Chow Chow Entropion Precautions and Age-Specific Lifelong Health Management Guide

Eye HealthBreed HealthMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

Chow Chows are prone to entropion due to the natural folds in their facial structure. Early detection and age-appropriate care are key to protecting your pet’s eye health.

Chow Chows and Entropion — Essential Breed Characteristics to Know

The facial wrinkles and eye structure of Chow Chow puppies

Chow Chows are a breed particularly prone to entropion, a condition where the eyelids roll inward, due to their characteristic facial wrinkles and loose skin around the eyes. The key to management is to have your puppy’s eyes checked regularly, starting with their first veterinary exam at 2 to 3 months of age. If left untreated, entropion can cause the eyelashes to constantly rub against the cornea, leading to excessive tearing, corneal damage, and even vision loss.

Top 5 Health Issues Chow Chows Should Watch For

Entropion: A condition in which the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to irritate the cornea. It is most commonly seen in Chow Chows.

Ectropion: A condition where the eyelid turns outward, and it can occur alongside entropion.

Glaucoma: A condition where increased pressure inside the eye damages the optic nerve, potentially leading to blindness in severe cases.

Facial Fold Dermatitis: A condition where bacteria or fungi grow in the skin folds, causing inflammation.

Hip Dysplasia: A genetic disorder where the hip joint does not fit properly, leading to pain and joint damage.

What Is Entropion? Causes and Key Symptom Checklist

Entropion is a structural abnormality in which the eyelid margin rolls inward toward the eye. Chow Chows, with their abundant facial wrinkles, may be born with this condition. If you notice any of the following symptoms, your pet should be examined by a veterinarian.

Excessive tearing: Continuous tearing occurs due to irritation on the inner surface of the eye.

Discharge around the eyes: Increased secretions keep the area around the eyes constantly moist.

Eye rubbing: The pet frequently scratches at the eyes with its front paws or rubs them against the floor.

Corneal clouding: A cloudy appearance of the cornea indicates that damage has already progressed.

Tear staining and wrinkles around the eyes in Chow Chows

Visit a Veterinary Clinic Immediately If You Notice These Symptoms

If your pet’s cornea becomes cloudy, the eyes are red, or severe eyelid spasms prevent them from opening their eyes, you should visit a veterinary ophthalmologist within 24 hours. Green or yellow discharge, or repeated eye scratching with the front paws, may indicate a progressing corneal ulcer.

Entropion Diagnosis Methods and Determining the Timing of Surgery

Veterinary ophthalmologists confirm corneal damage using a slit-lamp examination and fluorescein staining. If the fluorescent dye adheres to the cornea, it indicates the presence of an ulcer. The timing of surgery depends on whether the pet has finished growing. For puppies under one year old who are still growing, temporary measures such as taping the eyelid in place are used to alleviate symptoms, followed by corrective eyelid surgery once growth is complete. Because recurrence is possible even after surgery, regular check-ups are essential.

Age-Specific Chow Chow Health Management Guide

2–6 months of age: Check your puppy’s eyes alongside the first round of vaccinations. Gently clean the skin folds daily to prevent dermatitis.

6 months–1 year: Work with your veterinarian to create a treatment plan based on whether entropion is present. Minimize excessive stair climbing and jumping to protect the hips.

1–5 years: Once growth is complete, decide with your vet on the appropriate timing for eyelid surgery. Be sure to have comprehensive eye exams twice a year.

5 years and older: Closely monitor for age-related eye conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts. Schedule full health check-ups every six months.

A Chow Chow undergoing a routine veterinary ophthalmic examination.

Daily Eye and Skin Care You Can Do at Home

Eye Area Hygiene: Gently wipe away eye discharge daily using gauze moistened with warm water. Avoid cotton swabs, as they can scratch the cornea.

Facial Wrinkle Care: Keep the folds of the face dry every day to prevent bacterial growth. Moisture left in the wrinkles can easily lead to dermatitis.

Preventing Eye Rubbing: Check for foreign particles around the eyes after walks. If your pet rubs its eyes frequently, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Administering Prescribed Eye Drops: Apply prescribed eye drops exactly as directed by your veterinarian, maintaining the correct intervals.

Essential Post-Surgery Care to Follow at Home

After surgery, keep your pet wearing an Elizabethan collar to prevent them from scratching their eyes. Administer the prescribed eye drops at the specified intervals, and avoid bathing or swimming for 2–3 weeks while the surgical site heals. If the area around the eyes becomes red again or discharge increases suddenly, there may be a risk of recurrence, so please visit the clinic immediately.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can entropion be detected in puppies?

Yes, your veterinarian can check your puppy’s eye structure during the first round of vaccinations at 2–3 months of age, allowing for early detection. Since entropion can appear in Chow Chows as early as the juvenile stage, we recommend a thorough eye exam right after adoption.

What happens if it’s left untreated without surgery?

Misdirected eyelashes can continuously irritate the cornea, leading to mucopurulent discharge and corneal ulcers. If left untreated, this condition can progress to chronic stages, resulting in corneal and scleral neovascularization and even vision loss. The longer it goes unaddressed, the more complex the treatment becomes, so early intervention is crucial.

Can it recur even after surgery?

Recurrence or outcomes such as overcorrection or undercorrection can occur. In particular, breeds with many facial wrinkles and loose eyelids, such as Chow Chows, may experience a return of symptoms even after corrective surgery, making regular ophthalmic examinations essential.

Can I get coverage for entropion surgery through pet insurance?

While coverage varies by policy, plans that include an ophthalmic surgery rider can cover these procedures. Be sure to carefully review the exclusion clause for congenital conditions before signing up.

Besides Chow Chows, which other breeds are prone to entropion?

This condition is especially common in breeds with excessive facial wrinkles or loose eyelids, such as the English Bulldog and the Shar-Pei. Entropion is a frequent structural abnormality that can affect many dog breeds, so if you have a wrinkled breed, it's a good idea to regularly check your dog's eyes starting from puppyhood.

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References

[1] Gelatt KN, Ben-Shlomo G, Gilger BC, et al. Veterinary Ophthalmology, 5th Ed. Wiley-Blackwell, 2013. Chapter: Eyelids.

[2] Hendrix DVH. Canine conjunctiva and nictitating membrane. In: Gelatt KS, editor. Veterinary Ophthalmology. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing; 2007. p. 662–89.

[3] Plummer CE, Källberg ME, Gelatt KN, Gelatt JP, Barrie KP, Brooks DE. Intranictitans tacking for replacement of prolapsed gland of the third eyelid in dogs. Vet Ophthalmol 2008;11(4):228–33.

[4] Slatter D. Fundamentals of Veterinary Ophthalmology, 4th Ed. Saunders/Elsevier, 2008.