Health Condition

Entropion

Entropion is a hereditary eyelid disorder where the eyelid rolls inward, causing irritation and potential damage to the cornea.

Detailed Description

Entropion leads to the eyelashes and skin rubbing against the cornea, resulting in pain, conjunctivitis, and risk of corneal ulcers. It is seen in several large breeds and may require surgical correction.

Common Symptoms

Squinting
Excessive tearing
Red, irritated eyes
Rubbing at face

Management Options

Temporary tacking sutures in puppies
Surgical correction in adults

Frequently Asked Questions

Is entropion painful?

Yes, it can cause significant discomfort and eye damage.

Can puppies outgrow entropion?

Mild cases may improve, but many require surgery.

Is entropion hereditary?

Yes, with a polygenic inheritance.

Can entropion recur after surgery?

Rarely, but revision surgery may be needed in some cases.

Should breeding dogs be screened?

Yes, to reduce incidence in offspring.

Condition Details

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Typical Age of Onset

6 months to 2 years

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Testing Available

Yes

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Diagnosing Methods

Physical examination of eyelids and cornea; Fluorescein staining for corneal ulcers

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Preventative Measures

Breeding only from unaffected parents

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Related Conditions

Ectropion, Allergic conjunctivitis

Affected Breeds

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Severity: 3/5

Reported as an occasional issue; higher than average for all breeds. Persistent tearing and squinting in puppies may be early signs.

Appenzeller Sennenhund

Prevalence: 2% Severity: 3/5

Entropion is an occasional issue in Appenzeller Sennenhunds, with chronic tearing and squinting in young dogs as typical early signs.

Boerboel

Prevalence: 1.2% Severity: 3/5

Boerboels have a higher than average risk for entropion, likely due to their facial conformation.

Bracco Italiano

Severity: 2/5

Entropion is considered an occasional but breed-relevant issue in Bracco Italiano, likely due to their loose facial skin and eyelid conformation. Persistent tearing and squinting in puppies or young adults are early signs.

Braque du Bourbonnais

Prevalence: 2% Severity: 3/5

Recognized in the breed, especially in lines with excessive facial skin. Excessive tearing and squinting in young dogs are typical early signs.

Braque Francais Pyrenean

Severity: 3/5

Documented but not widespread; slightly higher risk than average for sporting breeds. Early signs include excessive tearing or squinting in young dogs.

Broholmer

Prevalence: 4% Severity: 2/5

Broholmers have a higher than average risk for entropion among mastiff-type breeds; regular eye checks are recommended.

Bulldog

Severity: 3/5

Bulldogs are among the top breeds for entropion due to their loose facial skin and conformation.

Bullmastiff

Prevalence: 2.5% Severity: 2/5

Entropion is more common in Bullmastiffs due to their facial conformation and loose skin.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Severity: 3/5

Entropion is more common in large, loose-skinned breeds like the Caucasian Shepherd Dog, with early onset often observed.

Central Asian Shepherd Dog

Severity: 3/5

Entropion is recognized as a breed issue in Central Asian Shepherd Dogs, with higher than average risk due to facial conformation.

Chinese Shar-Pei

Prevalence: 50% Severity: 3/5

Shar-Pei have one of the highest breed predispositions for entropion due to their facial conformation.

Chow Chow

Prevalence: 10% Severity: 3/5

Entropion is highly prevalent in Chow Chows due to their unique facial conformation and deep-set eyes.

Clumber Spaniel

Prevalence: 7% Severity: 3/5

Entropion is notably more common in Clumber Spaniels than in many other breeds. Excessive tearing and frequent pawing at the eyes in puppies are early signs.

Deutscher Wachtelhund

Severity: 2/5

Considered an occasional issue; slightly higher than average risk for medium sporting breeds.

Dogue de Bordeaux

Prevalence: 2.7% Severity: 2/5

Entropion is more common in Dogue de Bordeaux than in many breeds, often requiring surgical correction in young dogs.

Estrela Mountain Dog

Severity: 3/5

Entropion is an occasional concern in Estrela Mountain Dogs, especially in puppies. Early signs include excessive tearing and squinting.

German Longhaired Pointer

Severity: 2/5

Entropion is uncommon but breed-relevant in GLPs. Frequent pawing at eyes and excessive tearing are early warning signs.

German Shorthaired Pointer

Severity: 2/5

Reported as an occasional issue in GSPs; excessive tearing and squinting in puppies are early warning signs.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Severity: 3/5

Entropion is a breed concern in GSMDs, with a higher than average prevalence and need for surgical correction.

Great Pyrenees

Prevalence: 1.7% Severity: 3/5

Entropion is more common in Great Pyrenees than in many other breeds due to their loose facial skin.

Hanoverian Scenthound

Severity: 2/5

Reported sporadically in the breed, likely due to loose facial skin and conformation. Slightly higher risk than average for scenthounds.

Kerry Blue Terrier

Prevalence: 1.5% Severity: 3/5

Breed predisposition with cases reported in both puppies and adults. Early detection and surgical correction are important for this breed.

Komondor

Severity: 2/5

Entropion is reported as an occasional but notable issue in Komondors, likely exacerbated by their heavy facial hair and loose skin.

Mastiff

Severity: 2/5

Mastiffs are predisposed to entropion due to their facial conformation and loose skin. Early surgical correction is often needed.

Perro de Presa Canario

Severity: 2/5

Entropion is a breed concern in Presa Canario due to facial conformation, with higher risk than average.

Pyrenean Mastiff

Severity: 2/5

Pyrenean Mastiffs have a higher than average risk due to their giant size and loose skin. Excessive tearing and squinting in young dogs are early warning signs.

Rafeiro do Alentejo

Severity: 3/5

Occasionally seen in the breed, especially in lines with loose facial skin.

Slovensky Cuvac

Severity: 2/5

Entropion is occasionally reported in the breed. Early signs include excessive tearing and eye rubbing.

Spanish Mastiff

Severity: 3/5

Entropion is more common in Spanish Mastiffs than in the general canine population due to their loose facial skin and conformation.

Spinone Italiano

Prevalence: 2.6% Severity: 3/5

Spinone Italiano's loose facial skin predisposes them to entropion, with a higher than average prevalence compared to other breeds.

Tibetan Mastiff

Severity: 3/5

Entropion is more common in Tibetan Mastiffs than in the general dog population due to breed-specific facial structure. Early signs include excessive tearing and frequent pawing at the eyes in puppies.

Tornjak

Severity: 2/5

Entropion is rare but reported in Tornjaks and other livestock guardian breeds; screening is advised for breeding animals.

Tosa

Prevalence: 5% Severity: 3/5

Tosas have a higher than average risk for entropion, similar to other mastiff breeds. Persistent tearing and squinting in puppies are common early warning signs.

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