Entropion Repair Surgery in Dogs and Cats

What It Is, Why It's Needed, What to Expect, and How We Support You

Why Might Your Pet Need This Surgery?

Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes or skin to rub against the surface of the eye. This can be painful and lead to:

  • Redness, discharge, or squinting
  • Corneal ulcers or scarring
  • Eye infections or vision loss

Entropion most commonly affects the lower eyelids but can involve any part of the eyelid margin. Surgical correction is recommended when entropion causes chronic discomfort or corneal damage.

Veterinary Referral: Recommended, Not Required

A veterinary referral is recommended but not required for entropion surgery. Many cases are clearly diagnosed on physical exam, but entropion can sometimes be mistaken for or accompanied by other eye conditions.

If your pet presents for entropion surgery but the cause of the ocular discomfort is not entropion, or if surgery is not appropriate at the time of presentation, we may defer surgical correction and recommend follow-up with your primary veterinarian.

We encourage pet owners to consult their regular vet first, especially if:

  • There is concern for active infection, corneal ulcer, or other eye disease
  • The eyelid position changes based on age, growth, or inflammation
  • Medical management or temporary tacking has been attempted

A referral (or recent exam and records) helps ensure your pet is ready for surgical care and that all underlying conditions have been considered.

What Does the Surgery Involve?

Entropion repair is performed under general anesthesia. A small section of skin is removed near the eyelid margin to reverse the inward rolling of the lid. The area is sutured to hold the new position, protecting the eye surface and reducing discomfort.

In growing animals or inflamed eyelids, we may recommend a conservative correction to allow for future adjustment if needed.

Are There Alternatives?

  • Temporary eyelid tacking (in young or growing animals)
  • Eye lubricants or anti-inflammatories (short-term comfort)

If left untreated, entropion can lead to chronic pain and vision loss. Surgery is the most effective and long-lasting solution in most cases.

What Are the Benefits?

  • Relieves pain and irritation from lashes or skin rubbing
  • Protects the cornea from ulceration or scarring
  • Improves long-term comfort and eye health

What Are the Risks?

  • Anesthetic complications
  • Under- or over-correction (may require revision surgery)
  • Infection or wound healing complications
  • Ongoing eye issues if underlying disease is present

What's Included in Our Surgical Care

Surgery Package: $325.00 Per Eye

Price includes:

  • A personalized anesthesia plan with multimodal pain control
  • IV catheter placement and fluids
  • Anesthesia and multiparameter monitoring
  • Surgical correction of the entropion
  • Post-op stabilization and in-clinic recovery
  • Take-home medications (pain control and antibiotics)
  • Discharge instructions and recovery plan

When Additional Care Is Needed

Most pets undergoing entropion surgery do not require overnight care and are discharged the same day. This is a minor procedure in most cases and is well tolerated by healthy patients.

If complications arise, or if your pet has other health concerns requiring more intensive care, we may recommend transfer to an emergency or specialty facility. This may occur if:

  • Your pet experiences unexpected anesthetic or recovery complications
  • They require 24-hour medications or monitoring
  • They are systemically ill or severely debilitated

Should we find signs of infection, ulceration, or another issue contributing to eye discomfort, we may advise follow-up with your regular veterinarian or a veterinary ophthalmologist for additional diagnostics or treatment to ensure the best outcome.

Any costs associated with overnight or continued care will be the owner's responsibility.

Aftercare: What to Expect at Home

Your pet will go home with:

  • Oral pain medications and/or antibiotics
  • Eye drops or ointment
  • An e-collar to prevent rubbing or scratching
  • Instructions for monitoring the incision and returning for suture removal

Some swelling or tearing is normal for a few days. Full healing may take 2–3 weeks. If any concerns arise, please contact our team.

Have Questions?

Please reach out to our team. We are happy to coordinate care with your veterinarian and guide you through your pet's surgical recovery.