Canine Distichiasis"Canine distichiasis is a condition where eyelashes grow out of glands that do not normally produce eyelashes. If they irritate or rub against the eye they can cause irritation or possibly a corneal ulcer. Treatment involves destroying the hair follicle with surgery or plucking out the eyelash. Even with treatment, lashes may grow out of different locations." This condition occurs when eyelashes grow in places that they shouldn't. In this case there is a gland in the eye called a Me3ibomian gland that should not produce eyelashes. In distichiasis the gland grows eyelashes which rub against the eye causing irritation. The condition can occur on 1 or all 4 of your dog's eyelids. If left untreated this condition can possibly lead to the formation of a
corneal ulcer. Picture of Canine Distichiasis
Breeds That Have a High Incidence of DistichiasisBreeds that tend to get distichiasis problems include:Golden Retrievers Symptoms of Dog DistichiasisThere are several symptoms associated with distichiasis in dogs:* Redness Treatment of Canine DistichiaTreatment depends on the number of eyelashes (also called cilia) growing from the gland and whether the extra eyelashes are causes discomfort or eye irritation. Your veterinarian will also determine if eyelashes are growing from all 4 dog eyelids.If they are, then the extra eyelashes can be pulled out, trimmed, removed using electrolysis (destruction of the follicle using electricity) or surgically removed. Other approaches include using heat to destroy the hair follicles that are allowing the eyelashes to grow. The follicles can also be frozen using a technique called cryosurgery. No matter what you do there is a likelihood that the eyelashes will grow back if not in the same area, in a different area. Ointments can be used to protect the eye from the irritating eyelashes. SourcesA.V.C.O.Hereditary Diseases of the Canine Eyelid and Cornea Peter Bedford, Professor Royal Veterinary College Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences Hawkshead Lane Hatfi eld, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK From Canine distichiasis to More on Dog Eye Health |
Can't Find It? Search Our Dog Health Library