Blepharitis in dogs is inflammation of the eyelids and is the most common eyelid disease in pets. Inflammation develops due to infectious agents (bacteria, viruses, molds), the disease can be caused by contact with foreign objects, dust. There is an innate predisposition to eyelid inflammation in a number of dog breeds. Treatment depends on the degree and form of the disease - it can be surgical or with.
In addition to the forms of blepharitis, methods of their diagnosis and treatment, the article describes other diseases of the eyelids. Often, severe swelling and disruption of the shape of the eyelid during inflammation leads to inversion or ectropion. In dogs, tumors and cysts are recorded on the eyelids.
Blepharitis - types of inflammation of the eyelids in dogs
Inflammation of the eyelids is a common occurrence in dogs. They are caused by various exogenous and endogenous reasons. Blepharitis occurs as a result of direct influences: physical, chemical and biological factors.
There are two forms of blepharitis. Superficial inflammation is localized on the skin of the eyelids, especially on their edge, and deep inflammation covers the subcutaneous tissue and underlying tissues. According to the course of the process, there are acute and chronic. In most cases, acute inflammatory processes, due to the direct connection of the eyelids with the skin and other tissues, spread to neighboring areas and spread to them (orbit, periodontium).
Bacterial blepharitis - signs and treatment of widespread inflammation
Staphylococci, the most common infectious pathogens, can cause blepharitis either through direct infection or due to hypersensitivity. In puppies, a hypersensitive reaction most commonly occurs, characterized by multifocal, often large abscesses along the eyelid margin with severe swelling. The contents of these abscesses can be collected by fine needle aspiration under local anesthesia and sent for culture or opened with a large needle.
Superficial blepharitis in dogs has an acute, but more often chronic form. With superficial inflammation of the eyelids (scaly blepharitis), the following are observed:
- thickening of the eyelids (swelling);
- the formation of scales and crusts located between the eyelashes and the edges of the eyelids;
- the edge of the eyelids and conjunctiva remain hyperemic;
- eyelashes begin to fall out easily;
- the palpebral fissure decreases;
- subsequently, entropion of the eyelids and visual disturbances may appear.
Deep blepharitis, often as a consequence of injury (with the subsequent addition of a purulent-inflammatory process), occurs acutely. The cause of inflammation is pyogenic microorganisms, mainly staphylococci, which develop in ulcers and purulent secretions under the crusts of the eyelids.
The animal has a swollen and hyperemic conjunctiva, with accumulation of purulent exudate, severe pain, itching and photophobia. Swelling of the conjunctiva and eyelids can reach significant sizes, especially with abscesses and phlegmon of the eyelids. In advanced cases, purulent mucous discharge from the eyes occurs. Body temperature may be elevated.
Treatment consists of applying warm compresses several times a day and appropriate systemic therapy (cephalosporins). Concurrent therapy with oral corticosteroids is often necessary, starting with 1.1 mg/kg prednisone 2 times a day for 10-14 days, gradually reducing the dosage.
When treating superficial blepharitis, it is necessary to improve the dog's feeding (vitamins and minerals). In order to prevent scratching and irritation of the eyelids during itching, give special desensitizing medications (diphenhydramine, suprastin). Surgical treatment of the eyelids includes removing crusts with swabs moistened with a 3% solution boric acid, furatsilin solution, applying a 3% solution of brilliant green and tetracycline ointment to the eyelids two to three times a day. In case of severe conjunctivitis, a 10% solution of sodium sulfacyl, Sofradex, is injected into the conjunctival mark.
If symptoms do not disappear after 3-4 weeks of treatment or abscesses constantly recur, then the use of staphylococcal phage lysate (Staphagelysate, Delmont Laboratories) should be considered. Bacterial blepharitis in older dogs is often associated with other diseases such as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, atopy, seborrhea and hypothyroidism. In these cases, eyelid rinsing (with a specially prepared solution or diluted baby shampoo), local and systemic antibiotics, and prevention of self-injury using a protective collar are indicated. Staphylococcal phage lysate can also be used.
For deep blepharitis, complex treatment showed:
- use of antibiotics (locally and intramuscularly);
- sulfa drugs;
- local novocaine blockades;
- symptomatic therapy.
Surgical treatment of the eyelids is similar to superficial blepharitis, followed by the use of ointments and drops containing antibiotics and hormonal drugs(1% solution of penicillin, erythromycin, 20% solution of sodium sulfacyl, 0.1% solution of dexamethasone, 0.3% solution of prednisolone). Physiotherapeutic procedures and photomodification of blood with laser and ultraviolet irradiation are also indicated.
In young dogs, Demodex infestation may involve the eyelids and periorbital area. Clinical symptoms are alopecia, crusts and secondary pyoderma. Diagnosis is made by routine skin scrapings. This condition can be self-limiting, so treatment of only secondary bacterial complications is indicated. May be effective treatment topical Rotenone ointment (Goodwinol). When treating localized or generalized demodicosis, contact of the cornea with acaricides should be avoided, so a protective ointment should be placed in the eye before applying them.
Fungal blepharitis
Crusts and alopecia of the eyelids can also be caused by a fungal infection. It is necessary to conduct examination and culture of skin scrapings and examination of the affected areas under a Wood's lamp. Dermatophytosis is more common in cats, but can also affect dogs. After applying the protective ointment, apply local treatment miconazole (Konofit, Pitman-Moore) and thiabendazole (Trezaderm, MSDAgVet).
If the disease is generalized or cannot be treated with local drugs, then systemic antifungal drugs are prescribed:
- ketoconazole at a dose of 10-20 mg/kg every 24 hours;
- griseofulvin (Fulvicin, Schering) at a dose of 50 mg/kg every 24 hours.
Isolation of sick animals is also recommended. It has been published to suggest that chronic use of oil-based ophthalmic preparations (such as homemade solutions of cyclosporine in sunflower or olive oil) may predispose some dogs to Malassia infection. The diagnosis is made on the basis of skin scrapings; before starting treatment, oil-containing drugs are discontinued and, if necessary, the antifungal drugs given above are prescribed.
Allergic blepharitis
Atopy often manifests as periorbital itching. Secondary alopecia, excoriation and pyoderma may occur. Drug treatment consists of local and/or systemic use of corticosteroids or antihistamines However, hyposensitization after skin testing is recommended.
It is currently believed that a large number of Topical ophthalmic drugs, especially aminoglycosides, can cause allergic blepharoconjunctivitis. However, if the condition worsens during treatment, it should be assumed allergic reaction for any medications, so all medications are canceled for a while.
Damage to the eyelids
Damage to the eyelids in dogs is observed in the form of wounds and bruises. Eyelid damage in dogs is most often caused by various sharp objects. Bite wounds, scratches, bruises caused by other animals, and eyelid injuries from accidents are also common.
There are superficial and deep damage to the eyelids. At superficial damage only the integrity of the skin alone is damaged, and with deep ones, the entire thickness of the eyelid with the conjunctiva is damaged.
Clinical manifestations are as follows:
- swelling of the eyelids;
- soreness;
- blepharospasm;
- inflammation;
- dysfunction.
Damaged eyelids are exposed surgical treatment using aseptic agents, and in case of wounds, knotted sutures are applied to bring the wound edges closer together. For penetrating wounds, sutures are applied separately to the conjunctiva (with catgut) and the musculocutaneous layer (with silk), then a sterile bandage is applied.
When treating the eyelids, you should avoid using strong drugs to avoid damaging the conjunctiva and cornea. When applying sutures, it is necessary to strive to restore the eyelid correctly, to avoid its eversion or inversion.
Fusion of eyelids
In animals, congenital and acquired eyelid fusions occur. Symblepharon - fusion of the eyelids with the eyeball and ankyloblepharon - fusion of the upper and lower eyelids are often noted. It should be remembered that dogs are born with fused edges of the eyelids (the first 11-12 days after birth). Therefore, acquired fusion of the eyelid margins poses a danger to the animal.
Eyelid fusion is treated surgically by making an incision along the very edge of the eyelid. The freed edges are cauterized with a 2% lapis solution and lubricated with tetracycline ointment to prevent re-union. 
Entropion of the eyelids in dogs
Entropion of the eyelids, entropium palpebrarum, is the turning of the edge of the eyelid or part of it inwards towards the eyeball. When turning the eyelids, the free edge of both eyelids is turned inward, towards the eyeball, along with the eyelashes. Usually the disease covers the entire part of the eyelid, and the degree of inversion varies. As a result, conjunctivitis, keratitis, and corneal ulcers develop. Entropion occurs in one eye or both eyes, including the lower and upper eyelids.
Causes and signs of entropion
The causes of entropion of the eyelids are different: due to blepharitis, keratitis, follicular conjunctivitis. Often, entropion appears after removal of the third eyelid.
What dog breeds are predisposed to entropion:
- Chow chow
- Norwegian Elkhund
- Chinese Shar Pei
- Saint Bernard
- English Springer Spaniel
- English and American Cocker Spaniel
- English bulldog
- Rottweiler
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- Toy and miniature poodles
- Mastiffs
Although it can be said that entropion and ectropion are hereditary in nature, the position of the eyelid depends on many factors. The relationship between the orbit, eyelids, and eyeballs influences the position of the eyelids, and the complexity of this relationship is difficult to determine genetically. Of course, the reason is genetic, but other factors influence the position of the eyelids. For example, atrophy of ocular fat or musculature leads to enophthalmos, predisposing to entropion.
Damage, acute or chronic inflammation, can lead to scarring or blepharospasm, which also causes eyelid abnormalities. Thus, in each case, the doctor must carefully examine the structure of the eyelids, eyes, orbits and evaluate other factors. If eyelid spasm is present in combination with eye tenderness, local anesthesia is administered to assess the exact extent of ectropion in the absence of pain.
In some cases, the discomfort is so severe that local anesthesia does not help relieve blepharospasm. In this case, you can enter local anesthetic to block the innervation of the eyelids to eliminate blepharospasm. In large and giant breeds, excess skin and eyelids combined with a lack of skin tone predisposes to ectropinone. It can often be complicated by entropion, especially in the presence of a large palpebral fissure and elongated eyelid margins. Manipulation of the eyelids usually allows the doctor to assess the degree of correction needed to remove excess skin and eyelid margins.
The main features are:
- photophobia;
- lacrimation;
- conjunctivitis;
- incorrect position of the edge of the eyelid and eyelashes;
- the palpebral fissure is narrowed.
Eyelashes and eyelid hair irritate mainly the conjunctiva and cornea, resulting in eyelid spasm. keratitis, up to corneal ulcers. Because canine eyelids do not have a tarsal plate (related to the cartilage of the eyelid), contact with the eyeball is extremely important for eyelid support.
As animals age, atrophy of orbital fat and other contents can lead to significant enophthalmos, which causes entropion of the eyelids. In this case, entropion (entropion of the eyelid) may form, which is difficult to eliminate, since deprivation of support from the eyeball leads to the mixing of a sufficient amount of tissue, which subsequently causes a relapse of entropion. Any eye disease that results in atrophy or scarring of the orbital structures can cause enophthalmos, similar to what occurs with aging.
The upper and lower eyelids are musculocutaneous folds in the orbital area. On both eyelids, there is a base, two surfaces and free edges, between which there is a palpebral fissure. Outside surface The eyelid is covered with thin, folded skin. 
The inner surface of the eyelids is covered with a mucous membrane - the conjunctiva, which extends to the eyeball. The thickness of the eyelids is up to 4 mm. Blood supply is carried out by the branches of the facial, lacrimal, frontal, buccal and other arteries. These branches move towards each other in loose connective tissue and, merging, form arterial arches. Innervation is carried out by branches of the ophthalmic nerve.
Operations for entropion of the eyelids
The main method of treatment is surgery cosmetic surgery. The operation should be performed as early as possible to avoid the development of persistent and even incurable changes on the cornea (keratitis and ulcers). Most operations for entropion of the eyelids involve cutting out a flap from the skin of the affected eyelid near the damaged edge of the upper or lower eyelid. As a result of fusion of the edges of the wound and subsequent scarring, the edge of the eyelids is pulled outward: both it and the eyelashes return to their normal position, and irritation of the eyeball stops.
Indications: partial or complete inversion of the eyelids. As a result of the rolling of the eyelid, keratitis and ulcers develop, the cornea is perforated and the anterior chamber of the eye is opened.
Common tools for manipulating soft tissues are suitable for blepharoplasty, but the kit also includes certain necessary ophthalmic instruments.
- Scissors for cutting tissue for strabismus and tonotomy.
- For eyelid manipulation, fine-toothed forceps such as Bishop-Harmon forceps or 0.3 mm Castroviejo scissors are best.
- For manipulation of the conjunctiva, smaller serrated forceps are required, such as Colibri forceps or 0.12 mm Castroviejo forceps.
- Scalpel blades must be small (Bard-Parker No. 11 and 15 or Beaver No. 64 and 65), and such blades require suitable handles.
- An eyelid speculum of appropriate size and rigidity is required that is comfortable and dependent on the surgeon's preference.
- The Barraxra Wire Eyelid Speculum is suitable for small, thin eyelids, but large palpebral fissures require a larger, more rigid eyelid speculum.
- When using fine needles and threads in eye surgery, an ophthalmic needle holder, such as a Derf or large Castroviejo needle holder, is required.
- The Jaeger eyelid plate is used for eyelid incisions. although if it is not available, you can use a sterile spatula.
- Special tweezers, such as entropion and chalazion tweezers. necessary for immobilization and stabilization of the eyelids during procedures.
Anesthesia. Combined use of neuroleptic substances with conduction anesthesia of the orbital nerve. The use of infiltration anesthesia is undesirable, since with it it is impossible to accurately determine the size of the excised skin flap.
Dogs are fixed in a lateral position on the operating table, ensuring head immobility. The surgical field (be careful not to get the solution on the conjunctiva) is wiped with iodized alcohol.
Most of the surgical techniques proposed for entropion of the eyelids come down to excision from the skin of the affected eyelid of a flap that is round according to Froehner, oblong-oval according to Frick, or arrow-shaped according to Schleich and connecting the edges of the wound with a knotted suture. The shape of the removed skin flap and the location of its excision depend on the extent and location of the lesion.
First, determine the location, length and width of the excised flap of skin. With complete inversion of the entire eyelid, a longitudinal oval flap is cut out along its entire length parallel to the edge of the eyelid. With partial inversion, the length of the skin flap (rounded) should exceed the length of the inverted part by 2-5 mm. The width of the excised flap is determined very carefully to avoid eversion. Grabbing skin folds of varying widths with anatomical tweezers, find the width at which the edge of the eyelids assumes a normal position.
Operation technique. Using surgical tweezers, grab the skin fold and use a scalpel or scissors, retreating 2-4 mm from the edge of the eyelids, and excise a skin flap of the required size. Peli flap is excised far from the edge of the eyelid, there may be relapses. Tamponade is used to stop the bleeding and knotted sutures are placed on the edges of the wound at a distance of 1 cm from each other.
When the inversion of the eyelid is insignificant, you can limit yourself to stitching the fold of skin with an interrupted suture, without resorting to excision.
With simultaneous inversion of the upper and lower eyelids, the operation is performed in two ways:
- if inversion of both eyelids occurs along the entire length, a skin flap is excised in each eyelid, each wound is closed with sutures;
- if the upper and lower sections of the inversion are located near the outer corner of the eye, retreating 3-5 mm from the outer corner of the palpebral fissure, an arrow-shaped area of skin is excised against the corner of the eyelids, the resulting skin defect is stitched with an interrupted suture, starting from its central part.
In advanced cases, with severe degrees of volvulus, in addition to excision of the skin flap, it is recommended to simultaneously cut the outer corner of the eye with a small incision (3-5 mm long) and sew the conjunctiva to the skin with thin silk. After the operation, to prevent scratching, a protective collar made of thick cardboard, plywood or a plastic bucket is placed on the dog’s neck. Sutures for all types of operations are removed on the 8th day.
Surgeries for eversion of the eyelids
Eversion is a change in the position of the eyelids opposite to inversion.
Causes and signs of eversion of the eyelids
Called for various reasons: wounds of the eyelids, chronic blepharitis, eczema of the eyelids, etc. Eversion can be observed with atrophy of the subcutaneous tissue, neoplasms of the conjunctiva, on the skin of the eyelids, and can also be congenital.
Located towards the ectropion:
- bloodhound (bloodhound);
- Saint Bernard;
- Great Dane;
- Newfoundland;
- mastiff;
- basset hound;
- spaniels.
Common signs of such breeds are excessive folds of skin on the face and large palpebral slits, so any dog with these features, regardless of its breed, is at risk of developing ectropion to one degree or another. These dogs are also diagnosed with areas of the eyelids with entropion, especially in dogs whose palpebral fissure is diamond or pagoda shaped. Such dogs may require combined or multiple surgical interventions.
The edge of the eyelid is not adjacent to the eyeball, but is turned outward, so that the conjunctiva is exposed and visible through the palpebral fissure. More often, inversion develops in the lower eyelid. Even the slightest degree of it leads to constant lacrimation, because along with the eyelid, the lacrimal punctum moves away from the eye. With stronger degrees of eversion, the conjunctiva lies open, it is irritated by external influences (air, dust, etc.). Due to incomplete closure of the eyelid, the cornea is also irritated and may develop.
Methods for eliminating ectropion
We need to eliminate the cause. The main principle of treatment is surgical. The position of the lower eyelid can become normal when a triangular skin flap is removed in the inner or outer corner of the palpebral fissure. This will lift the skin of the lower eyelid.
Indications: inversions that develop as a result of scar tightening of the skin of the eyelid, neoplasms, congenital inversions.
Fixation of the animal and anesthesia are the same as for turning up the eyelids. What methods are most often used to correct ectropion:
- Conventional wedge resection;
- Variants of the Kung-Szymanowski method;
- Kunt-Helmbold method;
- Blepharoplasty by V-Y method or Wharton Jones is indicated for the correction of cicatricial ectropion
The operation aims to tighten the edge of the everted eyelid (usually the lower one) and, by forming a skin fold, form a linear scar that would support the everted edge.
For minor eversion, the Dieffenbach method is used. The scar or tumor is cut out in the shape of an equilateral triangle with the base facing the edge of the eyelid. A linear incision is made parallel to the edge of the eyelid at a distance of 3-5 mm from the last. The skin flap is prepared and removed, and the edges of the wound are sutured with an interrupted suture. First, sutures are placed on the side surfaces, and then on the base (along the edge of the eyelid).
The Szymanowski method involves excision of a arrow-shaped skin flap, inner side which is an upward continuation of the edge of the lower eyelid at the outer corner of the eye, and the outer one is a plumb line. The size of the excised skin flap depends on the degree of eversion. The greater the inversion, the larger the excised flap and the higher its top rises.
With large scar eversion, especially if there is an increment of the scar to the edge of the orbit or cartilage, the described methods do not always give positive results. In these cases, tissue transplantation is necessary.
Stye and chalazion
Barley is a focal abscess in sebaceous gland, usually caused by staphylococcal infection. External styes are observed in the glands of Zeiss and Moll, and internal styes are observed in the meiobian glands. The latter type of stye is most common in dogs. 
Treatment involves applying warm compresses, manually squeezing the gland to remove any remaining secretions, and using topical antibiotics. A chalazion is a delay in secretion in the meiobian gland, which is a reaction to a foreign body, or it is observed during the formation of a granuloma.
A chalazion appears as a firm, yellow mass on the conjunctival surface of the eyelid margin and usually does not require treatment. Curretage can be performed under local anesthesia, then the eyelid is everted and the contents of the chalazion are removed using a chalazion curette or other instrument. In this case it is shown short course corticosteroids and antibiotics.
Neoplasia – tumors of the eyelids of dogs
Most common neoplasms (adenomas, papillomas, melanomas) on the eyelids of dogs are benign and are eliminated using resection, cryosurgery and laser ablation. All removed tissue should be subjected to histopathological examination, since it is possible malignant degeneration neoplasms.
The following malignant eyelid tumors have been noted:
- squamous cell carcinoma;
- basal cell carcinoma;
- adenocarcinoma;
- mast cell tumor;
- malignant melanoma;
- hemangiosarcoma;
- myoblastoma.
The most common tumor is squamous cell carcinoma, which tends to be locally invasive, with frequent relapses and metastases. Their treatment is radiation therapy, repeat cryosurgery or laser surgery, or wide excision, which often requires skin grafting. In the case of multifocal lymphoma, the eyelids may also be affected, in which case appropriate drug treatment is indicated.
In practice, up to one-fourth of the eyelid is removed using conventional wedge resection, after which only a simple suture is required. However, there are exceptions to the rule, and dogs with longer eyelids or tighter periocular skin will have more tissue removed. To remove this swelling, a complete “pentagonal” resection is performed, and since the upper eyelid is long, an initial suture can be placed.
After shortening upper eyelid the eyelid gap will narrow, provided the tissue is elastic, they can be compared, and thanks to the gradual stretching of the tissues, by the time the sutures are removed, the eyelids take on a more normal and quite acceptable appearance. Over time, further transformation and restoration of the original form will occur.
Aseptic pyogranuloma
The eyelids may be affected by aseptic granuloma of unknown etiology. This apparent neoplasm may be extensive, multiple and ulcerated. Relapses may occur. On histopathological examination, this disorder appears as diffuse or nodular granulomatous or pyogranulomatous inflammation. 
There is no evidence of neoplasia and no etiological factors have been identified. The results of bacterial and fungal cultivation are negative. Most dogs do not respond to systemic antibiotics, but have responded well to immunosuppressive doses of oral corticosteroids.
Zincreactive dermatosis
This rare skin disorder occurs in young, mature dogs of the Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute and Bull Terrier breeds. Even with normal amounts of zinc in the diet, these dogs can become zinc deficient, possibly due to decreased absorption. This condition can also occur in puppies of fast-growing breeds whose diet lacks zinc or contains large amounts of plant components (lots of calcium and grains) that bind zinc.
Symptoms are especially pronounced on the eyelids and skin around the eyes and consist of alopecia, redness, crusting and itching of varying degrees. Diagnosis is made based on history, general examination, and skin biopsy. Treatment consists of correction of any nutritional deficiencies or lifelong zinc supplementation if malabsorption is suspected.
Uveodermatologic syndrome
Uveodermatologic syndrome, also called Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like syndrome (VKH-like syndrome), is considered autoimmune disease, in which melanocytes become target cells. During particularly severe bilateral anterior uveitis, posterior or panuveitis, poliosis and vitiligo of the eyelids and skin around the eyes and mouth are also observed. Skin disorders often cause severe itching, crusting, ulceration, and excoriation.
The surface and mucocutaneous border of the eyelids are affected, this manifests itself in the form of blisters, ulcers, crusts and alopecia. A skin biopsy is taken to confirm the diagnosis, and oral immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids are often necessary. For relapses, azathioprine may be required.
Although this condition can occur in any breed of dog, Akitainus are the most predisposed.
Initial treatment consists of oral immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids, then reduce the dosage to the minimum that can control symptoms. This disease is often difficult to treat and requires high doses of steroids, causing many side effects. The addition of azathioprine (Imuran, Burough-Wellcome) is often necessary. After controlling the condition, both poliosis and vitiligo disappear. Autoimmune dermatoses (pemphigus foliaceus, pemphigus erythematous, systemic lupus erythematosus, discoid lupus erythematosus) may appear on the eyelids and around the eyes even before the appearance of generalized symptoms.
Incomplete closure of eyelids
Lagophthalmos, caused by temporary swelling of the eye or orbit, is eliminated by performing temporary tarsorrhaphy using 1-3 non-absorbable mattress sutures passing through the edges of the eyelids at the level of the gray line. If the eyelid tension is slight, sutures can be applied without stents. If lagophthalmos is caused chronic disease(for example, an increase in the eyelid fissure, conformational exophthalmos, eyelid paralysis), plastic surgery of the canthus is performed either laterally or medially, regardless of the most vulnerable area of the eyeball and cornea, the placement of which will best contribute to the preservation of eyelid function. 
Unfortunately, eye pathologies in dogs are not uncommon. For the most part this happens with hunting or service breeds. However, pets also suffer from eye diseases. One of the common diseases of the visual organs is entropion of the eyelid, which can lead to complete loss of vision.
Definition of pathology
Entropion in dogs is also called entropion. This is a transformational change in the position of the eyelid, as a result of which the eyeball comes into contact with the eyelid and eyelashes.
Entropion in a dog (photo in text) is a very dangerous disease. As soon as the owner notices symptoms, it is necessary to immediately take the animal to a veterinary clinic. If the pathology is not treated, the dog may lose an eye and even vision.
Therefore, you should always carefully monitor the health of your beloved pet, and if suddenly he notices clouding and redness of the eyes, watery eyes or purulent discharge, then perhaps the dog needs surgical intervention for eyelid correction, which cannot be postponed.
Causes
The occurrence of entropion in dogs has a number of reasons:
- Genetic predisposition. Sometimes this reason is called by specialists, but this is only an assumption, since identifying the cause can be quite difficult. The gene that would be responsible for the occurrence of this pathology has not been identified. According to the observations of experts, this disease mainly affects purebred animals bred by crossing genetic relatives.
- Features of the structure of the skull.
- Location of the eyeballs.
- Elasticity and length of the eyelid.
- Trauma to the eyelid or eye.
- Squinting. The habit of squinting is very rare in animals, but sometimes it still happens, which can lead to an inversion of the eyelid in dogs.
Entropion can also develop after severe conjunctivitis or scarring of the eyelid.
Signs and symptoms
Entropion in dogs is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Feeling of sand in the eyes, pain. The dog often rubs its eyes with its paws.
- Squinting.
- Frequent blinking.
- Anxiety in behavior.
- Increased tear production.
- Purulent discharge.
- Dark tracks under the eyes.
Examining the cornea with such symptoms is very problematic. The dog often looks askance, the animal’s eyes are either tightly closed or completely closed. The dog cannot look at the light.
Entropion of the third eyelid in dogs
This form of the disease is typical for shepherd dogs, pinschers, and mastiffs. Other breeds very rarely suffer from entropion of the third eyelid. It develops either as a consequence of degeneration of the cartilaginous part of the eyelid, or as a complication of the follicular form of conjunctivitis.
With this type of disease, deformation of the third eyelid occurs and when lacrimation occurs, serous-mucous discharge from the eyes appears. Some affected individuals experience a characteristic eyelid spasm or tic, which always goes away when treated.
Entropion of the lower eyelid in dogs most often occurs in Shar-Peis and Chow Chows, which have excessively pronounced skin folds on the face. Excess skin hangs over the eyes, causing drooping eyelids.
Various degrees
With entropion of the eyelid in dogs, there are several degrees of the disease:
- very tight fit of the eyelid;
- inversion of the eyelid, accompanied by contact with the cornea at an angle of 90°;
- touching the cornea with the hair of the eyelid and its skin at an angle of 180°.
At each degree of the disease, the animal experiences discomfort, rubs its eyes, and behaves restlessly.
Entropion in dogs can be central or lateral. In the first case, the central part sags, and in the second, the skin sags from the middle to the corner of the outer eye.
It may happen that the problem goes away on its own. What happens when the disease is found in a puppy, and as the puppy grows, the problem with the eyelid disappears. Or if the bones of the skull do not grow at the same time as the skin. In these cases, the puppy is generally not harmed by the entropion of the eyelid. However, consultation with a specialist is still required.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is carried out by examining the patient. In order to reduce unpleasant painful sensations After the examination, drops of anesthetic are instilled into the dog’s eyes.
To identify ulcers or erosions on the cornea that have arisen during the course of the disease, veterinarians can use fluorescent solutions, after treatment, with which the damaged areas of the cornea begin to glow under ultraviolet light.
Non-surgical therapy
Drug treatment for entropion in dogs is also possible. This occurs in mild cases of the disease. Veterinarian antiseptic drops are prescribed that relieve inflammation and kill pathogenic microflora.
Treatment of the skin around the eyes with various antiseptic gels and ointments can also be prescribed. In addition, the doctor prescribes anti-inflammatory drugs internally.
There is also a temporary non-surgical procedure performed in a clinic using autohemotherapy. Here the animal's blood is injected into the thickness of the eyelid using a medical syringe. This procedure can be carried out by a strictly qualified specialist and with the use of additional medications.
The effect is possible within 10-14 days. Then, if necessary, the procedure is repeated. When using this method, the deformed eyelid unfolds, moving to its normal position. Before starting the procedure, the patient needs a 12-hour diet.
Surgery
But still, in the vast majority of cases, surgery for entropion of the eyelid in a dog plays a leading role in the treatment process. Even if the animal has serious complications from the disease in the form of keratitis and conjunctivitis, surgical intervention will allow for the highest quality sanitization of foci of infection and will alleviate general state dogs.
The technique of eyelid entropion surgery in dogs involves removing the folded part of the eyelid by straightening and cutting it. After this, supporting sutures are applied to fix the ligaments in the required position. Absorbable sutures are used that do not need to be removed. In adult individuals, additional operations are often required to adequately strengthen the ligamentous apparatus.
In puppies that have reached the age of 6 months, such operations are easiest. They have ligamentous apparatus It has not yet hardened, so surgical intervention will be minimal. Here only supporting sutures are applied to fix the eyelid in the required position.
If wounds, ulcers, conjunctivitis and keratitis appear during the course of the disease, they are treated in general procedure. Dogs with hereditary inversion of the eyelids are not allowed for breeding.
The postoperative prognosis is very positive. If, of course, the treatment was carried out in a timely manner, before the appearance of irreversible processes in the cornea of the eye. In cases where it is not possible to avoid severe injuries, the outcome will depend only on the severity of the injuries received by the animal during the course of the disease. In particularly severe cases, the dog may be advised to remove the eye.
Postoperative period
Proper and high-quality care for the animal after surgery is very, very important for positive dynamics and speedy full recovery. This cannot be taken lightly. Otherwise, the operation will have to be repeated, which means extra stress for the pet and extra wasted money for the animal owner.
Basically, for such operations, veterinary surgeons use thin suture material. Its use will not leave traces of intervention on the dog’s eyelids. However, it is very easy for an animal to tear off such light stitches before the healing process is complete, so you will have to use a special collar that will not allow the dog to waste the treatment.
After surgery, the veterinarian prescribes special eye drops and antiseptic ointments, the use of which is highly discouraged.
Prevention
Preventive measures should include the following:
- preventing injury to your pet's eyes;
- careful attention to the hygiene of the animal’s visual organs and face;
- regular visit veterinary clinic for periodic inspections;
- promptly consult a doctor if symptoms and signs of entropion occur in a dog.
The dog's health is the sole responsibility of its owner. And how healthy and well-groomed the pet is is an indicative factor for assessing personal qualities his owner.
It just so happens that dogs' eyes are quite often injured. Of course, this mainly applies only to service and hunting dogs, but “visual” ailments do not bypass pets either. For example, they often have entropion of the eyelid. By definition, a dog with this pathology cannot have a healthy and thriving appearance.
Entropion of the eyelid is a pathology in which part of the organ turns inward (towards the eyeball). At the same time, eyelashes, hair and skin of the eyelid begin to rub against the surface of the cornea, which causes chronic inflammation and irritation. If you don't help the animal, it could result in the loss of an eye. In “milder” cases, they form on the surface of the cornea. This leads to the development of severe keratitis, and the animal loses its vision. As a rule, definitively and irrevocably.
Inversion of the eyelid can be upper and lower, one- or two-sided. In mild cases, not the entire eyelid is rolled up, but only a small area of it (usually in the corner of the eye). How does a sick animal feel? To put it simply, the dog feels as if a handful of sand had gotten into its eyes. The pet is in great pain, and therefore the sick animal quickly loses its appetite, loses weight, and completely loses interest in life.
Causes and predisposed breeds
Entropion is relatively common in dogs. You can see a typical case in the photo. Unfortunately, this scourge is often inherited, and is often found in very young animals that are only one year old. Particularly predisposed. In short, bloat can occur in all breeds of dogs.
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Why does this depend, and which animals are more likely to get the disease? A certain shape of the head, numerous folds of skin on the muzzle and in the eye area are the main predisposing factors. In brachycephalic breeds, these signs are most pronounced, and therefore the likelihood of the disease is several times higher. But why is bloat so common, for example, in Great Danes, which are not covered with folds of skin (unlike bulldogs)?
They have a different problem. It so happens that these animals have severely weakened ligamentous apparatus of the eyelids. Simply put, the “string” that holds the eyelid taut sometimes stretches, and the skin fold immediately turns inward. But pathology arises not only as a hereditarily transmitted disease.
Entropion can also occur as a result of scarring of the eyelid, severe conjunctivitis, or other diseases and injuries of the eye. Oddly enough, even the eyes themselves are not always “to blame.” Inflammation of the masticatory muscles, as well as severe exhaustion, can also stimulate the development of bloat. The fact is that with these pathologies the facial structure changes significantly, the tissues seem to “dry out”.
General symptoms
In principle, the diagnosis of this disease is very simple. On initial stages the dog will look at the world “squint”, and a lot of liquid secretion will begin to come out of its eyes. Subsequently, the discharge thickens and becomes mucous. Photophobia is very often observed; the dog rubs its eyes with its paw, barely looking at the sun or even a light bulb.
If you do not provide any help to your pet, very soon he will develop keratitis, eye tics are possible, the skin around the eye socket may seem to “sag” (ligament weakness), or, in worst cases, it comes to deep wounds and ruptures of the cornea. Note that in bulldogs and other representatives of brachycephalic breeds it often happens that the owners do not notice any signs of bloat at all.
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And you shouldn’t blame them for inattention: these animals simply have watery eyes due to their characteristics. It is especially easy to “miss” the entropion of the lower eyelid in dogs.
In mild cases, volvulus causes only minor irritation, while more severe situations are characterized by severe pain, ulcers, scarring and, ultimately, complete loss of vision.
Therapy
Entropion of the eyelid is diagnosed through a general examination. To prevent the dog from showing dissatisfaction with the procedure, anesthetic compounds are first instilled into the eyes. A special fluorescent compound may be used to check the cornea for hidden ulcers.
In very mild cases of entropion, veterinarians will often prescribe antiseptic eye drops or gels for the skin around the eyes to reduce inflammation and provide relief to the eye. Regular tetracycline almost never hurts. eye ointment which will protect against secondary infections. But more often, such gentle therapy is not a solution, and drastic methods are needed.
Eyelid surgery is the only treatment that can completely cure a dog of this pathology. Even if an inversion of the eyelid has already led to serious damage to the cornea, it will still significantly improve the general condition of the animal and its quality of life.
The operation is easiest for puppies that have just reached six months of age. Their ligamentous apparatus has not yet had time to harden, and therefore surgical intervention is minimal. In this case, special “supporting” sutures are made that fix the eyelids in the desired position. There is no need to remove them, since over time the material dissolves on its own, and the ligamentous apparatus of the eye can independently hold the skin fold in the desired position. In adult dogs, everything is approximately the same, but the operation itself is much more complicated. It should also be taken into account that in severe cases, surgery must be repeated.
Turning of the eyelids.
What is entropion?
Entropion of the eyelids. (Entropium palpebrae). This disease is expressed in a pathological condition of the eyelid, when its edge is turned inward towards the eyeball. When there is a significant degree of inversion, not only the free edge is turned towards the eyeball, but also the skin surface of the eyelid, covered with eyelashes and skin hair, which in this position greatly irritate the cornea, which leads to its inflammation and ulceration. Entropion of the eyelids develops due to a discrepancy between the length of the eyelids and the size of the eyeball.
Shar Pei has an 8-month-old inverted eyelid.
In which breeds is it most common?
Among dogs, entropion of the eyelids is most often found in breeds such as the Chow Chow, Shar Pei, English Bulldog, Mastino, Staffordshire Terrier, Bullmastiff, and Ridgeback.
Among cats, entropion of the eyelids is most often found in breeds such as Maine Coon and Sphynx cats, British and Persian cats.
Why does inversion of the eyelids occur?
The main causes of entropion of the eyelids are breed, hereditary predisposition, incorrectly performed operations for adenoma of the 3rd century, foreign bodies and corneal ulcers, dry eye syndrome, chronic inflammatory processes of the conjunctiva, leading to a reflex contraction of the musculi orbicularis.
Sometimes entropion of the eyelids is congenital.
Diagnosis of entropion of the eyelids.
Diagnosis of entropion of the eyelids should be comprehensive. You cannot limit yourself to a simple eye examination. In our clinic, in animals with suspected entropion, biomicroscopy of the anterior segment of the eye, a Schirmer test to exclude dry eye syndrome, and a fluorescein test for the differential diagnosis of ulcerative keratitis are performed.
What are the signs of entropion?
Your pet's palpebral fissure decreases, lacrimation increases, and the skin of the eyelids is turned toward the eyeball. The cornea may have vascular keratitis or a corneal ulcer.
How to treat entropion of the eyelids?
At the most early stages turning up of the eyelids, when it is periodic, possibly therapeutic treatment or autohemotherapy (injection of one’s own blood with medicines to the place of volvulus). With spastic torsions caused by ulcers and foreign bodies, it is possible to avoid surgery through conservative treatment aimed at healing the cornea. In all other cases, and this is 90% of animals, surgical treatment is necessary.
To avoid the development of major pathological changes in the cornea (ulcers, scars), surgery should not be delayed for a long time.
All surgical interventions for this disease are reduced to cutting and removing a skin flap of the affected eyelid. The shape of the flap to be removed and the location of its cutting depend on the extent and location of the lesion. When turning up the middle part of the eyelid edge, a round flap of skin is cut out opposite the lesion. When turning the entire edge, the length of the cut flap should be equal to the length of the palpebral fissure. Fusion of the edges of the wound and scarring gives the eyelid a normal position, so that irritation of the cornea by eyelashes does not occur in the future. If entropion is present on both eyelids, then both eyes should be operated on. When inversions occur in the outer part of the eyelids, an angular flap is excised, and the resulting wound is closed with an interrupted suture.
Operations on the eyelids. Correction of entropion of the eyelids.
Are there recurrences of entropion of the eyelids?
Yes, recurrence of entropion is possible, especially in dog breeds such as Shaprey and Chow Chow, and therefore repeated operations may be required to correct entropion.
Eversion of the eyelids.
What is eyelid inversion?
Eversion of the eyelids(Ectropium palpebrae). This is an abnormal position of the eyelid, when its edge is turned outward and its mucous membrane (conjunctiva) is exposed.
Basset hound 4 months Eversion lower eyelids.
What are the causes of ectropion?
The causes of this pathology may be: breed and genetic predisposition, cicatricial tightening of the skin of the eyelids, which is a consequence of the healing of wounds, ulcers and other defects of the said tissue; tumors and inflammation of the conjunctiva with severe swelling, paralysis facial nerve(in this case, only the lower eyelid turns out); senile inversion (due to weakness of the eyelid muscle - musculi orbicularis). Congenital eversion is often observed in dogs.
Signs of eversion of the eyelids?
Increased lacrimation, chronic conjunctivitis, inflammation of the cornea. Sagging of the edge of the eyelid.
How to treat ectropion?
Main medicinal The measure is to eliminate the causes that caused and maintain this disease (treatment of conjunctivitis, paralyzed facial nerve, removal of tumors). For congenital eversion of the eyelids and those that have developed as a result of scarring, it is necessary to resort to surgery.
For small inversions, a triangular flap is cut out, the base of which should be facing the free edge. The inverted eyelid returns to its normal position. The edges of the wound are connected with an interrupted suture
If the eversion of the eyelid is significant and long-standing, during treatment a triangular flap of skin must be excised in the lateral corner of the eye. The flap is then pulled up and connected to the other edge of the wound
Surgery to correct ectropion of the eyelids.
The results after eyelid eversion operations are stable and reliable.
