Entropion - Breeders Newsletter February 2011

What is entropion?

Entropion is an eyelid abnormality where the eyelid edge rolls in and onto the cornea. Often the hair on the skin margin will contact the clear window of the eye called the cornea. If this occurs then the cornea can develop an ulcer on the surface. All corneal ulcers are painful and immediate veterinary advice is required.

What are the clinical signs of entropion?

Dogs with entropion may have some or all of the clinical signs:

1. Red eye
2. Cloudy eye
3. Watery to mucky discharge
4. Squinting
5. Rubbing the eye/s

Which breeds of dogs develop corneal ulcers?

Any breed of dog can develop entropion but it is certainly more common in certain breeds than others. Below is a list of dogs that we commonly do entropion surgery at Animal Eye Care.

American Staffordshire Terrier
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bull Dog
Bullmastiff
Bull Terrier
Curly-Coated Retriever
Chow Chow
Flat-Coated Retriever

Golden Retriever
Labrador Retriever
Old English Sheepdog
Poodle Standard
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rottweiler
Shar-Pei
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Weimaraner

Is there a genetic test for entropion?

At this stage there is no single genetic screening test for entropion. The development of entropion may depend upon many factors include tension of the facial skin, shape of the bones of the orbit, length of the eyelid opening etc.

Should I breed with my dog if it has entropion?

It is NOT recommended to breed with any dog that has entropion. At Animal Eye Care we have seen certain family lines with entropion.