Distichiasis in Dogs: When Extra Eyelashes Need Treatment

By Dr Duncan Houston

A tiny eyelash can create a surprisingly sore eye, but finding extra lashes does not automatically mean a dog needs surgery. Their position and the damage they cause matter more than their number.

If your dog is squinting, rubbing an eye or suddenly producing more tears, arrange an eye examination rather than trying to remove the hair yourself.

Quick Answer

Distichiasis means abnormal eyelashes grow along the eyelid margin, often through the openings of the oil glands. Soft hairs may cause no problem; stiff hairs contacting the cornea can cause pain and ulcers. A painful or cloudy eye needs prompt veterinary care, while comfortable incidental lashes may only need monitoring.

Why do extra eyelashes matter?

The cornea is the clear surface at the front of the eye. Repeated rubbing can damage its protective surface, producing tearing, blinking, discharge or a visible cloudy patch. The hair may be too fine to see without magnification.

Distichiasis occurs in several breeds, including spaniels and some short-faced dogs. It can involve either eyelid and both eyes. Having a recognised breed risk helps a vet look carefully; it does not prove the cause of an individual dog's symptoms.

How urgently should you act?

What you notice	Concern	Action
Extra hairs found at a check, no discomfort	May be incidental	Follow the agreed monitoring plan
Repeated tearing, redness or rubbing	Ongoing surface irritation	Arrange a prompt eye appointment
Eye held shut, new cloudiness or apparent vision loss	Possible ulcer or deeper eye disease	Seek same-day urgent assessment

How vets confirm the cause

The examination identifies exactly where hairs emerge and whether they contact the eye. Fluorescein dye helps detect a corneal ulcer, and tear testing can identify dry eye. Depending on the findings, eye-pressure testing and referral to an ophthalmologist may be appropriate.

Other explanations include entropion, where the eyelid itself rolls inward; ectopic cilia, which emerge through the inner lid surface; facial hairs rubbing on the eye; a foreign body; and dry eye. Treating the wrong problem can leave the cornea exposed to continued damage.

What treatment can help?

Veterinary guidance on distichiasis distinguishes symptom-free hairs from cases needing treatment. Lubrication may help selected mild cases under veterinary supervision. Persistent irritation or ulceration may require a procedure that treats the abnormal follicles, often using cryosurgery or another specialist technique.

Simply pulling out a hair is temporary and risks injury if attempted at home. Procedures can require repeat treatment because follicles or additional hairs remain. A corneal ulcer also needs its own treatment and rechecks; removing the cause does not instantly heal the surface.

When is this an emergency?

Contact a vet immediately for marked pain, a blue or white corneal patch, a visibly damaged eye, bleeding or sudden loss of vision. Prevent rubbing with an appropriately fitted protective collar if available. Do not use leftover steroid eye drops, which can be dangerous when an ulcer is present.

What to do at home

Note which eye is affected and when the signs began.
Bring all current eye medicines to the appointment.
Give only the prescribed medicines and keep the bottle tip away from the eye.
After a procedure, keep the protective collar on as directed and attend scheduled rechecks.
Report renewed squinting promptly, even if the eye looked better yesterday.

Common mistakes

Assuming tear staining alone proves abnormal eyelashes are responsible.
Trying tweezers near a moving dog's eye.
Stopping treatment when discharge improves but before the recheck.
Expecting one procedure to guarantee no future eye problems.

Can distichiasis be prevented?

Routine grooming cannot prevent abnormal follicles. For breeding dogs, discuss an appropriate ophthalmic screening programme and the significance of the finding with the examining specialist. Prompt assessment helps prevent avoidable corneal damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every dog with distichiasis need surgery?

No. Comfortable dogs with non-irritating hairs may not need treatment.

Can the eyelashes grow back?

Yes. Rechecks are important after treatment, and some dogs need another procedure.

Can distichiasis cause blindness?

Severe untreated corneal damage can threaten vision. Early treatment of painful cases reduces that risk.

Is it the same as entropion?

No. Distichiasis concerns abnormal hair growth; entropion concerns an inward-rolling eyelid. They can occur together.

The decision is whether the eyelashes are harming the eye. A comfortable eye may be monitored, but squinting deserves attention before a small irritation becomes a deeper injury.

Find more straightforward eye-health information at ASK A VET™.