Eye conditions in dogs are a serious issue that can have devastating lifelong impacts. One issue that is frequently seen, especially in breeds with lots of extra skin or wrinkles on the face, is entropion. Entropion¹ is a condition in which the eyelid turns inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the eye.

This condition can be very painful and create ulcers, some of which can leave permanent scarring on the eye. It can be treated through a surgical procedure, and if your dog is dealing with entropion, you’ll need to know how to plan for the cost of the procedure.

The Importance of Entropion Surgery for Dogs

Having entropion surgery can be the difference between a life of comfort and a life of pain and limited vision. This procedure is routine enough that many primary care veterinarians will perform it, but veterinary ophthalmologists and surgeons will also perform it. You may also see this surgery referred to by its medical name, blepharoplasty.

Any vet will tell you that problems pertaining to the eyes are often considered an emergency situation. An entropion is not considered an emergency because your dog was born with it or developed it as their skin grew, but this doesn’t mean it isn’t important to treat. Without treatment, your dog will likely live a life of great discomfort.

The good news is that entropion is often evident while the dog is still young, so it can be repaired early.

How Much Does Entropion Surgery Cost?

If your routine veterinarian performs your dog’s entropion surgery, then you can expect to spend $500–$1,500 for the procedure. This total will sometimes include everything pertaining to the surgery, but there may be additional costs for things like medications.

If your dog’s surgery is performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist or board-certified surgeon, then you will likely pay more for the procedure due to the advanced skills of the person performing the surgery. For a specialist to perform your dog’s entropion procedure, you should expect to spend at least $1,100, but the average cost is closer to $1,800–$2,000. Some vets will charge even more than this for their services.

No matter who performs your dog’s surgery, make sure to ask if there will be additional expenses associated with the procedure. It’s best to get a written estimate for your records and planning.

Additional Costs to Anticipate

When it comes to an entropion surgery, you should make sure to discuss with your vet all of the expenses associated with the procedure. The surgery itself will be one charge, but there are dozens of charges that may be applied for a surgical procedure, like preoperative blood work, anesthesia charges, and prescription medications.

You will also need to anticipate potential costs for follow-up visits after the surgery. Your dog will likely require multiple follow-up visits to check on the surgical site and ensure the surgery was successful.

Not every entropion surgery is successful, and there is a chance that the surgery will need to be repeated. While you may not be charged quite as much for a second procedure, you shouldn’t expect a reduced cost unless you and the surgeon have discussed it.

If both of your dog’s eyes have entropion and need surgery, then most vets will do the surgery on both eyes at one time. If for some reason only one eye is done in the first surgery, you will likely have very similar expenses for the second eye’s procedure.

How Long Until I Know if the Surgery Was Successful?

Your dog’s eyelids will be extremely swollen after this procedure, which is perfectly normal. The swelling usually peaks within 24–48 hours after the procedure, but it can last for multiple weeks. You should expect your dog’s eyelids to be swollen for at least 2 weeks, but 4 weeks is more likely. Some dogs stay swollen for up to 6 weeks.

You and your vet will likely not know if the surgery was completely successful until the swelling is completely gone. Even a small amount of swelling of the eyelids can make the true status of the lids very difficult to see.

If there is any difficulty during the surgery and your dog’s surgeon feels like there is a chance that the procedure failed, they will usually tell you shortly after the procedure. Unfortunately, it’s not always evident during the procedure that it will not be successful.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Entropion Surgery?

As long as your dog’s entropion is not considered a pre-existing condition by your dog’s insurance policy, then it is covered by most companies.

The pre-existing condition aspect of entropion can be difficult, though. Some dogs will show a notable entropion by only a few weeks or months of age, which can mean that your dog will already have the condition by the time you get them signed up for insurance. If your dog’s eyelids look normal, though, and you get them covered by an insurance plan after which the entropion becomes evident, then it is likely going to be covered.

You may have to appeal the decision if the condition is considered a pre-existing, non-coverable condition but the condition was not evident in your dog prior to being covered by insurance.

Home Care After Entropion Surgery

After your dog’s entropion surgery, you will be responsible for ensuring they keep their cone on for at least a week or two. Your vet will be able to tell you how long they’d like the cone to stay on. As difficult as it can be to see your dog wearing a cone, it will be far more difficult to see them accidentally rip their stitches out by scratching their eyes.

Your dog should go home with some form of pain control. This is usually an oral medication, but your vet may also opt for a long-lasting injection or a topical eye medication that reduces swelling and pain. Your dog will also likely need eye drops or ointment for a period of time after the procedure, which your vet will discuss with you.

It is extremely important that you do not attempt to put anything in your dog’s eyes after their entropion surgery without the express approval of the surgeon. Trying to clean your dog’s eyes or putting drops in because you think they will help is very likely to do far more harm than good.

Final Thoughts

Although it can be sad to see your dog with puffy eyes and a cone for a few weeks, it will be a big relief for you to know that your dog will no longer live with a painful entropion condition. Entropion is common in certain breeds, like English Bulldogs and multiple Mastiff breeds.

Make sure to ask your breeder if their breeding dogs or offspring have had an entropion. While this is not a hereditary condition, it is very possible that a puppy from parents who had entropion will have the same facial anatomy as its parents, which will increase the risk of entropion.

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Featured Image Credit: Todorean-Gabriel, Shutterstock