Entropion is an inward rolling of the eyelids that can cause the eyelid hairs and lashes to rub against the surface of the cornea. 

Permanent treatment is obtained through surgical correction.  Lubricating eye ointments may be used to decrease the irritation until surgery is performed. 

What is entropion?

• Entropion is an inward rolling of the eyelids that can cause the eyelid hairs and lashes to rub against the surface of the cornea.  This may result in only mild signs of discomfort such as tearing or may result in corneal abrasions, ulceration, scarring, and more intense pain.

Predisposed Breeds

• Entropion can also occur in other breeds and mixed breed dogs.  The most common breeds that are predisposed to entropion include the Chow Chow, Shar Pei, St. Bernard, Cocker Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, Labrador and Golden Retriever, Bull Mastiff, Rottweiler, Great Dane, Irish Setter, Norwegian Elkhound, and Toy and Miniature Poodles. 

Treatment

• Permanent treatment is obtained through surgical correction.  Lubricating eye ointments may be used to decrease the irritation until surgery is performed.  In growing puppies, temporary eyelid tacking sutures may be used to roll the eyelids out until the dog reaches a mature size and the adult eyelid conformation is seen.  There are many surgical procedures used to correct entropion and the proper technique is decided by the specific conformational abnormalities in the eyelid and surgeon preference.  In most cases, the eyelid conformation is corrected with one procedure. Some patients require multiple surgeries to obtain successful results.  The most complicated cases are entropion which are caused by scarring from eyelid trauma.  In these cases, multiple and more advanced surgical techniques are often required to correct the disorder.
• Spastic entropion occurs when patients also have an allergic component to their condition. Combined medical treatment and surgery may be required to control patients with spastic entropion. Seasonal variations may occur.