What is Feline entropion
Feline entropion is a condition that affects cats, particularly breeds with excessive facial skin folds or brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds. It involves the rolling inward of the eyelids, causing the eyelashes and sometimes the hair on the eyelids to come into contact with the cornea and irritate the eye's surface. This can lead to discomfort, pain, corneal ulcers, and potential vision impairment if not addressed promptly.
Transmission:
Feline entropion is not a contagious condition and cannot be transmitted from one cat to another. It is primarily a congenital issue, meaning it's often present at birth due to genetic factors that influence the development of the eyelids and facial structure.
Symptoms:
Eye Irritation: Cats with entropion may display signs of eye irritation, such as squinting, excessive blinking, and increased tearing.
Redness: The whites of the affected eye may appear red due to inflammation.
Rubbing or Pawing: Cats may paw at their eyes or rub their faces against objects to alleviate the discomfort.
Corneal Ulcers: Constant contact of the eyelashes or hair with the cornea can lead to the development of corneal ulcers, which can be painful and cause further complications.
Kinds of Entropion:
There are two primary types of feline entropion:
Upper Eyelid Entropion: In this type, the upper eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to come into contact with the eye.
Lower Eyelid Entropion: Here, the lower eyelid rolls inward, leading to irritation of the eye's surface by the eyelashes or hair on the lower lid.
Treatment Options:
Treatment for feline entropion usually involves surgical correction. The goal of the surgery is to reposition the eyelids so that they no longer roll inward, preventing contact between the eyelashes and the cornea. There are a few different surgical procedures available:
Hotz-Celsus Procedure: This technique involves removing a small piece of skin from the affected eyelid, altering its shape and preventing it from rolling inward. It is a relatively simple procedure and can be effective.
Tacking Procedures: In some cases, temporary tacking of the eyelids may be done using sutures. This involves stitching the eyelids in a more outward position to alleviate the irritation. However, this is usually a temporary solution and may not provide a permanent fix.
Botox like injection into the eye adding more fat to the eyelid itself helping to push the eyelid into it's proper position.
Positives and Negatives of Treatment Options:
Hotz-Celsus Procedure:
Positives: Relatively simple and effective, permanent solution in many cases.
Negatives: Surgical risks are associated with any procedure, such as infection, anesthesia complications, or suture-related issues.
Tacking Procedures:
Positives: Less invasive than some other surgical options, can provide temporary relief.
Negatives: Temporary solution, may require repeated procedures, doesn't address the root cause.
Botox like Procedures:
Positives: Semi invasive procedure. May be all the feline needs to help the eyelid sit back in place properly.
Negatives: May or may not be permanent, doesn't address root cause.
It's important to note that the decision on which procedure to choose depends on the severity of the entropion, the age and health of the cat, and the veterinarian's expertise.
Feline entropion can cause discomfort and potential vision problems for cats, so seeking prompt veterinary care is essential. Your veterinarian ophthalmologist will be able to assess the severity of the condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment option for your cat's specific situation.`