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An Entropion Repair That Opened When a Dog Removed His Stitches

by A reader

Reader Question
I adopted my dog from a shelter when he was 12 months old. My vet told me his lower eyelid needed surgery for entropion, so it was done the same day as his neuter. The next morning he started to rub and scratch at his eyes, since they had not put a cone (e-collar) on him, and there was a tear at the corner of his eye. Over the weekend he pulled all of the stitches out and there was a gap. The clinic redid the operation, with another charge, and put on a cone that was too loose. To this day his eye is not as it should be. I have not called the vet because they will charge me again, and altogether it has cost me more than $300 and my dog is still not fine. I am not a vet or a doctor and I tried to do the best for my beautiful dog. Please let me know what you think.


Answer from Our Team

I'm sorry this has been so stressful. Entropion surgery rolls the eyelid out so the lashes stop rubbing the eye. Rubbing and pulling at stitches is a common problem afterward, which is why a well-fitting cone is so important, and it can mean a second repair is needed.

If the eye still doesn't look right, it is worth going back. The eyelid may have healed too tight or too loose, or the lashes may still be rubbing, which can damage the cornea over time. Signs it needs attention soon include squinting, tearing, discharge, redness, or a cloudy spot on the eye.

Many clinics will recheck a surgery they did at no or low cost, so call and ask. You could also ask for a referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist for a second opinion. If cost is a worry, ask your vet about a payment plan, or look for a low-cost clinic, humane society clinic or veterinary school near you.

See eye surgery in dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.

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