Dogs are very cute animals, with big eyes and long eyelashes, and they are always a delight to watch, but pet owners should also pay attention to whether their dog’s eyelashes are growing abnormally. Abnormal eyelash growth refers to abnormal growth in the direction and position of the eyelashes. Under normal circumstances, a dog’s eyelashes grow forward and outward from the lid margin, which protects the eyeball. Abnormal eyelash growth can have an effect on your dog’s eye health. Many dogs are born with abnormal eyelash growth, including Cocker Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Saint Bernards and Goldens. Acquired abnormal eyelash growth is most often caused by lid margins, eye trauma, scarring at the root of the eyelashes and moderate eyelid entropion and blepharospasm. Abnormal eyelash growth in dogs usually includes double row eyelashes, ectopic eyelashes, inverted eyelashes and long eyelashes. Double row eyelashes are additional eyelashes that usually grow along the lid margin, near the back of the lid duct opening, about 5-6 mm below the lid margin.This problem has a distinct breed tendency, for example, American Cocker Spaniels and English Cocker Spaniels, and small long-haired Dachshunds (details) are more prone to the disease. The English Cocker Spaniel accounts for more than 80%, and some other breeds such as the English Bulldog, Yorkshire, Pekingese, etc. are also more likely to have this problem. The problem is more prevalent from 4-6 months of age. They can occur singly or in clusters and are usually bilateral. Most dogs with ectopic eyelashes have no clinical signs of the problem, but the long-term presence of ectopic eyelashes can irritate the trigeminal nerve, causing excessive tear production, blepharospasm, mild conjunctivitis and superficial corneas, or in severe cases, corneal ulceration and lid entropion. Cryotherapy is commonly used to eradicate ectopic eyelash follicles. Most of them have local swelling immediately after surgery, which can be treated with corticosteroids and corneal lubricating cream, and the swelling will disappear about two days after surgery. Ectopic eyelashes refers to the ectopic growth of eyelashes, usually 4-6 cats below the lid margin from the conjunctiva, which directly irritates the cornea. It occurs mainly at the 12 o’clock meridian of the upper lid, where one or more eyelashes grow. It is more prevalent in the young and the problem may also have a genetic predisposition. Symptoms include pain, blepharospasm, and tearing. This problem is more likely to occur in dogs such as pinschers. If the number of ingrown eyelashes is small, they can be pulled out directly with a tool, but they will still grow out. In serious cases, surgery is needed to solve the problem. 4. Long eyelashes The eyelashes are abnormally long, but there is usually no big problem and no obvious clinical signs. If the eyelashes are soft and thin, there is usually no problem. However, if tear production is reduced or the lashes are thick and hard, eye irritation, such as conjunctival congestion and excessive tearing, can be seen, causing the fur around the corners of the eyes to become soiled and the affected dog to scratch its eyes with its front paws. Corneal ulceration may occur, which can exacerbate the discomfort of the affected dog. Ectopic eyelashes have a higher chance of causing corneal ulcers due to the high degree of corneal irritation. If left untreated for a long time, the dog may even go blind. Therefore, once you notice abnormal eyelash growth and chronic keratitis or corneal ulcers, you should take your dog to the hospital for treatment. Diagnosis of abnormal eyelash growth can be done clinically by looking at the area of the eye. Definitive diagnosis requires observation of abnormal eyelashes with a magnifying glass in a bright place. A fluorescein dye test can be used to detect the presence of corneal ulcers. Sometimes abnormal lashes can be difficult to see, so careful examination is necessary. Treatment is not required for thin, abnormal lashes that do not cause corneal ulcers. If corneal ulceration is evident, treatment with antibiotics is indicated. In the case of corneal ulcers caused by abnormal eyelashes, it is important to eradicate the abnormal eyelashes, otherwise the ulcers are likely to recur. Commonly used methods include electrolysis of the eyelashes to destroy the hair follicles, upper eyelid skin excision, skin folds excision, tweezers to remove the hair follicles, cryosurgery to destroy the abnormal hair follicles, and high frequency electrocautery of the eyelids. Note 1. It is best not to use the affected dog as a breeder and to neuter it so as to reduce the occurrence of the disease. 2. Abnormal eyelashes in dogs should be treated as early as possible to avoid further development of the disease.
English Deutsch Français Español Português 日本語 عربي