Pup has genetic condition but brother unaffected
QWe have two labradoodle puppy brothers that are now 4 months old. Our vet pointed out at their first visit that one of the puppies has a right eye with a severely inverted eyelid that is more visible on the lower lid. Why is only one eye affected? Given that both pups share the same gene pool, why aren’t they both affected? Our vet suggested that we have it corrected when we get the dogs neutered in a few months, but is it necessary since the puppy has had no problems with the eye? What are the risks associated with not doing the surgery?
AYour one puppy has a condition known as entropion, which is defined as an inversion of an eyelid. A common condition, it is usually genetic, but it can also become an acquired condition due to several factors.
In your dog’s case, it seems clearly genetic since it was detected on the dog’s first visit to the vet. I wonder if the breeders were aware of it, or did not disclose it if they were. You’re lucky in that the pup has not yet had problems.
As to why only one eye or one puppy, call it random selection since the genetic cause is not known. Typically, the condition is more frequently seen in dogs with lots of wrinkles, like shar-peis. I have also seen them in a few other breeds, such as chows, Akitas and rottweilers.
I agree that it makes more sense to surgically correct the problem when your dog is being neutered and possibly even delaying both procedures until the dog is close to being full grown. While dogs rarely outgrow the problem, facial changes and growth might reduce the severity.
In young dogs with severe entropion, tacking is sometimes done to relieve the problem when they are young, and that might suffice in resolving the problem.
The risks of not doing the surgery include chronic irritation of the eye, with the inverted eyelid hairs rubbing against the cornea, potentially causing ulcers, infections, pain or worse. Most cases of this condition are usually resolved by surgery, which involves removing some skin adjacent to the eyelid and when suturing skin, everting the problem eyelid. It is important not to overcorrect surgically since that, too, might lead to ectropion and other problems.
The good news is that this is quite common, and your veterinarian should be easily able to resolve the issue.