Blepharoplasty: An Eye Surgery To Fix Eyelids Disorders In Dogs

Blepharoplasty helps to treat eyelids disorder in dogs. In this technique, eyelids are restored to their normal position through small incisions.

In dogs, eyelids disorders (ectropion and entropion) are similar to that in humans. Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to fix these eye disorders. One can better call it cosmetic or plastic surgery technique. This essential plastic surgery for pets includes droopy eyelids fixing and removing excess skin, muscle, and fat. It is a common but major eye surgery procedure for dogs. Anesthesia injecting is necessary before carrying out the procedure so that the pet does not feel pain or cause any trouble during surgery. Normally, it is not a painful procedure, yet the dog may get swelling around its eyes for a minimum of 24 hours after the surgery. Veterinarian doctors suggest blepharoplasty for the pets as it involves fewer incisions and follows quick recovery.

What is Ectropion In Dogs?

It is a condition in which dogs get droopy lower eyelids. As a result, they are prone to many painful eye infections. Ectropion may be inherited or acquired. It is more common in young dogs and may result from nerve damage or an injury. In normal conditions of this disorder, veterinarians suggest medical therapy or ointments prevent the cornea from further damage. But in severe cases, blepharoplasty is the best option to treat the sick pet. 

What is Entropion?

It is also common eyelids disorder in pets in which eyelids roll inward, touching the eye's cornea. The cornea gets an ulcer, perforation, or pigment development in this condition, leading to a vision disorder. In addition, chronic skin problems cause thickness of the skin around a dog's eye, resulting in entropion. It is a serious disorder, but severe conditions can be avoided if the pet gets treatment early. Antibiotic ointments and some medications can help treat the disorder temporarily. But, to get rid of this condition permanently, blepharoplasty is necessary. 

What Does Blepharoplasty Involve?

A proper blepharoplasty involves physical and vision examination. Physical examination includes testing the dog's tear production and measuring the length of the eyelids. While in vision examination, veterinarians examine the eyes and peripheral vision of the pet. Photography from different angles is also performed. After a complete diagnosis, small incisions are made to cut and remove the extra skin and fats. Next, the skin is fixed back to its normal position with sutures.

Risks and Complications Of Blepharoplasty

Although it is an effective surgical procedure to fix eyelids disorders in pets, there are still some risks and complications. Infection, bleeding, dry and irritated eyes, difficulty in closing dog's eyes, scarring, injury to eye muscles, skin discoloration, temporarily blurred vision, loss of eyesight, blood clots, and other eyelids problems are common risks and complications of this surgical procedure. However, the risk of blindness is in very rare cases. In addition, breathing problems and unresponsiveness are also common risks resulting from blepharoplasty in dogs.

How to Reduce Risks & Complications?

It is crucial to minimize the risks and complications of the surgery so that pet does not suffer too much during or after the procedure. By following pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative precautions, one can reduce the above risks. Always attend a well-reputed veterinarian for your dog, as blepharoplasty is not a simple procedure. Moreover, keep your dog as comfortable as you can after the surgery to avoid any complications. Clean the skin around its eyes regularly with damp cotton balls. Ice therapy also helps in reducing swelling and infectious problems. Finally, ensure all the medications and precautions your vet recommends after the surgery.

Final Word!

Among five surgical procedures for pets, blepharoplasty is considered the most effective. Whether the disorder is hereditary or acquired, blepharoplasty is the best option. But still, always follow your veterinarian's recommendation to fix the disorder.