This is a photograph of entropion, a condition in dogs and cats … but more commonly in dogs where the eyelids roll inwards and rub on the eye causing chronic irritation and discomfort in the eyes. There is subsequent persistent tearing/discharge from the eyes and potential injury to the cornea that can lead to loss of vision.
Remnar. . .
Today’s case is Remnar, an eight month old Springer spaniel that came to us for treatment of Entropion — a condition he was born with where his lower eyelids roll inward and cause chronic eye irritation. Depending on the severity of entropion, some dogs outgrow the condition whereas others require corrective surgery. Remnar had a significant level of entropion that he was not going to outgrow, so surgery was necessary for the permanent correction of his problem. Both of Remnar’s eyes were affected resulting in chronic irritation because the hair and lashes were turned inward towards his eye chronically rubbing and causing excessive tearing.
Fortunately, complete examination of his eyes showed no evidence of damage to the cornea of his eyes —this was an issue involving his eyelids only.
Corrective surgery for Remnar’s condition involves placing him under general anesthesia and then surgically reshaping his eyelids by removing a crescent shaped piece of redundant skin in the region adjacent to the lid margin where the entropion is occurring. By suturing the remaining defect in the skin — it draws the eyelids in an outward direction — essentially taking a tuck — and putting the eyelids back in a fully functional position. Sutures remain in place for two weeks while the incisions heal. Remnar was placed in a cone of shame during the healing process so he didn’t inadvertently scratch or damage his incisions. Remnar was prescribed oral medications to control pain and inflammation after surgery for a few days until post op swelling resolved.
