Distichia (Extra Eyelashes)
Distichia or extra eyelashes are a second row of eyelashes that grow out of the meibomian glands on the eyelid margin. These eyelashes are not normal and in some patients can rub on the corneal surface causing painful ulcers.
Clinical signs of extra eyelashes
Dogs with distichia may have some or all of the following clinical signs:
Any breed of dog can develop extra eyelashes but it is certainly more common in certain breeds, such as:
American Staffordshire Terrier American Cocker Spaniel
Bull Dog English Cocker Spaniel
Bull Terrier Shetland Sheepdog
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Poodles
Treatment for extra eyelashes:
Surgical removal of the extra eyelashes is only performed if the eyelashes are causing clinical signs. Many patients with fine extra eyelashes that float on the tear film will never need surgery.
At Melbourne EyeVet two surgical options exist. The Registered Veterinary Eye Specialist will discuss which technique is best suited to your pet. Choosing the wrong technique can lead to severe scarring and distortion of the eyelid margin.
Recurrence:
At any one time, approximately 30% of eyelash follicles are inactive. These follicles cannot be seen and may require surgery at a later date. It may take up to 3 months after the initial surgery for these hairs to become visible.
Post surgery:
The surgery site must be kept free of discharge. This can be achieved by bathing the eyelids twice daily with a facewasher soaked in lukewarm water. Some patients will require antibiotics and or anti-inflammatory medications after surgery. Head collars are not usually required unless corneal damage is present. Please check the area around the neck twice daily to ensure the collar is not damaging the skin around the neck.
Should you have any questions or concerns please contact us on 03 9545 0103.
Distichia or extra eyelashes are a second row of eyelashes that grow out of the meibomian glands on the eyelid margin. These eyelashes are not normal and in some patients can rub on the corneal surface causing painful ulcers.
Clinical signs of extra eyelashes
Dogs with distichia may have some or all of the following clinical signs:
- Red eye
- Cloudy eye
- Watery-mucky discharge
- Squinting
- Rubbing the eye(s)
Any breed of dog can develop extra eyelashes but it is certainly more common in certain breeds, such as:
American Staffordshire Terrier American Cocker Spaniel
Bull Dog English Cocker Spaniel
Bull Terrier Shetland Sheepdog
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Poodles
Treatment for extra eyelashes:
Surgical removal of the extra eyelashes is only performed if the eyelashes are causing clinical signs. Many patients with fine extra eyelashes that float on the tear film will never need surgery.
At Melbourne EyeVet two surgical options exist. The Registered Veterinary Eye Specialist will discuss which technique is best suited to your pet. Choosing the wrong technique can lead to severe scarring and distortion of the eyelid margin.
- Transconjunctival Excision – An operating microscope is used to isolate the root of abnormal hair on the inside eyelid margin. This section of tissue is then removed.
- Cryotherapy – An operating microscope is used to isolate the root of the abnormal hair and a freezing probe is placed directly over this site. After surgery, patients undergoing this procedure will have swollen eyes for the first 2-5 days. Those that have pigmented eyelids may lose this pigment for 2-6 months. In most cases the pigment will return.
Recurrence:
At any one time, approximately 30% of eyelash follicles are inactive. These follicles cannot be seen and may require surgery at a later date. It may take up to 3 months after the initial surgery for these hairs to become visible.
Post surgery:
The surgery site must be kept free of discharge. This can be achieved by bathing the eyelids twice daily with a facewasher soaked in lukewarm water. Some patients will require antibiotics and or anti-inflammatory medications after surgery. Head collars are not usually required unless corneal damage is present. Please check the area around the neck twice daily to ensure the collar is not damaging the skin around the neck.
Should you have any questions or concerns please contact us on 03 9545 0103.
