• Entropion can cause serious eye problems if left to progress.pug face image by Jim Mills from Fotolia.com
  
  Entropion in dogs is an inward rolling of the eyelid edges. While both the upper and lower eyelids may be affected, entropion generally affects a dog's lower eyelids. The inward rolling of the eyelid causes the eyelashes to rub against the cornea, which is the outer surface of the eye. Entropion can be an inherited trait, or it may develop secondary to corneal and other eye diseases. Presently, surgical correction is the only treatment for entropion. Three major symptoms are common with entropion in dogs.
  
  

Tearing

• Excessive tearing is a common symptom of entropion. When the eyelash rubs against the cornea, the eyes become irritated. The dog's eyes produce tears in an attempt to rinse the irritant away. Excessive tearing is obvious when the area around the dog's eyes is wet on a regular basis.
  
  

Squinting

• Dogs suffering with entropion will often squint their eyes due to the eye irritation. Pain develops in the eyes as the eye irritation increases. The dog will squint in an attempt to block any outside stimulation. The dog may display difficulty or signs of pain when opening his eyes, particularly in brightly lit areas. Signs of pain may include pawing or rubbing at the eye, decreased appetite and aggressive behavior.
  
  

Discharge

• A dog with entropion may also develop a crusty discharge around the eyes. While dogs naturally produce eye discharge as a self-cleaning mechanism, an excessive amount of white, yellow or brown discharge may indicate entropion. Excessive amounts of eye discharge may indicate a vision-threatening condition, and immediate medical attention is needed. As a temporary measure, the discharge can be cleaned with a sterile saline solution.