Causes of Entropion in Cats: Understanding the Eye Issu

Leaking tears and difficulty in keeping the eyes open are common eye symptoms in cats, issues that often puzzle many pet owners. There are numerous reasons behind these symptoms, with entropion, or eyelid inversion, being a frequent culprit. This article aims to delve into the specifics of feline entropion, providing a comprehensive overview of the condition.

What is Feline Entropion?

Entropion refers to the inward rolling of the eyelid edges, which can easily lead to lashes irritating the surface of the eye. This irritation is quite uncomfortable for cats and can result in conjunctivitis and corneal swelling, along with excessive tearing. In severe cases, it may cause eyelid spasms, corneal perforations, and even blindness. This condition can affect one or both eyes of a cat and is often congenital, with some cats showing no symptoms until adulthood. Additionally, entropion can also be acquired due to certain diseases that lead to conjunctival atrophy.

Common causes of feline entropion include:

1. Congenital Entropion: Flatfaced cat breeds, such as Persians, Himalayans, and Exotic Shorthairs, are more prone to this condition.

2. Spastic Entropion: Eye pain can trigger eyelid spasms, leading to spastic entropion. Eye diseases like keratitis, conjunctivitis, and corneal ulcers can all cause eye pain in cats.

3. Enophthalmos: Some cats may develop entropion due to the absence of the orbital fat pad, causing the eye to sink in.

4. Acquired Entropion: Eye injuries, surgeries, or chronic inflammation can also lead to eyelid inversion in cats.

How can you determine if a cat's tears and inability to keep its eyes open are due to entropion? Generally, a veterinarian can diagnose the condition based on the cat's clinical symptoms. It is advisable to conduct a thorough ophthalmic examination if possible, to rule out other potential causes.

The initial sign of entropion in cats is often excessive tearing, which may prompt the cat to frequently scratch at its eyes, leading to infections and ulcers. While antiinflammatory eye drops can temporarily alleviate symptoms, they do not cure the underlying entropion. This can result in recurrent symptoms and, in severe cases, necrotizing keratitis. Therefore, if entropion is diagnosed, prompt surgical intervention is recommended.

Here are the treatment methods for feline entropion:

1. For cats with mild entropion, temporary eyelid skin suturing can be used to eliminate the irritation caused by the lashes.

2. For cats with severe entropion or those of advanced age, surgical correction is advisable. The surgery requires the use of antibiotics to control wound infection and the application of an Elizabethan collar to ensure the cat is properly restrained.

3. If entropion is caused by conjunctival swelling, treating the underlying disease can help restore the condition.

4. Cats with congenital entropion also require timely surgical correction to prevent longterm irritation and ulcers. Owners should also regularly check their cats' eyes and maintain proper daily care.

This article provides an introduction to feline entropion. If you notice signs of entropion in your cat, it's best to seek treatment promptly to avoid unnecessary harm.