Macroblepharon in dogs

Species: Dog
Condition: Macroblepharon
Organ System: Nervous/sensory

Also called eryblepharon, macroblepharon is characterized by an abnormally large opening of the eyelids resulting in reduced eye protection. Affected dogs are more prone to corneal ulceration. The condition is an important predisposing factor to many diseases affecting the eyes. In brachycephalic breeds, the problem is associated with the protrusion of the globe (exopthalmus). Severe cases are usually linked to entropion of the upper and lower eyelids, giving rise to the term “diamond eye”. The problem results in the inability to accomplish the blink mechanism (lagophthalmos), resulting in drying and exposure keratitis. Prophylaxis involves administration of artificial tears or surgery to shorten the malcopalpebral fissure. The latter procedure is considered a permanent solution.

Breeds exposed to Macroblepharon – Research Reference
German Shepherd Cross – (Scott & Anderson 1990)
Miniature Dachshund Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Alsatian Cross – (Scott & Anderson 1990)
Doberman Pinscher Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Dobermann Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Rottweiler Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Hungarian Vizsla Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Old English Sheepdog Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Miniature Dachshund- Long Haired Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Miniature Dachshund – Wire Haired Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Miniature Dachshund – Smooth Haired Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Doberman Pinscher – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Dachshund – Long Haired – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Dobermann – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Hungarian Vizsla – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Miniature Dachshund – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Old English Sheepdog – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Rottweiler – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Miniature Dachshund – Wire Haired – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Miniature Dachshund – Smooth Haired – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Miniature Dachshund- Long Haired – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Belgian Shepherd – Tervueren Cross – (Scott & Anderson 1990)
German Shepherd – (Scott & Anderson 1990)
Alsatian – (Scott & Anderson 1990)
Belgian Shepherd – Tervueren – (Scott & Anderson 1990)
Dachshund – Long Haired Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)

Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine

To learn more about Macroblepharon or any other condition we invite you to search this website. Even better, pick up the phone and call your vet. Your vet knows your pet better than anyone else and is a fountain of information.