Feline Entropion
Entropion (rolling-in of the eyelid) is a relatively uncommon condition in cats. In older cats, weight loss around the head may lead to loss of fat behind the eye and subsequent inward rolling of the eyelids. Additionally, certain breeds like British Shorthairs may be predisposed to entropion.
A important complications of entropion in cats is the development of a corneal sequestrum. This is a brown or black lesion on the cornea that can lead to corneal rupture if left untreated. A Registered Veterinary Ophthalmologist will examine this for you and discuss strategies to manage the cornea and the eyelid at the same time.
What are the clinical signs of entropion?
Treatment for entropion
Plastic surgery techniques are performed under an anaesthetic with the aid of an operating microscope. The eyelid position is corrected by shortening the eyelids, removing excessive eyelid tissue and suturing the incision with fine dissolvable sutures.
If the cornea is damaged, this is corrected by a keratectomy (removal of unhealthy cornea) and in some cases a graft that is sutured into the area where the sequestra was removed.
Post surgery
The surgery site must be kept free of discharge. This can be achieved by bathing the eyelids with a face-washer soaked in clean lukewarm water twice daily. Some patients will require antibiotics after surgery. All animals will need to wear a protective collar so they do not rub the eyes. 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.
Entropion (rolling-in of the eyelid) is a relatively uncommon condition in cats. In older cats, weight loss around the head may lead to loss of fat behind the eye and subsequent inward rolling of the eyelids. Additionally, certain breeds like British Shorthairs may be predisposed to entropion.
A important complications of entropion in cats is the development of a corneal sequestrum. This is a brown or black lesion on the cornea that can lead to corneal rupture if left untreated. A Registered Veterinary Ophthalmologist will examine this for you and discuss strategies to manage the cornea and the eyelid at the same time.
What are the clinical signs of entropion?
- Squinting
- Rubbing the eyes
- Red eye
- Cloudy eye
- Watery to mucky discharge
Treatment for entropion
Plastic surgery techniques are performed under an anaesthetic with the aid of an operating microscope. The eyelid position is corrected by shortening the eyelids, removing excessive eyelid tissue and suturing the incision with fine dissolvable sutures.
If the cornea is damaged, this is corrected by a keratectomy (removal of unhealthy cornea) and in some cases a graft that is sutured into the area where the sequestra was removed.
Post surgery
The surgery site must be kept free of discharge. This can be achieved by bathing the eyelids with a face-washer soaked in clean lukewarm water twice daily. Some patients will require antibiotics after surgery. All animals will need to wear a protective collar so they do not rub the eyes. 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.
