Entropion Surgery

Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes and surrounding skin to rub directly against the surface of the eye. Over time, this leads to pain, corneal ulcers, perforations, or the development of pigment on the cornea, which can interfere with vision. Most dogs with entropion will squint, keep the affected eye closed, and tear excessively, a condition known as epiphora. Some dogs also develop a mucoid discharge. It is worth noting that flat-faced dogs with medial entropion, which affects the inner corner of the eye near the nose, often show no obvious signs of discomfort despite the condition being present. In most cases, both eyes are affected, and entropion is typically diagnosed in puppies under one year of age.

If you are concerned about your dog’s eyes, contact Rock House Vets to arrange an assessment.

Yes. Breeds with facial folds, prominent skin around the eyes, or brachycephalic facial structures are significantly more prone to entropion due to the anatomical characteristics of their eyelids. Commonly affected breeds include the Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, Basset Hound, Bernese Mountain Dog, Bloodhound, Bulldog, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Clumber Spaniel, Dalmatian, English and American Cocker Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, Gordon Setter, Great Dane, Great Pyrenees, Irish Setter, Japanese Chin, Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, Newfoundland, Old English Sheepdog, Pekingese, Pomeranian, Pug, Rottweiler, Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Saint Bernard, Siberian Husky, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel, Toy and Miniature Poodle, Vizsla, Weimaraner, and Yorkshire Terrier.

If you own one of these breeds, it is worth being proactive. Our team at Rock House Vets are experienced in assessing and managing entropion in predisposed breeds.

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. In milder cases, antibiotic ointment can be used to lubricate the corneal surface, reduce irritation, and protect against secondary infection. While this can provide relief, it does not correct the underlying eyelid position and is generally considered a short-term measure. Where conservative management is insufficient, surgical correction is the primary and most effective treatment. The procedure involves carefully removing a small section of skin from the affected eyelid to restore it to its natural outward position. A two-stage approach is often used, a primary corrective surgery followed by a secondary minor procedure, to minimise the risk of over-correction, which could result in the eyelid rolling outward, a condition known as ectropion. Surgery is typically deferred until a dog has reached its adult size, usually between six and twelve months of age.

Before and after surgery, ophthalmic medications play an important supporting role. Antibiotic drops or ointments may be used pre-operatively to manage any concurrent infection, and artificial tear lubricants are used post-operatively to protect the cornea during healing.

To discuss treatment options for your dog, get in touch with our team.

Eye tacking is a temporary procedure used in puppies under six months of age who cannot yet undergo full entropion surgery. Under a short general anaesthetic, strong sutures or stainless steel staples are placed in the affected eyelids to roll them outward, preventing the eyelashes from rubbing against the eye’s surface. Tacking aims to protect the eye while the puppy’s skull and the fat pads around the eyes continue to develop. For some puppies, tacking alone is sufficient, and once they are skeletally mature, the eyelids remain in the correct position. Others will go on to require full entropion surgery at a later stage. The tacks themselves can typically be removed in the conscious puppy after several weeks.

If your puppy has been showing signs of eye discomfort, contact Rock House Vets to discuss whether tacking is appropriate.

The cost of entropion surgery varies depending on a number of factors, including the severity of the condition, the number of eyelids affected, whether the procedure is a first-stage correction or a follow-up surgery, and whether eye tacking is required prior to definitive surgery.

We always carry out a thorough assessment before recommending a treatment plan, so we can give you an accurate estimate based on your dog’s individual needs. We believe in transparent, straightforward pricing and will walk you through all expected costs before any procedure takes place.

To get a clear picture of costs for your dog, contact Rock House Vets to arrange a consultation. You may also wish to review your pet insurance policy, as entropion surgery is often covered when diagnosed as a clinical condition rather than a cosmetic procedure.

Following surgery, your dog may experience some mild swelling, redness, and discomfort around the eye area. Your vet may prescribe pain relief medication and is likely to recommend applying cold compresses for the first day or two to help manage any swelling.
The most important aspect of aftercare is preventing your dog from rubbing or pawing at the eye, as this can disrupt the surgical site and delay healing. An Elizabethan collar, a buster collar, is usually required throughout the recovery period. Prescribed eye drops or ointment will need to be administered as directed, and it is important to attend all follow-up appointments so that your vet can monitor how the eyelid is healing and address any concerns early.
Our team at Rock House Vets will provide you with a full post-operative care sheet and will always be available to answer any questions during recovery. 

The prognosis following surgical correction of entropion is generally very good. The majority of dogs go on to live comfortable, pain-free lives after treatment, though some cases, particularly more complex presentations, may require more than one procedure to achieve the best outcome.
The most important factor in achieving a good prognosis is early intervention. If entropion is left untreated for an extended period, the ongoing friction against the cornea can lead to scarring, which may cause permanent visual deficits that cannot be reversed even after the eyelid position has been corrected. This is why we always encourage owners to seek assessment as soon as they notice any signs of eye discomfort.

Your vet will discuss a full diagnostic and treatment plan tailored to your dog’s needs. Contact Rock House Vets to arrange an appointment.

While surgical correction is effective in the vast majority of cases, entropion can recur in some dogs. The likelihood of recurrence depends on factors including the underlying cause of the condition, the breed’s inherent eyelid structure, the surgical technique used, and individual healing. Certain breeds with significant facial skin laxity, such as the Shar Pei or Bulldog, may have a higher predisposition to recurrence due to the nature of their anatomy.

If you notice any signs of eyelid malformation or recurring eye discomfort following surgery, it is important to contact your vet promptly. Early identification of any recurrence allows for timely intervention and reduces the risk of further corneal damage.

Yes. Our veterinary clinic is based in Wolverhampton, and we treat dogs from across the West Midlands and beyond.

We cover all areas of Wolverhampton, including Bushbury, Bilston, Blakenhall, East Park, Ettingshall, Fallings Park, Graiseley, Heath Town, Merry Hill, Oxley, Penn, Spring Vale, St Peter’s, Tettenhall, and Wednesfield.

We regularly see patients travelling to us from Birmingham, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield, Dudley, Kingswinford, Stourbridge, Sandwell, Wednesbury, West Bromwich, Walsall, and Willenhall, as well as further afield from Warwickshire, Lichfield, Stratford-upon-Avon, Worcestershire, Bromsgrove, Redditch, Bridgnorth, Cannock, Coventry, Derbyshire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent, and Telford.

To book a consultation or discuss your dog’s symptoms, contact Rock House Vets today. You can also find out more about our full range of veterinary services in Wolverhampton.