Understanding Entropion: Causes and Symptoms of Eyelid

Common Symptoms of Entropion in Cats

1. The eyelids roll inward, causing the fur to repeatedly irritate the cornea. Animals often exhibit symptoms such as eyelid spasms, photophobia, excessive tearing, and the habit of rubbing their eyes with paws.

2. In cases of concurrent infection, there may be a large amount of brown or yellow puslike eye discharge, conjunctival congestion, and keratitis.

3. Mechanical irritation or scratches can lead to symptoms such as corneal ulcers.

Causes of Entropion in Cats

1. Spastic Entropion:

Young cats often suffer from entropion due to this condition, which is caused by other eye issues. Common causes include feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV1) infection, mycoplasma infection, corneal ulcers, nonulcerative keratitis, conjunctivitis, or uveitis. Pain and discomfort can lead to partial eyelid closure and constant blinking, resulting in persistent eyelid spasms and eventually causing entropion.

2. Congenital Structural Development:

It is often believed that this is caused by genetic factors.

3. Breed Factors:

Due to their physical characteristics and genetic factors, entropion is more common in purebred cats. For example:

Persian cats and Exotic Shorthair cats: Their flat facial features and compact growth pattern can lead to typical symptoms of entropion as the face, bones, and skin grow. Sometimes, this is accompanied by eyelashes that grow in the wrong direction.

Maine Coon cats: Their strong jawline and nearright angle profile on the side of the face can lead to some cats developing a protruding chin as they grow. This can result in entropion as the face grows.

4. Other Causes:

Other factors such as age, malnutrition, and pathological conditions can also lead to entropion, such as loose eyelid skin and sunken eyes.

Treatment for Entropion in Cats

In the early stages of entropion, excessive tearing is common, and cats may use their paws to rub their eyes, leading to infection and inflammation. Eye drops can help alleviate symptoms, but they are usually not curative. Missing the best treatment window can even lead to corneal ulcers and perforation. Therefore, early diagnosis and surgery are essential.

Primary surgical methods for treating entropion in cats:

1. Temporary Suture Technique:

This method temporarily fixes the eyelids, such as in certain breeds where the degree of entropion may worsen with maturity. Temporary measures are taken to alleviate pain, and a permanent corrective surgery is performed once the facial development is complete.

2. wedge resection:

Applicable to: entropion caused by long eyelids

Procedure: An incision is made near the outer canthus, and a fullthickness resection is performed based on preoperative assessment, with the layers being sutured together.

Tip: For more information on the treatment of entropion in cats, you can read "What to Do About Cat Entropion".