In dogs, the term “distichia” refers to an additional eyelash that grows from the edge of the eyelid through the entrance of the meibomian gland. However, distichiae can also grow from other areas along the eyelid margins. In simple words, it is a disorder that causes a dog’s eyelashes to grow irregularly. This issue is usually resolved by a surgery known as Distechia Removal Surgery.
What’s the cost of Distichia removal surgery in dogs?
Usually, Distichia removal surgery in dogs costs around $800 to $2000. Actually, the cost of surgery depends upon many factors, such as the location of the vet clinic, vet reputation, dog health status, dog breed size, and type of surgical technique/procedure.
Factors affecting the cost of Distichia removal surgery
- Vet clinic location
The location of the vet clinic can affect the overall price of a dog Distichia surgery. If the clinic is near you or in your vicinity, then the price is lower; if not, then the price is high
- Vet reputation
Experienced or reputed vet surgeons charge way more than average surgeons which ultimately increases the price.
- Dog health status
Dog health status also affects the surgical price of removing extra eyelashes. If the dog is severely ill, has many extra eyelashes or is overaged, then the price of surgery is much higher due to higher risk and more staff.
- Dog breed size
Dog breed size also affects the Distichia surgery cost. If the dog is small, then the operation will be quick and demand less price. If the dog is large, the surgery cost may increase significantly.
- Type of surgical procedure/technique
- Transconjunctival Excision: During transconjunctival excision, an aberrant hair’s origin is identified with the use of an operating microscope. After that, this piece of tissue is removed carefully. It usually costs around $800 to $1400.
- Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy involves isolating the abnormal hair’s root with the use of an operating microscope, after which a freezing probe (CO2) is positioned immediately over the area in question. Dogs who have undergone this technique will have eye swelling for the first two to five days following surgery. Those who have pigmented eyelids may experience a loss of pigment for a period ranging from two months to six months. In the vast majority of instances, the color will return. Usually, cryotherapy or cryosurgery of Distichia costs around $1400 to $2000.
Signs and Symptoms of Distichiasis In Dogs
Clinical symptoms of Distichia in dogs might include some or all of the following, depending on the severity of the condition:
- Mucous mix watery discharge
- Eye ulcers
- Red eye
- Blurry eye
- Squinting
- Rubbing eyes
Distichiasis in Dogs: Common Root Causes
It is not understood why additional hairs arise from the meibomian gland in those with the disorder known as distichiasis, even though it is a very prevalent condition. Any breed of dog is susceptible, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Your dog’s eyelid conformation, the number of hairs that are developing improperly, the length of the hairs, and the roughness of the hairs will all play a role in determining whether or not your dog has symptoms. Even if many dogs are impacted, such as Cocker Spaniels, only a tiny fraction of them will need therapy.
Prognosis
The irritation that your dog’s eye is experiencing due to distichiasis might progress to impaired eyesight if the condition is not addressed promptly. In most cases, surgery will prevent the hairs from coming back into the treated region; nevertheless, new hairs may arise in other locations of the eyelids. There is a possibility that in the future, your dog could experience difficulties related to distichiasis and will require continued therapy.
After any treatment that is performed on the eyelid, the veterinarian will go over detailed aftercare instructions with the client. Make it a point to properly follow the directions in order to guarantee that the healing process goes well.
Conclusion
Distichiasis, often known as the appearance of additional eyelashes, is a disorder that affects dogs and is characterized by the growth of hair in an abnormal location on the eyelid. In most cases, the hairs will develop from the meibomian glands located near the eyelid’s lid. This can be problematic for the eye itself depending on the amount of hairs present, the hardness of the hairs, and the direction in which the hairs are growing.
