🐾 Distichiasis in Dogs: 2025 Vet Guide to Treatment & Eye Health 👁️

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Distichiasis is one of the most common inherited eyelid disorders affecting dogs 🐶. It occurs when abnormal hairs grow from the Meibomian glands—tiny oil glands lining the eyelid margins—causing constant irritation of the cornea 👁️. These rogue lashes can trigger inflammation, excessive tearing, blinking, discomfort, and even painful corneal ulcers if untreated. In this comprehensive 2025 vet guide, we’ll explore the causes, diagnosis, breed risks, and surgical solutions to treat this uncomfortable condition for good 💉🩺.

🔍 What Is Distichiasis?

Distichiasis occurs when one or more hairs emerge from the openings of the Meibomian glands along the eyelid margin. These misplaced hairs are often stiffer or longer than normal lashes and tend to rub directly against the cornea—the clear surface of the eye. Over time, this irritation can damage the eye’s surface, triggering ulceration, infection, and chronic pain 💧.

This condition is not the same as entropion, which involves the eyelid rolling inward. With distichiasis, the eyelid maintains its position, but the lashes themselves are out of place and growing abnormally 🌱.

👁️ Common Symptoms

• 👀 Excessive blinking or squinting
• 💧 Watery eyes (epiphora), often leaving a stain on the fur below the eye
• 😣 Eye redness or chronic irritation
• 🌀 Corneal ulcers or scarring
• 👃 Discomfort without pawing (many dogs do not rub the eye)

🐶 Breeds Commonly Affected

Distichiasis is considered one of the most commonly inherited ocular conditions in dogs. It’s typically diagnosed before the age of 3, often in puppies or young adults. Some breeds are more prone to developing distichiasis due to hereditary factors 🧬:

• 🐾 Cocker Spaniels (American & English)
• 🐾 Golden Retrievers
• 🐾 Bulldogs (especially English)
• 🐾 Flat-coated Retrievers
• 🐾 Poodles (Miniature, Toy, Standard)
• 🐾 Shih Tzus & Lhasa Apsos
• 🐾 Shetland Sheepdogs
• 🐾 Yorkshire Terriers
• 🐾 Pekingese & Pugs
• 🐾 Miniature Longhaired Dachshunds

📋 Diagnosis

Your veterinarian will perform a detailed eye exam using a magnifying lens and a special dye to highlight corneal damage (fluorescein staining). Mild cases can be tricky to spot—especially if the hairs are soft and fine—so experienced examination under bright light is essential 🔬.

If your dog is showing any signs of chronic tearing, squinting, or unexplained eye discomfort, it’s time for a professional check-up 🩺.

⚠️ Risks of Untreated Distichiasis

• 😖 Chronic pain and discomfort
• 🔁 Recurrent corneal ulcers
• 👓 Vision loss if ulcers become severe
• 💊 Increased dependence on long-term medications

If distichiasis causes symptoms, it must be treated permanently. Plucking the hairs only provides temporary relief and the hairs will regrow—sometimes even coarser 😩.

🛠️ Permanent Treatment Options (2025 Update)

Veterinary ophthalmology now offers effective surgical options to permanently remove the abnormal lashes. General anesthesia is usually required, as these are delicate procedures involving tiny structures around the eye:

❄️ Cryosurgery (Freezing the Follicles)

This is the most common and effective treatment. A cryoprobe is applied to freeze the hair follicle, destroying it completely so the hair doesn’t regrow. Mild swelling may occur afterward, but healing is typically smooth and effective ❄️🐾.

🔌 Electrolysis

Electrolysis uses a fine probe to deliver electrical current to the follicle, destroying its ability to produce hair. It’s precise but can require repeat sessions for multiple hairs 🔬⚡.

✂️ Surgical Excision

Surgical removal is preferred for severe or densely packed lash clusters. It may involve removing part of the eyelid margin, so post-operative care is crucial. Healing is longer but recurrence is rare 🏥.

🚫 Treatments to Avoid

• 🧵 Plucking – Temporary fix only; hair will regrow.
• 🔥 Thermocautery or Lid Splitting – Outdated, risks scarring and further eye damage.

🩹 Post-Op Recovery and Aftercare

Following surgery, your dog may require:

• 👨‍⚕️ Anti-inflammatory eye drops
• 💊 Oral medications to reduce discomfort
• 🛡️ An Elizabethan collar to prevent rubbing
• 📅 Follow-up exams to ensure no regrowth

Most dogs recover within 10–14 days with minimal discomfort. In some cases, a second procedure may be needed for complete hair removal 💪.

📈 Long-Term Prognosis

Prognosis is excellent when treatment is performed early and properly. Your dog will be more comfortable, and the risk of painful corneal disease or vision damage is removed 💙.

🚫 Breeding Advice

Because distichiasis is inherited, dogs with the condition should not be bred. Breeding dogs with this genetic predisposition risks passing it on to future generations 🧬.

📌 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

If your dog is showing signs of eye discomfort, don’t delay. Distichiasis may sound mild, but it’s far from harmless. Left untreated, it can cause chronic pain, eye damage, and loss of vision. Thankfully, with today’s treatment options and good aftercare, dogs can return to a pain-free, normal life 🐶❤️.

Need support or advice for your dog’s eye condition? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app 📱 for direct access to veterinary experts 24/7!