Ever wonder why your dog has eye stains?
Being lovers of the Bulldog and flat faced breeds, one of the most common issues tend to be those adorable wrinkles. That yucky brownish red yeast build up from moisture can lead to itchy and a very uncomfortable bully. Ever noticed that your dog has that colour with their tear stains and can't seem to cure it no mater what? The most likely the culprit is Distichiasis, which is common among most of the flat faced dog breeds in the world and very normal. Now on to the big questions of how, what, and why.
So... What the heck is Distichiasis?!
Don't worry, it isn't some crazy life threatening illness but an eyelash issue and can be cured!
Your little one has eyelashes growing like weeds in every direction. Sometimes it can be determined on a pups first inoculation if they might suffer this issue. Most common cases usually don't show signs until much later in the growing stages, even into adulthood.
Distichiasis, or the presence of extra eyelashes, in dogs is a condition where hairs grow in an unusual area on the eyelid. The hairs will generally grow out of the meibomian glands at the lid of the eyelid. Depending on the number of hairs, the rigidity of the hairs, and the direction of the hairs, this can cause problems to the eye.
"There are usually multiple distichiae, and sometimes more than one arises from each duct."
Thankfully, this is an easy fix and doesn't cost a down-payment like buying a house. Rough estimate is generally $60 - $100 and can even be done when its time for your pups spay/neuter. If you think your pet is suffering from Distichiasis, book a vet appointment for a doggy eye exam. Beats having to have your pet in chronic discomfort, spending tons on eye ointments and vet visits for the unknown. A quick electroysis after and they wont even notice those missing lashes are gone, along with any worries about your best friends eye health.
Trying to help where we can.
Information and knowledge is power (School House Rock once said that), we like to help the best we can with any canine issues out there. We get lots of questions from people who have bulldogs that didn't even come from us which can range from seasonal allergies, dry noses, to everything under the sun. If you do want to learn more about Distichiasis, check out this handy PDF we made, or VCA Animal Hospital's amazing article. If you have any questions, we are here for you, so just let us know at anytime.
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