Entropion in Dogs

Category: Eye
Breeds documented: 23
Published sources: 15

Overview

When an eyelid rolls inward, its hairs can scrape the eye rather than staying clear of it. This problem, called entropion, can affect part or all of an eyelid. The repeated rubbing irritates the cornea, the clear front covering of the eye, and may lead to pain, sores, and scarring. Some cases reflect inherited facial structure, while others follow scarring or painful eyelid spasms.

Signs to watch for

Excessive tearing or watering
Squinting or holding the eye partly closed
A red, irritated eye
An eyelid edge that turns inward toward the eye

Some cases occur in puppies; forms caused by painful eye disease may develop at any age.

When to get help Arrange a prompt vet visit for squinting, watering, or a lid that rolls inward.

Diagnosis and tests

The vet examines the position of the eyelid and checks whether hairs are touching the eye. The cornea, the clear front surface, is examined for injury, with dye staining used to reveal surface sores. The assessment also considers whether eye pain is making the lid turn inward, because that can change the treatment plan.

Breeds with documented risk

23 breeds

By breed size

1 Toy
1 Small
9 Medium
7 Large
5 Giant

Most popular breeds on this list

RottweilerLarge · Working Group
BulldogMedium · Non-Sporting Group
WeimaranerLarge · Sporting Group
Saint BernardGiant · Working Group
BullmastiffGiant · Working Group
Chinese Shar-peiMedium · Non-Sporting Group
Anatolian ShepherdGiant · Working Group
Japanese ChinToy · Toy Group

All 23 breeds, A to Z

Akbash Source akbashclub.com
Akita Inu Source asiakas.kotisivukone.com
Anatolian Shepherd

Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen Source ecvo.eu

Japanese Chin

Polish Hunting Dog Source skk.se
Polish Tatra Sheepdog Source zkwp-lodz.pl
Presa Canario

Rottweiler

Saint Bernard
Sarplaninac Source ecvo.eu
Spanish Hound Source sabuesoespanol.com
Spinone Italiano Source journals.plos.org

Weimaraner

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.