How does Entropion Affect the English Bulldog?

Entropion (inward rolling of the eyelid edges) is a common eye problem in English Bulldogs that most commonly affects the lower eyelids.

What is Entropion?

Any breed of dog can have entropion, but the problem often centers around a few, very specific breeds. It is very common to see it in breeds with wrinkled or exaggerated facial folds… hmm sounds a lot like the bulldog.

We all know that it is irritating to have something in your eye. It causes you to rub and keep your eye shut until the irritant has gone away. Entropion will act as a similar irritant to your bulldog. In a basic generalization, the lower eyelid(s) rolls inward and causes the eyelashes or hair on the outside of the eyelid to rub against your bully’s cornea.
 
The first signs of entropion include squinting, excessive blinking, inflammation around the eye, and excessive tearing. A simple, home analysis of your bulldog’s eye should provide enough evidence if Entropion is irritating your bulldog. If you notice that your bulldog’s eyelid has turned in and is touching the eyeball there is a good chance Entropion is the problem. Once detected, we recommend that you make an appointment with your veterinarian for further examination.

While it is not one of the most common misdiagnosed health issues (see here), this issue is very serious and will require medical treatment.

How is Entropion fixed?

Eye ointment can help lessen the irritation or damage that has been caused by the Entropion. This is certainly a temporary solution and you can’t rely on it for a permanent solution. If your bulldog truly has Entropion, your vet will perform a simple procedure to remove an elliptical piece of tissue directly under the eye. Once complete, your bulldog will be going home with eye drops and the ever-glorious cone of shame!

One of the most important things you will want to remember is that you want your bulldog to be mature in age and growth to prevent over or under correction. If the surgery is performed before full maturity, improper correction can be done, resulting in multiple surgeries. However, if left untreated severe it can lead to permanent scarring of the cornea and eventually loss of vision. The key is finding a veterinarian well-versed in bulldog Entropion correction who can accurately diagnose and fix the problem.
 
While Entropion is not a pleasant experience for your bulldog, the good news is that correction is generally simple and 90-95 percent effective the first correction.  These types of health issues are certainly genetic and why we stress understanding the vertical pedigree of our bloodlines, as discussed here, to eliminate this issue.