Entropion

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What is entropion?

Entropion is a condition in which the upper and/or lower eyelids roll inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea. Your pet's eyes will usually appear wet and sore, and they will blink at a higher frequency than average.

Commonly affected pets

This condition is common in breeds such as Rottweilers, Malamutes, Mastiffs, and Shar-Peis. Usually, it manifests as the outer eyelashes of the lower eyelids rolling inwards – although, in Shar-Pei puppies, the entropion of the upper eyelid will often self-correct as the puppy grows.

In these cases, we treat the problem with anti-inflammatory or antibiotic eye ointments and, on occasion, sutures to keep the upper lids from touching the cornea for a month or two. Furthermore, older cats and pugs are prone to entropion, though, in Pugs, entropion frequently appears at the inner and near the nose area (medial) of the lower eyelids.

The need for treatment

Unfortunately, if left untreated, entropion will result in corneal scarring and, eventually, partial or total blindness. Until the condition is treated, your pet will be in significant discomfort 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Treatment method

Entropion is treated with surgery under general anaesthesia, which can take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes; the time depends on whether one or both eyes need treatment.

To ensure that the eye is symmetrical, we make an incision along the eyelid's length (given the eye's curvature). Long term scarring is rarely evident due to the placement of the incision.

We've also discovered that shaving hair from the eye area is usually necessary, which means owners won't have to wait months for their pet's appearance to return to normal.

Treatment cost

We have performed over 600 entropion procedures and charge from $1,400 to $1,600 for both eyes.

Recovery and after-care

Following the procedure, you can take your pet home with you, along with antibiotics, pain relievers, and eye ointment. Your pet will need to wear a cone until the sutures are removed, which will be 14 days after the surgery, to prevent them from rubbing their eyes with their paws or on the carpet. Their eyes will take several weeks to heal completely, but they will be back to normal within a month! We have also discovered that because your pet is no longer in discomfort or pain, you will likely notice an improvement in their behaviour.

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Dr. Scot Plummer

Meet Dr. Scot Plummer

BVSC(HONS)

Dr Plummer has always had a deep love for animals and graduated from the University of Queensland with Honours. in his Bachelor of Veterinary Science. After the success of his Brisbane clinic, Dr Plummer has launched Melbourne Pet Surgery with the goal of lowering the cost of high-quality pet care for all Melburnians.

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