Description

Entropion is usually a hereditary problem that occurs when the foal is born with the eyelid rolling inward causing the eyelashes to rub against the eyeball. This condition often results in excessive tearing and discomfort for the foal. Unless treated promptly, the irritation caused by the eyelashes and eyelid rubbing against the eye may lead to ulceration and infection of the eye.

Symptoms

• Eyelid rolls inward against the eye
• Excessive tearing
• Noticeable irritation leading to redness and discomfort

Causes

Entropion is nearly always a hereditary problem, but may occasionally be caused by an injury to the eyelid.

Prevention

Preventing entropion can be done through selective breeding, although it is not usually considered to be a serious enough problem to rule out breeding of horses that have had entropion as foals.

Treatment

A simple suture procedure done by a veterinarian in which a pinch of skin around the eye is stitched together to keep the eyelid and eyelashes out is usually all that is required to correct this problem. Without the treatment, an ulcer may develop in the eye. In some cases, a veterinarian may inject fluid into the eyelid to cause it to roll out.

As soon as the condition is noticed, a veterinarian should be called to treat the eye and eyelid properly to prevent permanent damage from ulceration, infection, and scarring of the eye.