Species: Dog
Condition: Narrow Palpebral Fissure
Organ System: Nervous/sensory
An abnormally small eyelid opening. It is secondary symptom of a hereditary eye abnormality known as distichiasis. It is abnormal growth of eyelashes that are usually growing towards the eyeball. Narrow palpebral fissure worsens the condition making it harder to treat. Eyelashes are severely irritating the cornea causing the formation of ulcers. The vet will treat the condition in two phases; first he or she will eliminate the cornea ulcers with antibiotics and then remove the abnormally growing eyelashes surgically. The dogs usually recover, but they are not likely candidates for breeding as this disease is hereditary.
Breeds exposed to Narrow Palpebral Fissure – Research Reference
Chow Chow Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Beagle Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Beagle – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Chow Chow – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine
To learn more about Narrow Palpebral Fissure 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.
