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Melbourne Eye Vet  |  Dr Anu O'Reilly and Dr Chloe Hardman  |  Animal Eye Specialists
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    • Virtual Tour of Melbourne EyeVet
  • About Us
    • Anu O'Reilly
    • Chloe Hardman
    • Hayley Volk
    • Gemma Turner
    • The Team
  • Information
    • For Veterinarians >
      • Veterinary Referral
      • Information Resources
    • Veterinary Students
    • For Pet Owners >
      • E-collar help
      • Useful websites and products
      • Hattie's Halo
      • How to give eye drops
      • How to apply ointment
      • Surgery
      • Specialist Anaesthesia
      • Pug Eye Disease
      • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Breeders >
      • Breed Eye Certification
      • Breed Specific Information
    • HORSES
  • Eye Conditions
    • Canine >
      • Blephartitis
      • Cataracts >
        • Cataract Post Op Care
        • Cataract Post Op Video
      • Cherry Eye
      • Chorioretinitis
      • Conjunctivitis-Dog
      • Corneal endothelial degeneration
      • Corneal laceration and Iris Prolapse
      • Corneal lipidosis
      • Deep and infected ulcers
      • Distichia
      • Dry eye
      • Ectopic Cilia
      • Entropion-Dog
      • Eyelid Tumour
      • Glaucoma-Dog
      • Glaucoma Shunt
      • Horner's Syndrome
      • Iris Cyst
      • Intraocular Silicon Prosthesis
      • Living with a blind pet
      • Anterior Lens Luxation
      • Posterior lens Luxation
      • Pannus
      • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
      • Retrobulbar Disease
      • SARDS - SUDDEN ACQUIRED RETINAL DEGENERATION SYNDROME
      • Sudden Vision Loss
      • Superficial ulcer
      • Uveitis
    • Feline >
      • Conjunctivitis-Cat
      • Corneal Sequestrum
      • Entropion-Cat
      • Feline Herpes - Viral Keratitis
      • Glaucoma-Cat
      • Hypertension
      • Anterior lens Luxation
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      • Glaucoma
      • Corneal Ulcers
      • Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
      • Uveitis
    • Exotics
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    • Mulgrave (Main)
    • Frankston
    • Mornington
    • Essendon
    • Mill Park
    • Geelong
    • Bendigo
    • Narre Warren North ( Horses)
    • Traralgon
    • Wodonga
    • Ballarat
    • Darwin
  • Contact Us
  • Diabetes Australia
  • COVID 19

distichia (extra eyelashes)

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: 
  • Red eye
  • Cloudy eye
  • Watery-mucky discharge
  • Squinting
  • Rubbing the eye(s)
Breeds predisposed to extra eyelashes
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.
  1. 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.  
  2. 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. 
If corneal ulcers are present at the time of the consult or surgery, these will be treated to promote healing.  The type of treatment will depend upon the nature and depth of the ulcer.
 
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.
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