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Old Dog Resources
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Dog Eye Care - Distichiasis
Overview - This is a condition that refers to
the abnormal growth of an eyelash along the eyelids. Due to the misplaced
eyelash, it is in direct contact with the eye surface, causing extreme
discomfort to the dog.
Depending on the amount of abnormal eyelashes, and their stiffness, will more
often than not determine the amount of discomfort felt by the dog. If left
untreated, corneal ulcers, chronic eye pain, excessive tearing, and eyelid
spasms may occur.
Breeds of dogs which have a high incidence of distichiasis include, cocker
spaniels, chesapeake by retrievers, lhasa apsos, miniature poodles, golden
retrievers, shelties and shih tzus.
Symptoms - Dogs with distichiasis may or may
not show signs of discomfort, ranging from slight intermittent squinting and/or
rubbing of the eyes, to severe squinting and discomfort.
Treatment - removing the tiny hairs that are causing the irritation. This can be done by cryotherapy, where the hair
follicles are frozen at their base along the eyelid margin. This is the most
effective method available, but recurrence is common.
Electrolysis is another method that can be used. It involves placing a tiny needle in the hair follicle
and sending an electrical pulse. This may be tedious if there are many distichia.
Distichia can be plucked, but will return using this method of removal.
Electrocautery, which is burning of the hair, is not recommended due to scarring.
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