What it is
The eyelids are meant to sit snugly against the eye, with the lashes pointing outwards. In entropion part of the lid, the lower, the upper or both, rolls in, and with every blink the hair sweeps across the cornea like a fine brush. The eye answers with tears and a tightly clenched lid, and squinting can roll the lid in even further.
It is linked to the shape of the head and face: loose or heavy skin around the eyes, deep-set eyes or a very short muzzle make it more likely. It can also follow scarring, ageing or weight loss that changes how the lid sits.
Because the eye hurts, a dog may avoid bright light, play less, dislike being touched around the head and keep rubbing its face. The sooner a vet sees the eye, the less chance there is of lasting damage to the cornea.
Signs you may notice
- Squinting or half-closed eye
- Watery eye or tear stains
- Red eye or discharge
- Rubbing the eye with a paw
- Eyelid edge turned inwards
The dog squints or keeps the eye half-closed, the eye waters, turns red and may have discharge, and the dog rubs it with a paw or against furniture. Looking closely, you may see that the edge of the eyelid with its lashes is turned in towards the eye.
When to see a vet
Book a visit as soon as you notice squinting, a watering eye or a lid that looks rolled in, and contact a vet the same day if the eye looks cloudy or the dog keeps it shut, as the cornea may be injured.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.