Table of Contents
Understanding Hip Dysplasia in Dogs and Cats: Causes Symptoms, and Treatment
Commonality: Moderate
Transmission: Not Contagious
Impact on Health: High
Symptoms: Redness and swelling of the eye, excessive tearing, squinting, frequent blinking, sensitivity to light, visible inward rolling of the eye, eye discharge, rubbing or pawing at the eyes.
Treatment Cost: $3000 – $2000 +
Treatment and Recovery Time: 2 weeks post surgery
Ease of Prevention: Difficult, Primarily Genetic
Dog Breeds Most Commonly Affected: Bloodhound, bull mastiff, Chesapeake Bay retriever, Chinese Shar pei chow chow, Clumber spaniel, doberman pinscher, English bulldog, golden retriever, golden doodle, Gordon setter, Great Dane, Irish setter, Labrador retriever, Neapolitan mastiff, Rottweiler, and standard poodle
Cat Breeds Most Commonly Affected :Rare in cats, but Persian and other breeds with facial folds may be susceptible.
Table of contents
What Is Entropion
For The Non Vets
Imagine wearing a pair of socks that are too big for your feet. Now, instead of the socks fitting snugly around your ankles, they fold and bunch up, turning inward. As you walk, the bunched-up fabric constantly rubs against your skin, causing irritation and discomfort.
Entropion in pets is like those ill-fitting socks. Normally, the eyelid should lie smoothly against the eye, just like a well-fitting sock should lie flat against your ankle. In entropion, the eyelid turns inward, similar to how the sock bunches up. This inward turn causes the eyelashes and skin to rub against the surface of the eye, much like the bunched-up sock rubs against your skin.
Just as the constant rubbing of the sock would irritate and potentially damage your skin, the rubbing of the eyelashes and skin against the eye can cause redness, tearing, and even scratches on the cornea in pets with entropion. This irritation is not only uncomfortable but can lead to more serious eye problems if not corrected.
The Vets Response
Entropion is a medical condition where the eyelid, usually the lower one, turns inward against the eyeball. This inward turning causes the eyelashes and skin to rub against the surface of the eye, leading to irritation and discomfort.
Untreated entropion can lead to serious eye problems, including persistent pain, corneal damage, and vision loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and ensure the comfort and health of the affected pet.
Importance for Pet Owners
Understanding entropion is crucial for pet owners because it impacts their pet’s comfort and health. Early detection and treatment can prevent significant discomfort and serious complications like corneal ulcers and vision loss. Addressing entropion improves a pet’s quality of life, enabling them to engage in activities pain-free and maintaining their long-term eye health. For breeds prone to this condition, vigilance is key. Informed pet owners can make better care choices, ensuring their pets receive timely and effective treatment, ultimately providing peace of mind and reducing future veterinary costs.

The Slightly More Scientific Explanation of Entropion
The eye is a complex structure comprising several layers, including the cornea, sclera, and conjunctiva. The cornea is the transparent, outermost layer of the eye that allows light to enter. Surrounding the eye are the eyelids, which play a crucial role in protecting and lubricating the eye. Each eyelid consists of skin, muscle, and a tarsal plate, which provides structural support. The inner surface of the eyelid is lined with a mucous membrane called the conjunctiva.
When a dog or cat has Entropion their eyelid, typically the lower one, rolls inward. This inward rolling often causes the hair on the surface of the eyelid to rub against the cornea, resulting in pain, corneal ulcers, perforations, or pigment developing on the cornea, which can interfere with vision. The constant friction and irritation can lead to significant discomfort and, if left untreated, can cause serious eye damage and vision loss.
To understand this better, imagine wearing a pair of socks that are too big for your feet. Instead of fitting snugly around your ankles, the socks fold and bunch up, turning inward. As you walk, the bunched-up fabric constantly rubs against your skin, causing irritation and discomfort. Entropion in pets is similar to these ill-fitting socks. Normally, the eyelid should lie smoothly against the eye, like a well-fitting sock. In entropion, the eyelid turns inward, much like how the sock bunches up, causing the eyelashes and skin to rub against the eye, leading to irritation and potential damage.

Entropion Causes in Pets
Genetic Predisposition
Eyelid length has been identified as a risk factor for primary entropion. Canine and feline breeds predisposed to entropion have been shown to have significantly longer palpebral fissure lengths than the mean palpebral fissure lengths for each species, respectively.(5)
Certain breeds are more prone to developing entropion due to their genetic makeup. Breeds with distinctive facial structures, such as those with short noses or prominent folds, have a higher risk of developing entropion. Breeds like Mastiffs, Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, Bulldogs, Shar Peis and Persian cats often have excessive skin folds or other anatomical features that predispose them to this condition1,2. Entropion is less common in cats than dogs and cicatricial entropion has been suggested as the most common cause (5).
Secondary Causes
Secondary causes of entropion include conditions like corneal ulcers, which can cause the eyelid muscles to spasm and pull the eyelid inward, a condition known as spastic entropion that can resolve once the irritation is treated. Injuries to the eye or surrounding area can lead to scarring and tissue contraction, pulling the eyelid inward. Long-term inflammation from infections or allergies can also result in scarring, distorting the eyelid’s normal position. Additionally, surgical procedures around the eye can sometimes lead to entropion if they cause scarring or alter the eyelid’s structure.

Symptoms of Entropion

Common Symptoms | Description |
---|---|
Excessive tearing or epiphora | A common symptom of entropion in dogs and cats. The abnormal position of the eyelids causes tears to overflow and run down the face. This constant moisture can lead to skin irritation around the eyes. |
Squinting or blinking excessively | Pets may try to alleviate discomfort by closing their eyes partially or fully. This behaviour indicates that the inward rolling of the eyelids is causing discomfort or pain. |
Redness and Swelling | Pets with entropion may exhibit rubbing or pawing at their eyes which cause the eye to become red and swollen. The irritation caused by the eyelids rubbing against the cornea can be quite uncomfortable for animals. Constant rubbing can further exacerbate any existing eye issues. |
Eye Discharge | There may be a mucous or pus-like discharge from the eye due to secondary infections caused by the irritation. |
Decreased Activity | Due to the pain and discomfort, affected pets may be less active and may avoid activities they usually enjoy. |
Mucous or pus-like discharge | There may be a thick discharge from the eyes, which can range from clear to mucous-like or even purulent (pus-filled) if an infection develops. |
Diagnosis Process of Entropion

Diagnosing entropion in pets involves a combination of a thorough physical examination, observation of clinical signs, and sometimes additional diagnostic tests. Here’s how veterinarians typically diagnose this condition:
Clinical Examination
History Taking: The veterinarian will begin by asking about the pet’s medical history, symptoms, and any incidents that might have led to the current condition, such as falls or injuries.
Physical Examination
Entropion can be diagnosed just by looking at your pet’s eyelids, especially if the entropion is severe and corneal ulceration is present. Your veterinarian may use a numbing drop to make the eye exam more comfortable if your dog’s eyes are painful from the entropion.
The veterinarian will closely inspect the pet’s eyes and eyelids for signs of inward rolling. They will look for redness, swelling, and any visible damage to the cornea. Additionally, the vet may gently manipulate the eyelid to assess its flexibility and the degree of inward rolling. Observing common symptoms such as excessive tearing, squinting, and signs of discomfort also plays a crucial role in the initial examination.
Fluorescein Staining
To detect corneal ulcers or abrasions, a special dye called fluorescein is applied to the surface of the eye 7. This dye helps highlight any areas of damage caused by the inward-turned eyelid. The veterinarian will then examine the eye under ultraviolet (UV) light, where any damaged areas will glow, indicating the presence of corneal ulcers or scratches 7. This test is essential for understanding the extent of the damage and planning appropriate treatment 7.
Schirmer Tear Test
This test measures tear production to determine if low tear levels could be causing eye irritation and inflammation 8. Such conditions might lead to or exacerbate entropion, where the eyelid rolls inward 8.
Intraocular Pressure Test
Your veterinarian might recommend this test to assess the pressure inside your pet’s eyes 9. This is important for detecting conditions like glaucoma or inflammation 9. Both can either cause entropion or be a complication resulting from it.
Importance of Accurate Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis of entropion is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment plan. Early and precise identification helps prevent further complications such as chronic pain, corneal damage, and vision loss. If you suspect your pet may have entropion, seeking veterinary advice promptly ensures timely and effective care, improving the pet’s quality of life and overall eye health.
Treatment and Recovery of Entropion
Entropion can sometimes result from underlying eye conditions. In these cases, addressing the secondary eye condition may alleviate the symptoms of entropion (10). For instance, conditions such as conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers that cause eye irritation can lead to spasms and temporary inward rolling of the eyelid. Treating these conditions with appropriate medications can reduce the irritation and help the eyelid return to its normal position (10).
In milder cases of entropion, daily eye lubrication with drops or ointments can help alleviate the signs by keeping the eye moist and reducing friction between the eyelid and the cornea (10). These lubricants can provide relief from discomfort and prevent further damage to the eye.

Treatment Options – Surgical
In most cases, more severe cases of primary entropion, where the condition is due to the eyelid structure itself rather than a secondary cause, typically require surgical intervention. In such cases, antibiotic ointment or lubrication alone is not effective.
In severe cases of primary entropion, surgical correction is often necessary to prevent ulcers and further damage to the eye. These procedures typically involve removing or tightening skin to adjust the eyelids’ positioning. Various surgical techniques can be used, each tailored to the specific situation. All these methods aim to correct the eyelid’s position, preventing it from rolling inward and causing discomfort or damage to the eye. The specific procedure chosen depends on the individual needs and condition of the pet’s eyelid.
Hotz-Celsus Procedure
The Hotz-Celsus procedure is a common surgery used to fix entropion, where the eyelid rolls inward 11. In this technique, a small crescent-shaped piece of skin near the edge of the eyelid is removed. This helps the eyelid turn outward and sit properly. It’s a straightforward method used widely by vets 11).
Arrowhead Hotz-Celsus
This is a variation of the Hotz-Celsus procedure used to treat entropion in both the upper and lower eyelids at the same time, particularly at the outer corner of the eye. The cuts in the upper and lower eyelids are connected in a V or arrowhead shape. This keeps the length of the eye opening the same while fixing the rolling eyelids. It’s often used in breeds with broad skulls like Rottweilers, retrievers, Mastiffs, and Great Danes (11).
Lateral Wedge Resection
The lateral wedge resection is used for fixing problems where the lower eyelid is too loose (ectropion) or rolls inward at the outer edge (lateral lower eyelid entropion). In this procedure, a full-thickness triangular piece of the lower eyelid is removed. This tightens the eyelid so it sits closer to the eye (11).
Postoperative Outcome
The long-term outcomes post-surgery are generally favourable, with many pets enjoying a significant improvement in their eye health and overall well-being. However, it is essential for pet owners to remain vigilant and watch for any signs of recurrence or other issues. Regular veterinary visits are crucial for monitoring progress and addressing any concerns promptly.
Pet owners play a vital role in ensuring the success of the treatment by providing a safe and comfortable environment for their pet during the recovery period. This includes limiting physical activity, preventing the pet from rubbing or scratching their eyes, and administering any prescribed medications as directed. By following these guidelines, pet owners can help facilitate a smooth recovery process for their furry companions.
Pet owners may have concerns about the long-term effects of entropion treatment on their pets. While surgical correction is typically successful in alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life, there is a possibility of recurrence in some cases. It is important for pet owners to stay informed about the signs of recurrence and seek prompt veterinary care if any issues arise.
Cost of Treatment
The cost of entropion surgery for dogs can vary widely, typically ranging from $300 to $2,000 (12). For both eyes, the surgery alone usually costs between $1,400 and $1,600.
While surgery may involve initial expenses, it is essential to consider the long-term benefits and improved quality of life for the pet. Discussing financial options with the veterinarian can help pet owners make informed decisions regarding their pet’s healthcare. (13)
If your dog or cat belongs to a breed that’s at higher risk for Entropion, it’s wise to either set aside a savings fund or consider investing in pet health insurance to help manage these potential expenses. Entropion is highly treatable, and being financially prepared can greatly help in ensuring your dog continues to enjoy a quality life.
Disclaimer : These costs can vary based on the veterinary practice and the specific needs of the pet.
We encourage pet owners to take proactive steps in maintaining their pet’s joint health through regular veterinary check-ups, appropriate exercise, and nutrition tailored to their breed’s specific needs. Additionally, managing your pet’s weight and providing supportive bedding can further protect their joints from potential stress and injury.
Prevention Tips

Regular Check-ups
Regular eye checks for your pets are crucial in preventing entropion. By monitoring their eyes frequently, you can detect any early signs of the condition.
Ensure to include eye examinations as part of your pet’s routine veterinary visits. This proactive approach can help in identifying any potential issues before they worsen.
Maintaining a vigilant eye on your pet’s eye health can aid in catching entropion in its early stages, allowing for prompt intervention.
Genetic Screening
Genetic screening plays a vital role in preventing inherited entropion in dogs and cats. Breeders should conduct genetic tests to identify potential carriers of the condition.
By selectively breeding animals without a predisposition to entropion, breeders can significantly reduce the incidence of the condition in subsequent generations.
Responsible breeding practices, coupled with genetic screening, can help mitigate the risk of passing on entropion to offspring.
Overall Eye Health
Ensuring optimal eye health in your pets is essential for preventing various eye abnormalities, including entropion. Providing a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can support overall eye function.
Regular grooming practices, such as keeping hair around the eyes trimmed, can help prevent irritation that may contribute to entropion development.
Incorporating eye lubrication products recommended by your veterinarian can also aid in maintaining the health of your pet’s eyes and reducing the risk of entropion.
Getting Entropion Covered with Petsy Pet Insurance

What is Petsy Pet Insurance?
Petsy Pet Insurance is an insurance policy that reimburses 80% or 90% of vet costs for the treatment of your pet if they suffer an unexpected injury or illness (provided these occur after any applicable exclusion period has ended symptom free).
Our policy is customisable and you’ll be able to tailor the level of coverage, based on your preferences for the Benefit Percentage, Annual Limit, Annual Excess, whether or not you’d like Optional Extra Benefits (if your pet is less than 3 years old) and whether or not you’d like to include costs of Vet Consultations for your cover.
You get to see a summary of the cover when completing an online quote and have the option to select a preferred start date. After making the payment, you’ll receive a confirmation of cover and your policy documents by email.
For added peace of mind, we offer a complimentary Pre-Existing Condition Assessment for all our members. This includes collecting your pet’s vet history upfront which helps to fast-track any future claims and we’ll also let you know whether there are any pre-existing conditions noted in their medical history that might affect your ongoing coverage.
Claims are quick and easy, and your vet can submit claims on your behalf. Approved claims are paid into your nominated bank account.
What is a pre-existing condition?
Under the terms of the policy, Pre-existing Condition is defined as:
An Injury, Illness, Dental Illness, Behavioural Condition or Specified Condition (including Bilateral Conditions, recurrent Conditions and other conditions that are related to, secondary to, or results of) that:
first occurred or showed symptoms of; or
was identified or investigated by a Vet; or
You were aware of or a reasonable person in the circumstances could be expected to have known about, before Your Pet’s First Date of Cover; before a change of coverage became effective, or during any applicable Exclusion Period.
Whether a condition is considered a pre-existing condition depends on when the signs or symptoms occurred and when the exclusion periods on your policy end. Anything that happened before the exclusion periods ended is considered a pre-existing condition because it started before your coverage began.
Covered by Petsy
We cover Entropion as long as it’s not a pre-existing condition and your pet hasn’t shown signs or symptoms of the condition within the exclusion period.
A specified condition includes specific health issues, including cruciate ligament damage, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), hip dysplasia, patella luxation, elbow dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), cherry eye, entropion, ectropion, and lumps.
Entropion is a specified condition that has a 6 month exclusion period.
Once this period has passed and as long as your pet hasn’t shown symptoms, we can help to cover the vet costs for unexpected injuries and illnesses like Hip Dysplasia.
Can Petsy Insurance Cover My Pet’s Entropion?
It depends on when you started your policy. If the signs or symptoms of Hip Dysplasia appeared before your policy began or during the exclusion period, it won’t be covered. But if you had an active policy and Hip Dysplasia happened unexpectedly, we can help to cover the costs.
If you’re a Petsy customer and are unsure about your exclusion periods and when the symptoms first appeared, you can request a pre-existing condition assessment. We’ll reach out to your vet for your pet’s medical history and let you know if your policy can cover it.
If you’re considering Petsy Pet Insurance, you can also reach out to our customer care team on 1300 952 790 for more information.
Does Petsy cover Entropion?
Yes, Entropion is covered under our standard policy. However, we can’t cover it if it’s a pre-existing condition, for example, if signs or symptoms appeared before your policy started or during the exclusion period. Petsy is here to protect you against unexpected vet costs.
How Petsy Pet Insurance can help with Entropion
At Petsy, we understand how difficult it is when your pet faces Entropion. Our insurance can help cover the costs of treatment, but it’s important to start your policy early, before any signs or symptoms appear.
Stay alert to any signs of Entropion, and seek veterinary care proactively. Catching things early can make a big difference in your pet’s well-being and help them receive the best possible care.
Waiver Form
You can apply to reduce the 6-month exclusion period for Specified Conditions by using our Waiver Form. Simply take this form to your next vet visit and make sure to submit the completed form back to us within 14 days of the visit.
The conditions that this waiver applies to include cruciate ligament damage, intervertebral disc disease, hip dysplasia, patella luxation, elbow dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), cherry eye, entropion, ectropion, and lumps.
Here’s how to apply:
- Fill out Part 1: You start by completing Part 1 of the form.
- Vet Examination: Have your vet examine your pet and complete Part 2 of the form.
- Submit the Form: Send the completed form along with your pet’s full veterinary history to us within 14 days of the examination.
- Receive an updated Certificate of Insurance: Once the review is complete, we’ll issue an updated Certificate of Insurance detailing any reduced exclusion periods for specified conditions.
You can find the waiver form on our website under the ‘Policy Documents’ section, or contact us directly and we’ll send it to you.
Conclusion
Understanding entropion in dogs and cats is crucial for early detection and effective treatment. By recognising the causes, symptoms, and breeds at risk, you can be proactive in seeking veterinary care when needed. Surgical solutions offer long-term relief, improving your pet’s quality of life. Remember, prevention is key to avoiding future complications. Your vet can provide guidance on preventive measures tailored to your furry friend’s needs. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and prioritise your pet’s eye health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing irritation and potential damage to the eye. It can affect both dogs and cats, leading to discomfort and vision issues if left untreated.
Entropion can be caused by genetic factors, abnormal eyelid development, or facial conformation. Certain dog and cat breeds are more predisposed to this condition due to their anatomy and genetics.
Watch out for signs like excessive tearing, squinting, redness, and rubbing of the eyes. Your pet may show sensitivity to light or have visible changes in the eye's appearance indicating entropion.
Breeds with facial folds or short muzzles such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persians are commonly affected by entropion. However, any breed can develop this condition, so it's essential to monitor your pet's eye health regularly.
If you notice any symptoms of entropion or suspect eye problems in your pet, it's crucial to consult a vet promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and improve your pet's quality of life.
References

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