What Exactly is Entropion?

 
 

Two of BCR's latest arrivals - Scamper and Trixie - have a condition called entropion.  It's a somewhat unusual condition in cats that affects the eyelids, most commonly the lower lid.  The eyelids of cats with entropion roll inward, so are inverted from the normal position they should be in

Entropion occurs in dogs too, and can be a hereditary trait in some cats, especially Persian cats, Himalayans and Birmans, who have short round faces.  Cats can also develop entropion during their lives, usually triggered by conjunctivitis, corneal disease or other eye problems.  Many vets and scientists believe that a virus of the eye, like the herpesvirus, may cause the irritation that contributes to a cat developing entropion later in life.  If it's untreated, the ongoing irritation of the hairs around the eye rubbing the cornea and conjunctiva of the eye caused by being inverted can cause more serious problems.  It's also very uncomfortable for your cat.

Cats experiencing entropion may show these signs:
 * unusually heavy eye discharge
 * eye rubbing
 * redness and swelling
 * visible eyelids turned in and wetness around the eyes

Because this is a very easy-to-spot condition, veterinarians can usually diagnose entropion quickly.  They may also want to do additional tests on the eyes to see if there is any damage to the cornea, if an ulcer has formed, or if there is scarring present or other problems created by entropion.

Successful treatment for both hereditary and acquired entropion usually involves surgery to correct the condition.  Cats who have this surgery may need antibiotics when going home.  It's important for cat parents to watch the eye carefully and look for any pain or a large amount of tears in the affected eye.  Your cat will need to wear an "elizabethan" protective collar to keep him from rubbing the eye during healing.  The surgery will leave stitches, which are usually taken out after 10-14 days.   After that, it's important to follow up with the vet to see how the healing is going and to make sure it's not coming back.

CLICK HERE to take a scientific look at entropion.
 
CLICK HERE to read more information on treatments and therapies.