Eyelid problems are some of the most common eye conditions in dogs. They fall into three groups: the lid is the wrong shape (entropion, ectropion), hairs grow in the wrong place (distichiasis, ectopic cilia, trichiasis), or a mass grows on the lid. All three damage the cornea in the same way, by rubbing it or failing to protect it, so the presenting signs overlap and the exam question usually turns on one distinguishing detail.
Key facts
Eyelid disorders (including eyelid tumors) at a glance- Species: dog (cats are compared where it matters).
- System: special senses, ocular adnexa.
- Causes: inherited conformation, pain-induced spasm, scarring, misplaced hairs, and neoplasia of the lid, mostly of meibomian gland origin.
- Classic picture: a young dog of a predisposed breed with squinting, tearing and keratitis, or an older dog with a slow-growing pink mass on the lid margin.
- Tumour behaviour: most canine eyelid tumours are benign; most feline eyelid tumours are malignant.
- Not zoonotic and not reportable.
What's inside
12 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Cause and pathophysiology
- Clinical signs
- Diagnosis
- Differential diagnoses
- Treatment and management
- Prevention and control
- Prognosis
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
The full guide also has 4 tables, 3 figures, 3 self-test questions and 22 references, available to NAVLE members.
Read the full study guide
The full guide is part of every NAVLE plan, with diagnosis and treatment tables, figures, a quick review and self-test questions. Start a free trial to try the question bank, or log in if you are already a member.