Trichiasis, Distichasis and Ectopic Cilia are eyelash disorders that can occur in dogs. They may occur at any age or in any breed, but some breeds are more prone to the disorders.
Trichiasis , also known as entropion, is when the eyelash grows inward towards the eyeball or cornea.
Symptoms are abnormal eye twitchews, change in color of iris, excess tearing, eye swelling
Treatment includes relieving eye irritation, keeping area hair short. Sometimes surgery is required.
Breeds more prone to Trichiasis are Pekingese, English Cocker Spaniels, Pugs, Bulldogs.
Distichiasis is the abnormal growth of hair on the eyelid.
Symptoms are usually not visible but can be stiff eyelashes (cilia), pawing the eye, eyelid twitches (blepharasprim), excessive tearing (epephiera), increase in number of blood vessels in the cornea, change in color of the iris, corneal ulcers.
Treatment is removal of hair and of any regrowth. If the hair frequently irritates the eye, surgery may be necessary.
Distichiasis is more frequently found in Cocker Spaniels, Miniature Long-haired Dachshunds, English Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers, Toy and Miniature Poodles, Shetland Sheepdogs, Pekingnese.
Symptoms are eye pain, severe twitching of eyelid, excessive tearing.
Treatment is surgery to remove the hairs. Follow up is cleansing the eye with clean water or vet recommended eyewash.
If your dog shows any signs of these disorders, it’s important to have the vet examine the dog.
