Understanding Shar Pei Dog Eye Problems: Causes and Prevention

Shar Pei dog eye problems are a serious concern for owners of this lovable breed. Shar Pei dogs are prone to eye problems due to their unique facial structure.

Their skin folds can trap moisture and create a perfect environment for bacterial and fungal infections to develop.

One such infection is entropion, a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing irritation and discomfort for the dog.

Eye problems in Shar Pei dogs can be caused by genetics, with some breeds being more prone to certain conditions.

Entropion, a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, is a common issue in Shar Pei dogs. It's usually inherited and can be present at birth.

Trauma to the eye can also cause entropion, which is a serious concern for any dog owner. I've seen it happen when a dog gets into a fight or is accidentally poked in the eye.

Inflamed eye infections can lead to entropion, making it essential to keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as redness or discharge.

Senior dogs with skin laxity due to aging are also prone to entropion, which can be a challenging condition to manage as they get older.

Here are some common causes of entropion in Shar Pei dogs:

Dogs with entropion may exhibit a range of symptoms, including eye redness and inner eye inflammation.

One of the most noticeable symptoms is excessive tearing, which can be a sign that the dog is uncomfortable or in pain.

Eye discharge or mucus can also be present, and some dogs may paw at their eyes due to irritation.

In severe cases, corneal abrasions or ulcers may develop, appearing as dull spots or disc-like depressions on the surface of the eye.

Some dogs may even cry out or yelp in pain due to the discomfort.

Other symptoms can include depression and lethargy, which can be a sign that the condition is causing significant distress.

Here are some common symptoms of entropion in dogs:

Entropion in dogs can be caused by a combination of factors. Entropion is usually inherited, puppies are born with the abnormality.

In some cases, trauma to the eye can cause entropion. This can happen if a dog gets into a fight or experiences an accident that damages the eye.

An inflamed eye infection can also lead to entropion. If left untreated, the infection can cause the eyelid to become inflamed and turn inward.

As dogs age, they may experience skin laxity due to aging, which can contribute to entropion. This is more common in senior dogs.

Entropion can be caused by a combination of inherited and environmental factors.

Diagnosis of entropion in shar pei dogs is a relatively straightforward process. The veterinarian will want to know if your dog has had any recent trauma to the eye and may administer local anesthetic eye drops before performing an eye exam.

A fluorescein test is often used to diagnose corneal abrasions or ulcers. A drop of fluorescein is placed on the cornea, and the dye turns green and adheres to any damage on the cornea.

In some cases, a Schirmer tear test may also be recommended to measure aqueous tear production. This helps the veterinarian understand the underlying cause of the entropion.

Treatment for entropion typically involves surgical correction. Eyelid surgery is the only permanent treatment for entropion, and an ophthalmologist veterinary surgeon will remove a small piece of tissue directly from below the eyelid.

Temporary sutures may be used in young puppies, especially in breeds like the Chinese shar pei, to roll the eyelids outwards. This can be done with minimal sedation and is often a good option for pets at high general anesthesia risk.

If your dog requires eye drops, they may include lubricating drops to keep the front of the eyes moist while they heal, antibiotic drops to treat infections, or anti-inflammatory drops to help with pain and inflammation.

The veterinarian will want to know if your dog has had any recent trauma to the eye, which can be a contributing factor to Entropion.

A local anesthetic eye drop may be administered to help with the pain and reduce your dog's stress during the exam.

Entropion in dogs is easily diagnosed during the optical exam.

If corneal abrasions or corneal ulcers are suspected, a fluorescein test will be performed.

A drop of fluorescein is placed on the cornea, and the dye will turn green and adhere to any damage on the cornea.

A Schirmer tear test may also be recommended to measure aqueous tear production.

Treatment for entropion in dogs typically involves surgical correction. A section of skin is removed from the affected eyelid to reverse its inward rolling.

Most dogs will not undergo surgery until they have reached their adult size at six to twelve months of age. This is to reduce the risk of over-correcting the entropion, resulting in an outward-rolling eyelid known as ectropion.

Temporary sutures may be placed to roll the eyelids outwards in young puppies, especially in certain breeds like the Chinese shar pei or chow chow. This is done to monitor if the entropion resolves on its own as the puppy grows.

In some cases, entropion has been successfully treated, temporarily, using injections of hyaluronic acid (HA). This thick filler material is used to evert (roll outward) the eyelid margin by plumping up the tissue around the area of the entropion.

The only permanent treatment for entropion is eyelid surgery, which involves removing a small piece of tissue from below the eyelid and suturing the remaining tissue together.

Puppies born with severe entropion may be treated first using a procedure to roll the eyelids outwards, and then surgery is performed when they are more mature, around 6-12 months of age.

The success rate for entropion surgery is 90-95%, and dogs that undergo corrective surgery have an excellent prognosis, with the ability to enjoy an improved quality of life without constant pain and irritation to their eye.

Here are some common eye drops that may be prescribed before, during, and after surgery:

It's essential to follow post-operative instructions from the ophthalmologist veterinary surgeon, including confining your dog indoors with supervised potty breaks and wearing an Elizabethan collar until the sutures are removed.