Entropion is defined as the inversion of all or part of the eyelid margin, leaving the skin in contact with the corneal surface. Entropion is common in several breeds and can affect animals of all ages. Most cases are due to a hereditary defect, although its genetic basis is not well known. Some frequently affected breeds include the English Bulldog, Chow Chow, Shar Pei, Labrador Retriever and Rottweiler.
Clinical signs secondary to chronic irritation caused by inverted eyelid position include epiphora, blepharospasm, mucopurulent discharge and conjunctival hyperemia.
The definitive treatment for entropion is through a surgical technique called modified Hotz-Celsus, which aims to remove a portion of the eyelid skin, belonging to the entropic area. Until surgery is performed, lubricating eye drops should be applied, so that the corneal surface is protected from the chronic entropion irritation.
Entropion is defined as the inversion of all or part of the eyelid margin, leaving the skin in contact with the surface of the cornea. Entropion is common in several breeds and can affect animals of all ages. Most cases are due to a hereditary defect, although its genetic basis is not well known. Some frequently affected breeds include the English Bulldog, Chow Chow, Shar Pei, Labrador Retriever and Rottweiler. This pathology can be classified accordingly to the degree of eyelid inversion, with mild cases having a degree of inversion of less than 45 degrees, and severe cases having a degree of inversion greater than 180 degrees.
Clinical signs secondary to chronic irritation caused by inverted eyelid position include epiphora, blepharospasm, mucopurulent discharge and conjunctival hyperemia.
The definitive treatment for entropion is through a surgical technique called modified Hotz-Celsus, which aims to excise the skin in a way that allows the eversion of the entropic area of the eyelid margin. Until surgery is performed, lubricating eye drops should be applied topically, so that the corneal surface is protected from chronic entropion irritation. In cases of entropion in puppies up to 12 weeks of age, with higher anesthetic risk, temporary sutures may be indicated. These allow a temporary eversion of the entropic areas, to prevent corneal lesions until the animal is old enough to undergo a safer anesthesia and perform definitive eyelid correction.