735 Main Rd, Edgeworth,
NSW, 2285
A Sore Eye That Needed Attention
Luna is a sweet but nervous 4-year-old Shar Pei x Bull Arab who came to see Dr Nicole with a very sore right eye.
It was our first time meeting Luna, so we didn’t know her full history, but her owner told us she’d never had any eye problems before.
Her eye was very squinty, and the eyelids were swollen. The swelling had caused her lower eyelid to curl inwards, which meant her eyelashes were rubbing against the surface of her eye.
This constant irritation had already resulted in a painful corneal ulcer.
We started Luna on antibiotic eye ointment to lubricate the eye and help the ulcer heal, along with anti-inflammatories to reduce the swelling.
Unfortunately, even with treatment, her lower eyelid continued to roll inwards and irritate her eye.
“Entropion causes the eyelid to roll inwards, allowing the eyelashes or surrounding hair to rub against the eye.”
Deciding How to Correct Luna’s Eyelid
There were two options to consider: temporary tacking sutures or permanent entropion surgery. In Luna’s case, we decided the permanent surgery was the better option.
This procedure involved removing a small amount of skin from Luna’s lower eyelid to bring it back into a normal position and stop her eyelashes rubbing against her cornea.
The swelling can make it difficult to judge exactly how much skin needs to be removed, and sometimes it takes more than one surgery to get the correction right. We don’t want to overestimate how much skin to take, particularly while the eyelid is swollen.
What Causes Entropion in Dogs?
Entropion occurs when an eyelid rolls inwards and the eyelashes or surrounding hair rub against the eye. Some breeds, including Shar Peis, are particularly prone to it because of their facial conformation and excess skin. This is known as primary or conformational entropion and is often seen in younger dogs.
But secondary or acquired entropion can also develop later as a result of eye irritation, trauma or changes to the fat and muscle surrounding the eye.
We don’t know exactly what caused Luna’s original eye irritation. However, because of her predisposition, it didn’t take much for a sore eye to cause swelling and eyelid spasm. The lower lid then rolled inwards, causing further irritation and allowing the problem to persist.
“Just five days after surgery, Luna’s corneal ulcer had fully healed and her eyelashes were no longer rubbing against her eye.”
A Very Happy Five-Day Recheck
After surgery, Luna wore an e-collar to stop her rubbing her eye or damaging her sutures while everything healed.
When she returned five days later, the difference was impressive. Her eye looked completely normal again, the corneal ulcer had fully healed, and the eyelid swelling was gone. Most importantly, her eyelashes were no longer rubbing against her eye.
Her owner had already noticed a big improvement the day after surgery and said Luna seemed much, much more comfortable. The family had understandably been worried that she might permanently lose vision in the affected eye, so they were very pleased with the outcome.
With her eyelid now surgically corrected, we don’t expect Luna’s entropion to recur.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is entropion in dogs?
Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inwards, causing the eyelashes or surrounding hair to rub against the surface of the eye. This can cause ongoing irritation and, in some cases, painful corneal ulcers.
Are some dog breeds more prone to entropion?
Yes. Some breeds, including Shar Peis, are more prone to primary or conformational entropion because of their facial conformation and excess skin.
Can a dog develop entropion later in life?
Yes. Secondary or acquired entropion can develop due to eye irritation, trauma or changes to the fat and muscle surrounding the eye.
How is entropion treated in dogs?
Treatment depends on the individual dog. Options can include temporary tacking sutures or permanent surgery. Luna required surgery to remove a small amount of skin and return her lower eyelid to a normal position.
Can entropion surgery need to be performed more than once?
Sometimes. Swelling can make it difficult to judge exactly how much skin needs to be removed, so more than one surgery may be needed to get the correction right.
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4.7
I would like to say a massive thank you to Dr Nicole and the rest of the team for fitting in our dog for a torn dew claw this morning on such short notice. Ashlee on the phone was so lovely and quick to make the appointment for me. Our girl was treated with such care and we are very grateful 💕
Tiarna H.
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4.7
Best vets I’ve ever been to with rabbits! Vet was so kind, gentle & knowledgeable. She not only looked after the unwell bunny, but also took our other bunnies at home into consideration. All staff were so helpful. The follow up phone call & sympathy card were so appreciated & such a beautiful touch. Will never take our pets anywhere else after such an amazing experience! 🩷
La fee
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4.7
I was referred to Edgeworth vets as they have experience with bunnies and took my rabbit Ross there, he was old and not able to be saved so I had make the hard decision to have him put to sleep. The staff there were so kind and the vet I saw Kimberly was amazing. She was very kind and supportive and so gentle with Ross. I was able to stay with him while he passed and she talked me through everything. I’m so grateful to them that they helped Ross pass in a peaceful manner and cannot recommend them highly enough.
Katherine J.
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4.7
Got recommended this business today for a very sick bunny, they got her straight in and were amazing. They kept us updated with care and compassion and although we lost our beautiful girl they were amazing. Would highly recommend this business and staff.
Thank you for caring and trying to save our sweet girl.
Peta L.
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4.7
Thank you for the compassion your staff provided on Friday. ALL your staff were so lovely to us. We weren’t a regular client but you guys accommodated us, were empathetic and helped us in a really difficult time. I’m so thankful that I called and would highly recommend this veterinary service.
Jon B.
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4.7
Booked it our new kitten for his first vet visit after we purchased him. The staff was so helpful and nice, plus they help us out after he did not enjoy the car trip very much. But they made him feel welcome and helped me out. The vet we sure was so helpful and answered all our questions. They even gave us a little info pack about our kitten etc. They were recommended to us by a good friend and I would 100% recommend them to anyone that has a pet that needs a caring vet.
Ian K.
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4.7
These guys truly care. I couldn’t get my rabbit into his usual vet, however, they took him. Unfortunately it was the end of the journey for Boris and they were helpful, compassionate and loving the whole way. I even got a sympathy card 2 weeks later. Thank you for your love and care.
Kristy H.
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4.7
Fantastic vets, we have been bringing our chickens here for 3 years now and have no complaints. Recently moved our cats to Edgeworth as well. All vets we have seen here have been great as well as the vet nurses. The receptionists are very helpful, its a releif to walk in the door and know that our pets are going to be well looked after.
Annette F.
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4.7
Thank you for the beautiful card and condolences to our family after losing a battle with Jet. She tried so hard and fought like a little champion that she was. Thank you for your ongoing support, care, advice, and strength you showed to us, so that we could be strong. Unfortunately, little Jet succumbed to her many health issues but is now pain free. We will be under Edgeworth Animal Hospital for all of feathered family members. I couldn’t have asked for more
Debbie H.
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4.7
I had an emergency with my cat, and came without an appointment. I was seen straight away. Every single interaction I had with the lovely people at this vet was amazing. They are so kind and go 110% for your fur baby. They went above and beyond and made this cat dad feel like everything was going to be ok. I cannot thank them enough.
James D.
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