Entropion in lambs
What is it?
Entropion is the scientific term for inward folding eyelids.
Eyelids that fold in inappropriately result in the eyelashes constantly rubbing the surface of the eye (the cornea).
This causes discomfort and pain for the lamb and can lead to ulceration of the cornea.
In the worst-case scenario, lambs sometimes need to have their eye removed if the ulceration is severe enough.
Early on, lambs will be hesitant to open their eyes and may spend a lot of time closing them or squinting.
How does it happen?
Entropion occurs due to saggy or loose skin around the eyelids.
Essentially, the eyelids are too big for the eyes that they cover.
It is a genetic disorder that lambs are born with, some will grow out of it, others will require treatment.
How is it treated?
For mild entropion, we evert the eyelids out by injecting antibiotics into the eyelid to ‘puff it up’ so it everts outwards. Topical eye medication is also required to prevent ulceration.
For moderate to severe entropion, eye tacks are put in place. Little stitches (tacks) are placed in the eyelids to hold them in the outwards rolled position. These can be left in for a few weeks until the lamb grows a bit more and the skin resumes a more normal shape. This is of course, done under sedation with pain relief.
For severe entropion a small ‘half-moon’ of skin is removed from either below or above the eye. This shortens the amount of skin around the eye and returns the eyelid to a normal length. This is also done under anaesthesia with pain relief.