Droppy eye dog skin#

However, in most cases, surgical correction is required to resolve the entropion. In mild cases, antibiotic ointment may be sufficient to alleviate your dog’s discomfort. Treatment with antibiotic ointment can lubricate the corneal surface and protect against corneal damage. In secondary entropion cases, resolving the primary problem may correct the entropion. This typically requires the administration of topical eye drops or ointment several times a day. If your dog’s cornea is damaged, they will need aggressive treatment to prevent infection. A fluorescent dye is applied to the cornea, and the ulcerated cornea will absorb the dye, while healthy tissue will remain clear. Once entropion is recognized, the eye will be evaluated for corneal ulceration. If your young puppy has not opened their eyes by 5 weeks of age, the puppy’s eyes should be evaluated for entropion. Your veterinarian will diagnose entropion when they observe your dog’s eyelid rolling inward. If the entropion leads to corneal ulceration, the cornea may cloud over and appear white or blue. The signs seen in dogs affected by secondary entropion depend on the primary cause, but usually include ocular discharge and squinting.

Short-nosed breeds typically have excess tears, bloodshot eyes, and profuse blinking, while giant and sporting breeds tend to have mucoid or purulent discharge from the outer corner of their eyes.

Secondary causes - Entropion can also be caused by eyelid scarring, nerve damage, infection, and excessive weight loss.ĭogs affected by entropion exhibit general eye discomfort and will usually rub at their face and be light-sensitive.

Droppy eye dog skin#

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 occurrence of entropion.Entropion affects sporting breeds, including golden retrievers, Irish setters, and Labrador retrievers, in the same way as giant-breed dogs.In giant breeds, which include Saint Bernards, Great Danes, and Bullmastiffs, the ligaments around the outer corners of the eye have excess slack, which allows the eyelids to roll inward in this area.This excess tension can lead to the upper and lower eyelids rolling inward. In short-nosed breeds (e.g., boxers, bulldogs, and pugs), the conformation of their nose and face cause more tension on the ligaments around the inner eye.Breed-specific issues - Entropion is genetic in short-nosed breeds, giant breeds, and sporting breeds.Entropion can be genetic or secondary to another issue. Entropion results in eye irritation, and if not remedied quickly, can lead to corneal ulceration. The upper and lower lids can be affected in one or both eyes. What is entropion and what are the causes in dogs?Įntropion is a condition in which the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes and surrounding hair to rub against the dog’s sensitive cornea. The team at Veterinary Vision Center wants you to know about entropion, which can threaten your dog’s vision if not recognized and addressed promptly. Their eyes play a crucial role in their ability to investigate their surroundings. Dogs are inquisitive creatures and love to explore every corner of their world.