Dog Entropion Treatment: Symptoms & Management Tips

Treatment Methods for Entropion in Dogs

1. Surgical Intervention:

Scarring entropion can be corrected through entropion surgery. To further reduce the occurrence of inverted eyelashes, auxiliary antibacterial and antiinflammatory procedures can be employed.

2. Lash Plucking:

For a small number of dogs with hairless eyelashes and an urgent need to alleviate the pain of hair loss, eyelash tweezers can be used to pluck the inverted eyelashes. This method can provide immediate relief. However, it's important to note that inverted eyelashes often regrow and may repeat the previous symptoms.

3. Electrolysis Technique:

Since eyelashes will regrow after being plucked, electrolysis can be used to destroy the dog's hair follicles to minimize the chance of regrowth. It is advisable to have electrolysis performed by a professional at a veterinary hospital. The process typically involves connecting batteries in series, with wires leading from both the positive and negative poles. A needle is then attached to the negative pole, and a zinc plate to the positive pole.

During electrolysis, the area should be disinfected locally, and the dog should be anesthetized with a subcutaneous injection. The zinc plate is then pressed against the temporal skin on the same side. A needle is inserted into the hair follicle of the inverted eyelash about 2 millimeters deep, and the current is applied for approximately 10 seconds. When steam is seen rising from the insertion point, the follicle is considered destroyed. The eyelashes can then be easily plucked out with the eyelash tweezers.

4. Antibacterial and Antiinflammatory Measures:

To protect the cornea and conjunctiva and prevent infection, antibiotic eye drops and antibiotic ointments should be used.

Pet Doctor's Tip: For more information on treating inverted eyelashes in dogs, you can read the article "What to Do If Your Dog Has Inverted Eyelashes."