Medial canthoplasty
Fact File
Medial canthoplasty means reducing the eyelid length and palpebral fissure (aperture between the eyelids) by removing some of the eyelid in the corner next to the nose.
When is this surgery indicated?
There are several reasons why we will consider this surgery. The most common by far is problems associated with breed conformation. Dog breeds with ‘buggy eyes’ – such as pugs, Lhasa apso or shih tzu – suffer from corneal exposure due to their large palpebral fissure. This means that their eyelids struggle to blink over their eyeballs because they are too far apart. Secondary to this severe exposure, hairs from their face or even from their facial folds will direct contact the eye surface (cornea). Causing discomfort secondary to recurrent infections or even corneal ulcers! Furthermore, this chronic corneal irritation will cause corneal scaring and pigmentation that can decrease their vision.
Other situations when this surgery is indicated are:
- Hairs abnormally located in the eyelid corner next to the nose
- Entropion (enrolling of the eyelids)
- Patients eyelid nerve paralysis
Will the appearance of my pet change?
It is very possible that you notice your pet’s appearance to change, however your pet will be healthier and more comfortable!
What is the after care?
Your pet will go home after the surgery or may spend a night in hospital. All animals have to wear a protective collar for two weeks after surgery to shield their eyes from accidental trauma. We may ask you to clean the eyes and to apply eye drop(s) for a few days. Your pet should be rested until the first re-examination which will likely occur during the first two weeks after surgery. The initial appearance of you pet may strike you. However when the clipped hair has grown and surgery swelling improve he/she will be cuter than ever!