose before going to new homes. If you are unsure about vaccinations, talk to your vet.
- Advice on pest control, including worm, flea and tick control
- General insurance advice. Insurance is available to cover the costs of accidents, illness and emergency medical care. There is no NHS for our pets so having a contingency plan ready to meet the unexpected is part of pet ownership
- Some practices offer preventative healthcare plans which are a way of spreading the cost of routine care throughout the year. Here at Knutsford Vets we have the Gold Scheme which you can view on our website
- Microchips – by law puppies should be microchipped before 8 weeks of age either by the breeder or the new owner.
Spastic entropion in Dogs
Spastic entropion is a term used to describe the symptoms of blinking a lot and not being able to keep the eye open due to pain or irritation .
Think about when you have «something in your eye» and you can’t open it until you flush out the particle that hurts you.
What is entropion and what are the causes in dogs?
Entropion is a condition in which the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes and surrounding hair to rub against the dog’s delicate cornea. The upper and lower eyelids may be affected in one or both eyes. Entropion causes eye irritation and, if not treated quickly, can lead to corneal ulceration. Entropion can be genetic or secondary to another problem.
- Breed-Specific Problems — Entropion is genetic in short-nosed, giant, and sporting breeds.
- In short-nosed breeds (e.g. boxers, bulldogs and pugs), the shape of the nose and face causes more tension on the ligaments around the inner eye. This excessive tension can cause the upper and lower eyelids to roll inward.
- In giant breeds, including Saint Bernards, Great Danes and Bullmastiffs, the ligaments around the outer corners of the eyes have excess laxity, allowing the eyelids to roll into these. area.
- Entropion affects sporting breeds, including golden retrievers, Irish setters, and Labrador retrievers, as well as giant dogs.
- In some breeds, such as the Shar pei and Cavalier King Charles spaniel, selective breeding for skull formation, facial skin folds, and prominent eyes has increased the incidence of entropion.
- Secondary Causes — Entropion can also be caused by eyelid scarring, nerve damage, infection, and excessive weight loss.