Species: Dog
Condition: Eyelash Abnormalities
Organ System: Nervous/sensory
Eyelash abnormalities are one of the common hereditary problems in dogs. The most common of these abnormalities include distichiasis, ectopic cilia, and trichiasis. Distichiasis is characterized by the abnormal growth of eyelashes from the inner part of the eyelid. Ectopic cilia occurs when the direction of growth of the extra eyelash is towards the inside of the eyelid. Trichiasis occurs when abnormally long eyelashes grow inward. Affected dogs suffer from corneal irritation with the degree of discomfort depending greatly on the number of abnormal cilia and their texture. In most cases, extra eyelashes are fine and soft however if there is an existing reduction in tear production or if hairs have coarse textures, irritation, excessive tearing, and squinting are often observed. Rubbing or pawing of the eyes may result in corneal ulceration. Corneal ulceration can be determined using a fluoroscein dye test.
Breeds exposed to Eyelash Abnormalities – Research Reference
“Labradoodle Cross – (Rudmann et al. 1992
“English Pointer Cross – (Rudmann et al. 1992
“Labrador Retriever Cross – (Rudmann et al. 1992
“Doberman Pinscher Cross – (Rudmann et al. 1992
“Dobermann Cross – (Rudmann et al. 1992
“Black and Tan Coonhound Cross – (Rudmann et al. 1992
“Blue tick Coonhound Cross – (Rudmann et al. 1992
“Weimaraner Cross – (Rudmann et al. 1992
“Doberman Pinscher – (Rudmann et al. 1992
“Labrador Cross – (Rudmann et al. 1992
“Golden Retriever Cross – (Rudmann et al. 1992
“Labrador – (Rudmann et al. 1992
“Black and Tan Coonhound – (Rudmann et al. 1992
“Blue tick Coonhound – (Rudmann et al. 1992
“Dobermann – (Rudmann et al. 1992
“English Pointer – (Rudmann et al. 1992
“Golden Retriever – (Rudmann et al. 1992
“Labrador Retriever – (Rudmann et al. 1992
“Weimaraner – (Rudmann et al. 1992
“Golden Doodle (Groodle) – (Rudmann et al. 1992
“Labradoodle – (Rudmann et al. 1992
Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine
To learn more about Eyelash Abnormalities 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.
This information is accurate as at May 2014 and is subject to change without notice.
For Petmed Pet Health Insurance – pre-existing condition exclusion applies. Annual Benefit Limits and excess amounts vary based on pet health insurance plans.
