Third Eyelid Problem in a Bullmastiff Puppy
by Kathryn
(Texas)
R
Reader Question
Hi. I am wanting to purchase this 12wk old female Bullmastiff puppy. Problem is her breeder has told me that she has an eye condition. His word exact are : "I just spoke to my vet and the term he used for the condition with Abby's eye is a lower entropion. An Entropion is typically with the eyelid, usually the lower, folds inward and the eye lashes rub against the eye causing irritation. In Abby's case however, it is her third eye lid that is affected....so the eye lashes are not causing any irritation because the main eye lid is normal. Abby may grow out of the condition, we have been able to control it with the ointment that the vet gave us...which is antibacterial and helps to lubricate the eye lid/eye. If she does not grow out of the condition, it may or may not be necessary to have it surgically repaired. The procedure costs around $200 at our vet....and he usually on the high side because he is pretty much stickly a surgeon now." My problem is I have found NO info online about 3rd Eyelid Entropion. I also was told by a Vet who saw a pic of it that it could just be 'fatty deposits' near the 3rd eyelid, which is what it looked like to him and if thats the case she will more than likely grow out of it. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Could there even
be a 3rd eyelid entropion case and if so what is it, how do you fix it, and can it cause any problems? Also is it hereditory and if I ever bred her (not for sure if I'm going to) could it be passed to pups? And have you ever heard of fatty deposits causing mild irritation? I would love to just take her to my vet but she is over 7 hours away from me so if I go see her it will be to bring her home. Once again, any info would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks! Oh, in the pic they said that she is kinda squinting and it is not so pronounced.
Answer from Our Team
What the breeder's vet described may be an everted or scrolled third-eyelid cartilage, where the cartilage inside the third eyelid bends outward so the edge of the third eyelid rolls. It's seen most in large and giant breeds, including mastiffs, and is thought to be inherited. Some cases are mild, but many need a simple surgery to remove the bent piece of cartilage. It can also be mistaken for cherry eye.
Before buying, ask for the puppy to be examined, ideally by a veterinary ophthalmologist, so you know exactly what it is. Because a genetic component is likely, it's worth discussing before deciding whether to breed her.
Our page on cherry eye in dogs explains the related third-eyelid gland problem.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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