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Trichiasis, Distichiasis, and Ectopic Cilia in Dogs

Trichiasis, distichiasis, and ectopic cilia are eyelash disorders that are found in dogs. Trichiasis is in-growth of the eyelashes; distichiasis is an eyelash that grows from an abnormal spot on the eyelid; and ectopic cilia are single or multiple hairs that grow through the inside of the eyelid. In all of these conditions, the eyelash hair can come into contact with and damage the cornea or conjunctiva of the eye.

These conditions are commonly seen in young dogs but dogs of any age or breed may be affected. However, trichiasis does tend to appear more frequently in Pekingese, English cocker spaniel, pugs, and bulldogs; distichiasis is common in cocker spaniels, miniature long haired dachshunds, English bulldogs, golden retrievers, toy and miniature poodles, Shetland sheepdogs and Pekingese; and ectopic cilia are more commonly found in dachshunds, lhasa apsos, shih tzus, boxers, golden retrievers, and Shetland sheepdogs.

Symptoms and Types 

Trichiasis

• Change in pigmentation of the iris (colored portion of the eye)
• Abnormal ticking or twitching of the eyelid (blepharospasm)
• Overflow of tears (epiphora)
• Swelling of eyes

Distichiasis

• Mostly no symptoms can be seen
• Stiff cilia (eyelash)
• Pawing at eye
• Abnormal tick or twitch of eyelid (blepharospasm)
• Overflow of tears (epiphora)
• Increased blood vessels in the cornea
• Change in iris pigmentation
• Corneal ulcers

Ectopic cilia

• Eye pain
• Severe abnormal ticking or twitching of the eyelid (blepharospasm)
• Overflow of tears (epiphora)

Causes

• Facial conformation and breed predisposition
• Unknown etiology in many cats

Diagnosis

Your veterinarian will carefully inspect the eye structures and eyelashes to discern exactly which eyelash disorder your dog has. The diagnosis is usually straightforward in most cases. Your veterinarian will perform a Schirmer tear test to measure tear production and evaluate whether the affected eye is producing enough tears to keep it moist, and a fluorescein stain over the surface of the eye to make corneal ulcers visible. Determination of intraocular (within the eye) pressure is also an important test in evaluating the eye. This test will allow your veterinarian to evaluate the level of fluid pressure inside the eye. More specific testing may be performed to evaluate both the superficial and deep structures of eye.