Dealing with Dog's Inverted Eyelashes: Tips and Solutio

Today's article will delve into a curious topic: what exactly are a dog's inverted eyelashes?

Can a dog's inverted eyelashes be cured? The answer is yes, but there is still a chance of recurrence.

Specific surgical plans and recurrence rates depend on the dog's condition, and not all cases of inverted eyelash surgery will result in recurrence.

What are inverted eyelashes?

Put simply, inverted eyelashes occur when the hair follicles on the eyelashes develop and grow in the wrong position, resulting in lashes that grow inward towards the eye, rather than outward like normal eyelashes.

What symptoms might a dog with inverted eyelashes exhibit? Firstly, they may have excessive tearing, with more tears than their peers and more pronounced tear stains. Additionally, their eyelids may twitch due to the irritation from the inverted lashes, and the dog may frequently rub its eyes.

In severe cases, this can lead to corneal ulcers and eye inflammation. Some dogs may even develop blue eyelids due to the irritation. The most common symptom is eye pain, which can cause the dog to rub its eyes and, in extreme cases, emit distress calls.

What causes inverted eyelashes?

While there is no definitive answer, it is clear that inverted eyelashes are closely related to genetics and breed. Dogs with inverted eyelashes are more likely to pass this trait on to their offspring.

Some puppies are born with inverted eyelashes, while others may develop them later in life. Breeds prone to this condition include French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pekingese, English Cocker Spaniels, Miniature Poodles, Shih Tzus, Golden Retrievers, and Dachshunds, among others.

Should your dog undergo surgery?

Most cases of recurrent inverted eyelashes after surgery are due to the use of the removal method, which is one of the surgical techniques.

The removal method is costeffective, but it has a higher recurrence rate. Abroad, methods such as electrocautery, cryotherapy, and electrolysis are commonly used to treat inverted eyelashes. These methods are effective because they destroy the hair follicle bulbs directly, ensuring complete removal.

So, whether or not to undergo surgery, the recurrence rate, and the severity of your dog's inverted eyelashes—all these factors need to be discussed with a veterinarian to determine the best course of action.