Trichiasis

What is Trichiasis?

Trichiasis is one of a number of eyelash disorders where normal hairs contact the cornea or conjunctiva leading to irritation, inflammation, and other eye changes.

How does my dog get Trichiasis?

Most cases of trichiasis are the result of facial conformation abnormalities related to breed predispositions. Rarely, the condition may arise from an unknown cause.

How do I know if my dog has Trichiasis?

Signs of trichiasis may include excessive tearing, blinking, changes in the appearance of the cornea, or other eye related changes. This condition will be diagnosed by your veterinarian after a thorough examination of your dog with emphasis on the eyes. A visit to a board certified ophthalmologist may be needed in some cases to assist in either diagnosis or treatment.

What can I do about Trichiasis?

Treatment of trichiasis may be conservative by keeping the hairs around the eyes trimmed or may require a correction of the eyelid abnormality (entropion) via surgery. If there are abundant or exuberant facial folds, it may be necessary for surgical correction also.

Is there anything I can do to prevent my dog from getting Trichiasis?

Prevention starts with careful breed selection. In those cases where there are injuries to the eyelid area, early treatment and care may prevent scarring that could lead to trichiasis.

Are there certain breeds that get Trichiasis more often?

Pekingese, pug, bulldog, cocker spaniel, French bulldog.