The stray dog and cat population Downriver is fortunate to have many dedicated Animal Rescue Groups working diligently to place them in appropriate homes.Tonka is one such lucky dog, he not only was placed in the perfect family, but one that could address his medical issues as well.

Tonka was first seen on line (PetFinder.com) , he was placed up for adoption through PAWS) and despite his apparent eye problem was wanted immediately.

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One of his owners to be is a Veterinary Assistant at Southpointe Veterinary Hospital and knew that the tears in his pictures suggested he had a treatable condition called entropion.

The term entropion refers to a defect in the eyelid that causes the lid margins to roll inward, this creates rubbing of facial hairs on the cornea and significant irritation to the animals. Squinting and tearing are the common clinical signs. The condition occurs in many breeds of dogs with Shar-Peis, Golden Retrievers and Chow Chows topping the list, it is uncommon in cats but there is a breed related predisposition in the Persians.

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Entropion is generally a surgical problem. there are temporary procedures to control the irritation (lubricants, and tacking in young dogs) but most commonly surgical correction is the treatment of choice. The skin removal technique employed in the majority of cases involves removal of an elliptical portion of the lid including a strip of the underlying muscle. There is typically very little bleeding and the surgery area is closed with simple interrupted skin sutures. The recovery is quick and easy for most animals, and I have to believe that pets experience an overwhelming sense of relief when they wake to find that their constant eye irritation is suddenly gone. We know how aggravating a speck of dust or small hair can feel in our eyes, so entropion must feel like a wire brush constantly scratching the cornea.

Tonka is so appreciative and happy in his new family and with his "new eyes". As any adopted animal, he is fortunate that such dedicated rescue groups exist and that there are devoted, generous families willing to adopt pets with medical conditions.

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