Surgical Correction of Entropion in Pugs: What to Expect

The pug is the UK's third most popular dog breed, celebrated for its affectionate nature and charming personality. However, pugs often face health issues linked to their distinctive facial structure, especially affecting their eyes.

One common ocular issue is entropion, a condition where the eyelid rolls inward causing eyelashes to rub painfully against the eye. This can lead to irritation, ulcers, and discomfort. Fortunately, entropion can often be corrected surgically, offering relief to many pugs.

What is Entropion?

Entropion occurs when the eyelid's edge folds inward towards the eyeball, causing eyelashes and skin to rub against the eye surface. This condition is particularly common in brachycephalic breeds like pugs, whose flat-faced conformation predisposes them to such eyelid abnormalities.

Entropion can affect one or both eyes, mostly the lower eyelids, leading to symptoms ranging from mild irritation to more severe corneal ulcers if untreated.

Recognising Entropion in Your Pug

Your pug may show signs such as persistent squinting, excessive tearing or discharge, pawing at the eyes, or visible redness and inflammation. Regular veterinary check-ups are important to detect entropion early and prevent complications.

How is Entropion Surgically Corrected?

The standard surgical treatment for entropion is a procedure called blepharoplasty, often specifically the Hotz-Celsus method. This involves removing a small strip of skin and tightening the eyelid to correct its position, preventing eyelashes from irritating the eye.

This surgery is performed under general anaesthetic. Most vets recommend waiting until the pug is physically mature—generally over one year old—for a permanent correction, as facial growth can affect eyelid structure.

For younger puppies experiencing acute entropion, temporary eyelid tacking with sutures or staples may be used. This less invasive approach helps manage the condition until the dog is old enough for surgery.

Recovery and Aftercare

After surgery, your vet will provide eye drops or ointments to reduce inflammation and prevent infection. An Elizabethan collar is usually recommended to stop your pug from rubbing the surgical area. Sutures are typically removed after about two weeks, with follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and eyelid positioning.

Prognosis and What to Expect

Most pugs experience significant relief after entropion surgery. However, some may require additional correction if the initial surgery doesn't fully resolve the issue or if overcorrection leads to ectropion (outward eyelid rolling).

It is important to note that entropion is hereditary in pugs. Responsible breeding practices are essential to reduce this condition's prevalence. Pugs diagnosed with entropion, or those that have undergone surgery, should not be bred.

Best Practices in the UK for 2025

Leading UK veterinary practitioners recommend delaying permanent surgery until a pug reaches adulthood, using temporary tacking in puppies to minimise discomfort and corneal damage. Comprehensive genetic counselling is also encouraged to promote ethical breeding and reduce inherited conditions like entropion.

Choosing a pug puppy from reputable breeders who prioritise health and moderate features can help prevent entropion and other hereditary problems.

Summary

• Entropion causes painful inward rolling of the eyelid, common in pugs due to their facial structure.
• Symptoms include eye irritation, discharge, squinting, and pawing.
• Surgery (blepharoplasty) is the main corrective treatment, best performed in adult dogs.
• Temporary eyelid tacking can help puppies until they mature.
• Careful postoperative management ensures better healing and comfort.
• Entropion is hereditary; affected pugs should not be bred.

This article underscores the importance of recognising entropion early, understanding surgical options, and adopting responsible breeding practices to ensure the health and comfort of pugs. If your vet has recommended surgery, knowing these key points will help you support your pug through treatment and recovery.