Some breeds are more susceptible to eye conditions such as prolapsed third eyelids, entropion, and meibomian tumours. Our experienced veterinarians are here to help with these specific issues.
The third eyelid gland is positioned under the dog's third eyelid and is crucial for creating the tear film that keeps the cornea moisturised. If this gland slips out of place, a pink, round, and fleshy lump appears near the corner of the eye.
When the gland moves out of its natural position, it hinders the smooth motion of the third eyelid over the cornea. This displacement often leads to irritation and inflammation, prompting pets to scratch their eye, which can then lead to further infections.
Our approach to treating a displaced third eyelid involves stitching it securely back. We make a tiny pocket in the tissue below the gland, and then after repositioning the gland, we seal the pocket with hidden stitches, ensuring the gland stays put.
The cost of this procedure with us is approximately $600 - $800.
After the surgery, it's typical to notice swelling resulting from tissue inflammation. This should diminish within a week. We provide a special ointment for your dog to assist with the inflammation. There's no need for suture removal.
Entropion is a condition where the upper or lower eyelids curl inwards, causing the eyelashes to brush against the cornea. This can make pets' eyes constantly wet, sore, and irritated. You may notice your dog squinting or rubbing its eyes, the eyes red or cloudy and constant discharge from the eyes. It also can cause corneal ulcers, scarring, dry eye and even permanent damage to the eye.
Certain breeds are more predisposed to this issue, particularly Shar Pei’s, Chow Chows, Rottweilers, Mastiffs and Cocker Spaniels. With Shar Pei puppies, the condition can be so severe that they cannot see. The upper eyelid's entropion can self-resolve in these puppies as they age. During this phase, we usually apply antibiotic or anti-inflammatory ointments. We might occasionally use sutures to distance the upper lids from the cornea for a few weeks, a procedure called tacking. Older cats can also develop entropion.
If entropion goes untreated, it can lead to corneal scars and partial or complete blindness. Moreover, it causes consistent discomfort to your pet until it's rectified.
At North Richmond Vet Hospital, we conduct entropion surgeries under general anaesthesia. The surgery involves removing excessive eyelid tissue and closing the wounds with fine dissolvable sutures. Strategically placing the incision along the eyelid's curvature ensures a symmetrical appearance, leaving hardly any noticeable scars in the long run. There's no need to shave hair around the eye most of the time, so your pet's look is barely altered post-surgery.
We're proud to have completed hundreds of such procedures. The price ranges between $1,200 to $1,400 for treating both eyes.
After the operation, you're free to take your furry friend home. We'll provide antibiotics, pain management medication, and an eye ointment. Your pet may wear a protective cone to avoid rubbing their eyes. Although their eyes might take a few weeks to heal, your pet should return to their cheerful selves within a month. Many owners have observed a positive change in their pets' behaviour since they no longer suffer from constant eye irritation.
These tumours develop in the meibomian glands of elderly dogs. Initially, they appear as tiny lumps at the borders of both the upper and lower eyelids. While many of these tumours don't grow beyond 2-3mm and don't necessarily need immediate removal, some might become larger. If these tumours become active, they will keep enlarging until excised.
The surgical procedure involves cutting close to the tumour, using a V-shaped cut, ensuring the maximum eyelid is saved. Typically, the surgery removes about an eighth to a quarter of the impacted eyelid. The tumour is removed from the eyelid, and the skin is closed with delicate sutures. Once the eyelid heals, there are barely any signs of the surgery.
This procedure is usually performed under general anaesthesia. However, we can perform the procedure under local anaesthesia in old dogs where an anaesthetic is a high risk.
The surgery costs between $750 and $850, the exact cost varying based on the choice of pre-anaesthetic tests.
Once the procedure is done, pets are often given a protective collar to prevent them from scratching the operated area. We also provide an eye ointment to minimise any inflammation post-surgery. A follow-up visit after two weeks is scheduled, and this check-up is complimentary.
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E: northrichmondvet@hotmail.com
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