Rita28 (Rita28) asked 2 years ago
Distichia Abnormal Eyelash in Bulldogs
I live in Arizona and my dog has been diagnosed with distichia he is currently battling a melting ulcer that is healing slowly per the vet
He is being treated with an antibiotic and blood serum, they have recommended cryotherapy to freeze the lashes off however I wanted to know the success rate as I have read that they might need to do this procedure again, he is two years old
There has also been the recommendation of doing an eye inoculation which is something I have not considered but at this time I don’t know what is the best course of action to take to give him the best care he needs
He is overall a healthy dog but this is my main concern his lashes causing damage to his eyes, if you could please provide me with some tips even resources near me that would be greatly appreciated!
Roy-k Staff answered 2 years ago
Answer for Distichia Abnormal Eyelash in Bulldogs
Answer for Distichia Abnormal Eyelash in Bulldogs, dear Rita treating your bulldog corneal ulcer without attending to the cause is inadequate. Your vet must eliminate the underlining cause, thus removing the abnormal eyelash immediately (Bulldog Distichia, Bulldog Trichiasis, Bulldog Ectopic Cilia)
Your bulldog should also be tested for tear production (Schirmer Tear Test) to rule out KCS
Answer for Distichia Abnormal Eyelash in Bulldogs MELTING CORNEAL ULCER
A melting bulldog corneal ulcer is due to bad bacteria and can perforate.
- EMERGENCY: Bulldog and French bulldog cornea melting ulcers should always be considered an emergency
- AGGRESSIVE TREATMENT: Bulldog and French bulldog cornea melting ulcers should be treated aggressively due to rapid cornea degradation.
- ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANT: A bulldog melting ulcer is due to bad bacteria that are usually resistant to the common ophthalmic antibiotics.
- OPHTHALMOLOGIST/GRAFT: A melting ulcer might require a graft and be managed by an ophthalmologist.
Answer for Distichia Abnormal Eyelash in Bulldogs 4 STEPS TREATMENT:
Step #1 REMOVE ABNORMAL EYELASH: remove the underlining problem
Step #2 TREAT THE MELTING CORNEAL ULCER: consider seeing an ophthalmologist
Step #3 AVOID SELF TRAMUA: avoid itching and rubbing the eyes.
- ECOLLAR: Place a protective buster collar
- BULLDOG SKINFOLD DERMATITIS: manage existing nasal & facial bully skinfold dermatitis with bulldog antiseptic skinfold wipes,
- BULLDOG ALLERGIES & ITCH: control allergies with itch control medication
Step #4 PAIN MANAGEMENT: abnormal eyelashes that are pocking the cornea are painful. Bulldog melting corneal ulcers are very painful thus you should implement topical & oral pain management.
Answer for Distichia Abnormal Eyelash in Bulldogs DISTICHIA
The distichia is an eyelash that is growing on the eyelid from an abnormal location in an abnormal fashion, usually, it grows from the meibomian glands found in the inner part of the eyelid. There are various ways to treat it but cryosurgery is the most popular, easy, and inexpensive.
PLUCKING ALONE: the bulldog distichia can be plucked to help achieve temporary relief, but it will likely regrow, thus freezing the gland and destroying the hair follicle should be done.
PLUCKING & CROYSURGERY can be done under mild sedation, there is usually no need for general anesthesia, it’s simple, effective, and inexpensive.
Answer for Distichia Abnormal Eyelash in Bulldogs DISTICHIA REOCCURANCE:
You are correct distichiasis can reoccur, a new eyelash can grow from other glands. In that case, if needed the simple cryosurgery procedure (remove the abnormal eyelash and freezing the hair follicle) can be redone.
ENTROPION SURGERY: I often combine temporary or permanent entropion surgery with cryosurgery. Entropion surgery rotates the eyelids away from the cornea.
The eyelid rotation could delay or/and prevent future cryosurgery even if new distichia appear.
Answer for Distichia Abnormal Eyelash in Bulldogs CORNEA MELTING ULCER
EMERGNCY: Bulldog corneal ulcers should always be considered an emergency
AGGRESSIVE TREATMENT: a bulldog melting ulcer should be treated aggressively due to degradation of the cornea.
RESISTANT BACTERIA: A bulldog melting ulcer is due to bad bacteria that are usually resistant to the common ophthalmic antibiotics.
OPHTHALMOLOGIST & GRAFT: A melting ulcer might require a graft, those cases are usually referred to an ophthalmologist.
Answer for Distichia Abnormal Eyelash in Bulldogs ENUCLEATION
Enucleation (removal of the eye) should ONLY be done if all else fails and the eye can not be saved.
To learn more about bulldog abnormal eyelashes and corneal ulcers please read my Abnormal Eyelashes & Ulcers in bulldogs and French Bulldogs
An Ounce Of PREVENTION Is Worth A Pound Of CURE
*This guide was compiled courtesy of Dr. Kraemer, a “must-read” manual for any current or future bully owner