Distichiasis & Entropian
By: Anna Wallace
The two most common eye issues Swissys are faced with are Entropian and
Distichiasis, with non-symptomatic Distichiasis being the most common issue
Swissys face. Distichiasis (reported at 19% in the breed) can be nothing to
worry about, or it can be a bit trickier. In the vast majority of cases,
Distichiasis is non-symptomatic and never causes an issue for the dog.
Distichiasis is the presence of extra eyelashes along the eyelid and should not
be confused with entropian. The distichia (extra eyelashes) can be seen along
the eyelid, but occasionally a magnifying lens is needed to see them.
Sometimes extra eyelashes grow in such a manner that they irritate the eye.
Unfortunately, symptomatic cases do require attention from a vet. Treatment
will vary from vet to vet, some choosing to freeze the affected hair follicles,
and others choosing to use electrocautery. Regardless of the treatment,
symptomatic distichiasis can cause major eye irritation if not attended to.
Dogs that appear to be “squinting” should be examined by a veterinarian.
Entropian
(found in about 3% of the breed) is the rolling in of the eyelids, which causes
the eyelashes to irritate the eye. Entropian is a condition that most often
requires surgery to fix, but once fixed causes no future issues for the dog.
Entropian is not a common issue in the Swissy, but is occasionally seen.
Thankfully it is simple to fix and is not an ongoing issue.
While
there are many vets well qualified to handle both of these problems, other vets
choose to refer these cases to a Veterinary Ophthalmologist.
By: Anna Wallace
The two most common eye issues Swissys are faced with are Entropian and
Distichiasis, with non-symptomatic Distichiasis being the most common issue
Swissys face. Distichiasis (reported at 19% in the breed) can be nothing to
worry about, or it can be a bit trickier. In the vast majority of cases,
Distichiasis is non-symptomatic and never causes an issue for the dog.
Distichiasis is the presence of extra eyelashes along the eyelid and should not
be confused with entropian. The distichia (extra eyelashes) can be seen along
the eyelid, but occasionally a magnifying lens is needed to see them.
Sometimes extra eyelashes grow in such a manner that they irritate the eye.
Unfortunately, symptomatic cases do require attention from a vet. Treatment
will vary from vet to vet, some choosing to freeze the affected hair follicles,
and others choosing to use electrocautery. Regardless of the treatment,
symptomatic distichiasis can cause major eye irritation if not attended to.
Dogs that appear to be “squinting” should be examined by a veterinarian.
Entropian
(found in about 3% of the breed) is the rolling in of the eyelids, which causes
the eyelashes to irritate the eye. Entropian is a condition that most often
requires surgery to fix, but once fixed causes no future issues for the dog.
Entropian is not a common issue in the Swissy, but is occasionally seen.
Thankfully it is simple to fix and is not an ongoing issue.
While
there are many vets well qualified to handle both of these problems, other vets
choose to refer these cases to a Veterinary Ophthalmologist.
