Understanding Entropion in Dogs
What it is, why certain breeds are more affected, and how vets diagnose and treat it.
If your dog has been squinting, tearing up more than usual, or pawing at their eyes, it could point to a condition called entropion, where the eyelid rolls inward and rubs against the surface of the eye. It’s one of the most common eyelid conditions in dogs, it’s uncomfortable, and it can cause serious eye damage if it goes untreated. The good news is that it’s also very treatable.
TL;DR
- Entropion is an eyelid condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing irritation as lashes and hair rub against the cornea.
- It can cause squinting, excessive tearing, redness, discharge, and even vision loss if not addressed.
- Certain breeds, like Shar-Peis and Bulldogs, are more susceptible due to inherited eyelid shapes.
- Treatment often includes surgery, such as the Hotz-Celsus procedure, which has a high success rate.
- Early intervention can prevent complications like corneal ulcers or scarring.
What is entropion in dogs?
Entropion is a condition where a dog’s eyelid rolls inward, causing the hair and skin on the eyelid to rub against the cornea (the clear, outer part of the eye). This friction can cause a lot of pain, irritation, and even lead to long-term damage if untreated. Entropion can affect the upper or lower eyelids (or both) and is one of the most common eyelid issues in dogs.
Signs of entropion in dogs
Keep an eye out for these symptoms that might signal entropion:
- Squinting or keeping the eye partially closed
- Excessive tearing
- Eye discharge that’s clear, yellow, or green
- Redness around the eye
- Visible inward rolling of the eyelid
- Pawing at the affected eye
- A cloudy or hazy appearance to the cornea (a sign of chronic irritation or developing damage)
If you notice these signs, especially if your dog seems uncomfortable, it’s time to give your vet a call.
What causes entropion in dogs?
There are three main types of entropion, each with a different cause:
- Conformational entropion (inherited eyelid shape): The most common type. Certain breeds have naturally loose, wrinkled, or heavy facial skin that causes the eyelid to roll inward. It’s a structural issue the dog is born with, not something that develops from an injury or illness.
- Spastic entropion (caused by eye pain): When a dog is in significant eye pain, from something like a corneal ulcer or conjunctivitis (eye inflammation), the muscles around the eye can spasm and cause the eyelid to roll inward. This type is temporary and typically resolves once the underlying pain is treated.
- Cicatricial entropion (caused by scarring): Scar tissue from a past eye injury or infection can pull the eyelid inward. Cicatricial means scar-related. This type is less common.
Breeds most commonly affected by conformational entropion include Shar-Peis, Chow Chows, Bulldogs, Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Bloodhounds, Saint Bernards, and Mastiffs.
How is entropion diagnosed?
Vets can often identify entropion during a routine physical exam, an eyelid rolling inward is usually visible. To check whether the cornea has been damaged, your vet may use a fluorescein stain, a safe dye applied to the eye’s surface and then examined under a blue light. Damaged areas of the cornea absorb the dye and glow bright green, making corneal ulcers easy to spot.
To tell the difference between spastic and conformational entropion, your vet may apply a topical anesthetic (numbing drops) to the eye. If the eyelid rolling stops after the pain is numbed, it’s likely spastic entropion, caused by pain rather than structure. If the eyelid stays rolled in even after the eye is numb, the cause is structural and surgery will likely be needed.
Treatment options for entropion
Treatment depends on the type of entropion and your dog’s age.
For spastic entropion: Treating the underlying cause, such as a corneal ulcer or eye infection, usually resolves the eyelid rolling. Lubricating eye drops may be used in the meantime to protect the cornea.
For puppies with conformational entropion: Permanent surgery isn’t recommended for puppies because their facial features are still developing, and operating too early can overcorrect the problem. Instead, vets use temporary eyelid tacking, small sutures that hold the eyelid in the correct position while the puppy grows. Permanent surgery can be assessed once the puppy’s face has finished developing, usually around six months of age.
For adult dogs with conformational or cicatricial entropion: Surgery is the standard treatment. The most common procedure is the Hotz-Celsus technique, where a small strip of skin is removed from the eyelid to pull it back into the correct position. The procedure is well-established and highly effective, and most dogs need only one surgery to fully correct the issue.
After surgery, your dog will need to wear an E-collar (a cone). This stops them from rubbing or pawing at the eye while it heals. Antibiotic eye drops will also be part of the recovery routine. Most dogs are back to normal within about two weeks.
What happens if entropion goes untreated?
Ignoring entropion can lead to serious eye problems. Corneal ulcers, scarring, pigmentation, and even vision loss are real risks. The constant friction and irritation aren’t just uncomfortable; they can permanently damage your dog’s eye.
Does pet insurance cover entropion?
Yes, entropion is covered under Lemonade Pet’s base accident and illness policy, as long as it isn’t pre-existing. That means signs and symptoms need to have appeared after your policy was active and your waiting periods had passed.
The one thing worth keeping in mind: if your dog is a breed that’s prone to this condition, getting a policy in place while they’re healthy is the smartest move you can make. Once symptoms show up, the condition is typically considered pre-existing and coverage won’t apply.
Before we go
Entropion in dogs might sound intimidating, but it’s very treatable, especially when caught early. Keep an eye out for the symptoms, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet if something seems off. If surgery is needed, it’s a highly effective way to give your dog relief and protect their vision long-term. And with pet insurance, you’ll have one less thing to worry about when it comes to managing the costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What breeds are most prone to entropion?
Breeds like Shar-Peis, Chow Chows, Bulldogs, and Golden Retrievers are at higher risk due to their inherited eyelid shapes.
How much does entropion surgery cost?
Surgery costs vary, often between $500 and $1,500. Insurance can help offset these expenses.
At what age can puppies have surgery for entropion?
Temporary tacking is common in puppies. Permanent surgery is usually done after 6–12 months when their facial structure has fully developed.
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC. The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.
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