Eye Issues

[Redalbi]

Hi

Had wee Coisty at the vet last week took him for second opinion as was not happy with first vet. Have been told has entropin and vet has suggested a stitch is put in to help whilst he grows.

Has anyone came across this, just want to be sure it is the right thing to do.

Thanks

Karen x

[Blackbear]

This is not uncommon for chows. Left untreated it can result in blindness.

[Victory]

Yes. Entropian is quite common in chows unfortuneately. What you vet is suggesting is a temporary fix that will prevent scarring and possible infection of the eye(s) while the puppy grows up. He's too young for the complete entropian surgery which is like eye lift surgery for humans. The vet will want to wait until his face and head are the adult size so they can better see what needs to be done. I would get the temp fix done, as the condition is quite painful, (imagine having several eye lashes in your eye that you just CAN'T get out) and like I said can cause scarring on the eye's surface which can lead to blindness,

[Fozzbear]

Sorry to hear that. Unfortunately my baby has developing entropian too - so I 've been researching a fair bit.
Fozz has so far gotten away with any surgery, as her eyelashes aren't touching and irritating the surface of her eye. Apparently it is really painful if they do. It sounds like this is what is happening with your chow. As the last post said, a good vet wont want of operate on a puppy, as they have growing to do (up until about 18mths apparently) and things can change. They also like to operate conservatively, so I've been told to expect a probable two surgeries in my Fozz's lifetime. An interim stitch while puppy grows up is a good middle-ground that should minimise any discomfort or complications like scars. Meanwhile, make sure that you have a great lubricant eye drop.

I dont know where you are but I'm in the UK and I take my dog to see one of the most experienced eye vets in Europe. Sounds to me like your vet knows what they are doing but I would definitely want to see a specialist, rather than a general practitioner.

[Redalbi]

thanks all. I am in glasgow. An eye specialist sounds like good idea where do u go for this? He said has both entropin and otropin.

[chowpups]

I have in the past used a canine ophthalmologist for my chow for eye removal, not sure where you would find one over there. I have heard of ectropian which means the turning out of the eyelid usually the lower lid . And entropian the turning inward of the lid causing the lashes to rub against the eye. Not sure what the other one is that your Vet talks of?? And Tacking the eye will help until the chow is older .Either they will out grow it or it will hold them off. Till they are old enough for surgery. Good luck and hope all goes well.

[Fozzbear]

I would just ask your vet for a referral to a specialist opthalmologist; they probably have one that they know and use.