Distichiasis - Eyelashes Gone Awry
Distichiasis is the presence of distichiae, which are abnormal hairs growing from the edge of the eyelid. These hairs grow from oil glands, called Meibomian glands, which are normal and present in dogs' eyelids, and open onto the edge of the eyelid. If the hair grows out of the opening and protrudes at the eyelid edge, it is called a distichia; if it grows out through the eyelid's inner surface, effectively pointed toward the eyeball, it is called Ectopic Cilia. Dogs with disthichiasis typically have multiple occurrences on both eyes.
Symptoms of DistichiasisThere may be no symptoms at all, if the hairs are very fine and don't point inward. However, if the hairs are angled or curled inward, and/or are not as fine, then they may cause irritation of the cornea. Symptoms would include squinting, signs of discomfort, and possible gummy discharge. If the case is more severe, the dog may develop a corneal ulceration, which would show as a bluish-gray discoloration on the eye surface, possibly with a visibile indention if very severe, and the dog may be so uncomforable that he injures himself trying to scratch or rub his eye.
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