Entropion Surgery for Dogs & Cats

Eyelid correction surgery for pets whose eyelids roll inward and irritate the eye.

At Spay Neuter Vets, we offer entropion surgery for dogs and cats whose eyelids roll inward, causing the eyelashes or surrounding hair to rub against the eye.

Entropion can be uncomfortable and may lead to squinting, tearing, redness, eye discharge, corneal irritation, or corneal ulcers. Surgical correction can help improve comfort by adjusting the eyelid position so the eyelid margin sits more normally against the eye.

Our goal is to help pets feel better while helping clients understand the procedure, healing process, and important recovery expectations before moving forward.

What Is Entropion?

Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward toward the eye.

When this happens, the eyelashes or surrounding facial hair can rub directly on the surface of the eye. This can cause irritation, pain, inflammation, excessive tearing, squinting, and damage to the cornea.

The cornea is the clear surface of the eye. When it becomes scratched or injured, a corneal ulcer can develop. Corneal ulcers are common in pets with entropion and may need separate treatment and monitoring.

Why Would My Pet Need Entropion Surgery?

Entropion surgery may be recommended when the eyelid position is causing ongoing eye irritation, discomfort, or damage.

Surgery may help:

• Reduce hair or eyelash rubbing on the eye

• Improve eyelid positioning

• Decrease chronic irritation

• Help protect the cornea from repeated trauma

• Improve comfort and quality of life

• Reduce the risk of recurring eye injury

Entropion is not just a cosmetic concern. When the eyelid is rubbing against the eye, it can become painful and may lead to serious eye problems if not addressed.

How Is This Entropion Surgery Performed?

Entropion surgery involves removing a carefully measured section of skin near the affected eyelid so the eyelid can sit in a more normal position.

The goal is to correct the inward rolling without overcorrecting. In many cases, one surgery is enough. However, some pets may need a second procedure if additional correction is needed.

This is because it is safer to be conservative during the first surgery than to remove too much tissue and overcorrect the eyelid.

Important Expectations Before Surgery

We believe clients deserve clear expectations before scheduling.

Entropion surgery is often successful, but every pet’s anatomy is different. Some pets may need more than one procedure to achieve the best functional result.

Certain breeds or patients with heavy facial folds or excessive skin may not be ideal candidates for a standard outpatient entropion correction. Dogs such as Shar Peis, Mastiffs, Bulldogs, and other breeds with significant facial skin folds may require more advanced procedures, such as a forehead lift or other reconstructive techniques.

Those procedures are more complex and may be better suited for a veterinary ophthalmologist or other surgical specialist.

Is My Pet a Candidate?

Entropion surgery may be appropriate for pets who:

• Have eyelids that roll inward

• Have hair or eyelashes rubbing the eye

• Are squinting, tearing, or showing signs of eye discomfort

• Have been diagnosed with entropion by a veterinarian

• Are healthy enough for outpatient anesthesia

• Do not require a more advanced reconstructive procedure

• Have been reviewed and approved by our surgical team

If your pet has a corneal ulcer, that ulcer will need to be treated and monitored separately by your primary veterinarian. Entropion surgery may help address the cause of the irritation, but the ulcer itself still requires appropriate medical care and follow-up.

What to Expect With Us

Our goal is to make the process clear, calm, and organized from the beginning.

Before Surgery

You will submit your pet’s information, photos if available, and any medical records related to the eye condition. Photos are especially helpful for entropion because they allow our team to review eyelid position, facial structure, and whether your pet may be a good candidate for outpatient correction.

If your pet has an active corneal ulcer or significant eye inflammation, additional treatment or monitoring may be recommended before or after surgery.

On Surgery Day

Your pet will be checked in by our team, placed under anesthesia, and monitored during surgery and recovery. The surgeon will correct the eyelid position by removing a carefully planned amount of skin near the affected eyelid.

Sutures are placed near the eyelid and may be left slightly long in certain areas. This is intentional and helps reduce the chance of the suture ends irritating the eye.

After Surgery

You will receive detailed discharge instructions, including medication guidance, e-collar requirements, activity restriction, incision monitoring, and suture removal expectations.

Sutures are typically removed in 10–14 days. Some pets may require sedation or anesthesia for safe suture removal, which may involve an additional cost.

Recovery After Entropion Surgery

Recovery after entropion surgery requires careful protection of the eye and incision area.

Recovery usually includes:

• Strict e-collar use at all times

• Preventing rubbing, pawing, or scratching at the eye

• Giving all medications as directed

• Monitoring for swelling, redness, discharge, squinting, or discomfort

• Keeping the incision area clean and protected

• Limiting rough activity while healing

• Returning for suture removal in 10–14 days

It is extremely important that your pet does not reach or scratch at the eye. Pets with eye irritation often want to rub their face, especially during healing. Scratching can damage the incision, irritate the eye, or cause complications.

A Note About Sutures

Some sutures near the eyelid may be left long on purpose so the ends point away from the eye.

If you notice a suture end turning inward toward the eye, it may need to be gently rotated outward as directed by our team. This helps prevent the suture from rubbing the eye surface.

If you are unsure what you are seeing, contact our team for guidance rather than attempting anything that feels uncomfortable or unsafe.

Pricing & Estimates

Entropion surgery pricing can vary depending on your pet’s size, whether one or both eyes are affected, whether upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or multiple eyelids are involved, whether the procedure is performed on its own or with another surgery, and whether any additional care is recommended based on age, medical history, eye condition, or suture removal needs.

Our team is happy to provide a clear estimate before scheduling so you understand the expected cost and next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is entropion?

Entropion is when the eyelid rolls inward, causing hair or eyelashes to rub against the surface of the eye.

Is entropion painful?

Yes, it can be. The eye is very sensitive, and constant rubbing from the eyelid or hair can cause irritation, squinting, tearing, inflammation, and corneal damage.

Does entropion always need surgery?

Not always, but surgery is commonly recommended when the eyelid position is causing ongoing irritation or damage to the eye. A veterinarian can help determine whether surgery is appropriate.

Can one surgery fix it?

In many cases, yes. However, some pets may need a second procedure. The surgeon avoids overcorrecting during the first surgery because removing too much tissue can create a different eyelid problem.

Why not fully correct it the first time?

The goal is to correct the eyelid safely. Overcorrection can cause the eyelid to roll outward or sit abnormally. A conservative first correction may be safer, even if a second procedure is occasionally needed.

Are some pets not good candidates?

Yes. Pets with significant facial folds or excess skin may need more advanced reconstructive procedures. Breeds such as Shar Peis, Mastiffs, Bulldogs, and similar facial structures may be better suited for a veterinary ophthalmologist or specialist.

What if my pet has a corneal ulcer?

Corneal ulcers are common in pets with entropion. The ulcer will need separate treatment and monitoring, even if surgery is performed to correct the eyelid position.

Will my pet have stitches?

Yes. Sutures are placed near the eyelid and are usually removed in 10–14 days.

Will my pet need anesthesia for suture removal?

Possibly. Some pets require sedation or anesthesia for safe suture removal, especially because the sutures are close to the eye. This may involve an additional cost.

Why is the e-collar so important?

Pets with eye irritation often want to rub or scratch their face. If your pet reaches the incision or eye after surgery, they can damage the surgical site or cause complications. The e-collar must be used exactly as directed.

How do I know if my pet is a good candidate?

Submit an entropion appointment request and include photos, medical records, and any diagnosis or treatment history if available. Our team will review your pet’s information and help determine whether this procedure may be appropriate.

Request an Entropion Appointment

Entropion surgery can help reduce eye irritation and improve comfort for pets whose eyelids roll inward. Our team is here to help you understand the procedure, recovery expectations, and whether your pet may be a good candidate for outpatient surgery.