Entropion is a fairly common eye problem among chows.
Entropion is an eye condition among chows and other dogs in which the eyelids turn in toward the eyeball. The fur and lashes of the outer lid irritate the eye. This problem can lead to infection, ulcers on the eye and ultimately blindness. Entropion is genetic, but it can also be developed independently. Chows that are not born with entropion may develop it by excessive squinting and rubbing because of dust, allergies, injury or other irritations. Corrective surgery helps chows that have been bred with entropion or that have only recently developed it.
Instructions
1. Keep in mind that entropion is both hereditary and nonhereditary. Dogs that inherit entropion from their parents have at least a 50 percent probability of passing the condition on to their offspring. Two dogs with hereditary entropion have at least a 75 percent chance of passing it to their puppies. If you know your dog has hereditary entropion and you still want to breed it, find a mate that does not have the condition.
2. You may breed a chow that is not a carrier of hereditary entropion normally. If they have only recently developed the condition, it was caused by irritation rather than genetics. The puppies that result from a coupling with your chow will not be born with entropion as long as the other dog is also not a carrier of the entropion gene. However, you should have your chow's eye problem corrected to prevent it from suffering further.
3. Correct any eye problems in the puppies. If you breed a chow with hereditary entropion, the puppies have a risk of being born with the condition. Veterinarians perform corrective eye surgery on dogs with entropion by removing some of the eyelid skin and sewing the eyelid into its proper position. Vets may also work on the muscles under the eyelids to prevent spasms that turn the lids inside out. This surgery is appropriate for puppies older than eight weeks. Sometimes puppies outgrow the condition before that time. Eye drops can be used in the meantime to help relieve pain and irritation. Keep in mind that puppies born with entropion will probably be of less monetary value than those born without. However, they can still grow into good, lovable dogs.
Tags: with entropion, born with, hereditary entropion, born with entropion, among chows, breed chow