Entropion is a condition that affects many dogs. With entropion in dogs, the eyelid turns inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the surface of the eye. This can cause significant irritation and lead to vision problems. Entropion is most commonly seen in dogs, but can also occur in cats. The condition can be treated with surgery to correct the eyelid position. If you think your dog may have entropion, it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
What is entropion in dogs and what are the causes?
Entropion in dogs refers to the inward rolling of the upper or lower eyelid(s). The causes of entropion in dogs in most cases are either congenital (e.g., congenital, developmental) or acquired (e.g., secondary). The lateral outside portion of the eyelid is more commonly affected than the inner medial portion. Entropion of the lower lid is more common than that of the upper lid.
The most common type of entropion in young, large-breed dogs is primary entropion. Predisposed breeds include the Labrador retriever, Irish setter, golden retriever, Goldendoodle, standard poodle, Great Dane, English bulldog, bloodhound, bull mastiff, Gordon setter, Chesapeake Bay retriever, and Doberman pinscher.
Congenital entropion
Congenital entropion is present at a very young age and can be detected when the eyelids open at 2 weeks of age. Dogs with excessive facial skin and folds are more likely to develop this condition.
Developmental and anatomic entropion
The most common type of entropion is primary or developmental, which occurs in dogs that are growing rapidly. Some dolichocephalic (long skulls such as greyhounds, collies, and setters) dog breeds exhibit entropion due to the physical characteristics of the globe, orbit, and lids.
Spastic Entropion
Secondary entropion can result from any painful condition of the ocular surfaces (e.g. corneal ulceration, ectopic cilia). It is possible for spastic entropion to become permanent if it persists.
What are the clinical symptoms of entropion in dogs?
Clinical signs of dogs with entropion can vary in intensity. The primary symptom of entropion is irritation from the eyelashes rubbing against the surface of the eye. This can lead to squinting, tearing, rubbing, or pawing at the eye, and a watery or discharge from the eye. In severe cases, entropion can cause corneal ulceration and vision loss.

How is entropion in dogs diagnosed?
Entropion is diagnosed based on the clinical signs and a thorough examination of the eye. Your veterinarian will look for evidence of corneal ulceration, tearing, and squinting. A comprehensive ophthalmic examination will be performed to rule out other causes of your dog’s symptoms.
Your veterinarian must differentiate between the different causes of entropion to determine the best course of treatment.
Treatment for entropion in dogs?
The main goal of entropion surgery is to revert (turn out) the eyelid margin away from the eye so that the lashes no longer rub on the surface of the eye. There are several different types of entropion surgery, which will be determined by your veterinarian based on the severity of the entropion and the underlying cause.
In some cases, entropion can be managed with medical therapy alone. This may include lubricating ophthalmic ointments gels or topical medications to decrease inflammation. If entropion is left untreated, it can lead to corneal ulceration and vision loss. If you think your dog may have entropion, it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
With very young dogs (12-16 weeks of age) that have entropion with clinical symptoms of ocular discomfort, your veterinarian may recommend placing tacking sutures to pull the eyelid away from the eyeball (globe). With tacking, the eyelids are everted and the head is given more time to grow, allowing for a better shape for the eyelids.
During the animal's growth, temporary tacking sutures may need to be replaced several times. As the puppy's head grows, eyelid tacking sutures can be removed after 2-4 weeks if entropion resolves. If entropion does not resolve, corrective surgery is required.
Entropion correction in mature dogs involves removing a section of skin beneath the entropion to tighten the lower eyelid. The skin is then sutured in place to hold the newly positioned eyelid. In some cases, a section of the upper eyelid may also need to be removed if there is evidence of upper lid entropion.


After entropion surgery, your dog will need to wear an Elizabethan collar (cone) to prevent them from rubbing or scratching at their eyes. Depending on the type of sutures your veterinarian used, they will need to be removed within 14 days and your dog will need to be on a course of antibiotics to prevent infection.
What is the prognosis for dogs with entropion?
Most forms of entropion can be corrected through corrective surgery, so the prognosis is generally good. Over a few days or weeks, corneal pathology, if present, also resolves after the eyelid is returned to its proper position.
Is entropion in dogs painful?
Yes, entropion can be painful and uncomfortable for dogs if the eyelashes are rubbing against the surface of the eye. This can cause significant irritation and lead to vision problems.
Entropion in dogs is a condition in which the eyelid turns inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the surface of the eye. The only way entropion can be corrected is with surgery and it must be done before permanent damage occurs. Your veterinarian will use entropion correction (turn out) surgery if entropion causes any corneal ulceration or vision loss. After correction, the prognosis is usually very good. If you notice entropion in your dog, please contact your veterinarian to discuss treatment options.
Thank you for reading! We hope this article was helpful in better understanding entropion in dogs!