Ectopic Cilia (Ectopic Eyelash)
Description of the Disease and Clinical Picture
Ectopic cilia represent the appearance of extra hairs or lashes that appear on the palpebral conjunctiva and are directed towards the surface of the eye. This condition can be observed in young dogs and is more common in the upper eyelid and usually unilateral. There is a breed predisposition, with Boxers, English and French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and Golden Retrievers being most commonly affected. Ectopic cilia can result in keratitis and persistent corneal ulcers, accompanied by excessive tearing and conjunctival swelling. It's often difficult to spot an ectopic cilium, especially in uncooperative dogs or those with significant conjunctival swelling. It is also difficult to identify in dogs with light-colored body fur, as the cilia themselves may also be light-colored. If suspected, the palpebral conjunctiva should be carefully examined under magnification using a slit lamp or an operating microscope.
 
Therapy
The ectopic cilium should be removed, and the hair follicle should be destroyed. Manual epilation of the hair, without permanent removal of the hair follicle, offers only a temporary solution. The hair follicle can be removed through cryotherapy, electroepilation, or surgery. Keratitis and/or a corneal ulcer caused by the ectopic cilium must be treated.
 
Please contact our specialty veterinary ophthalmology hospital Animal Eye Consultants
of Iowa (animaleyeiowa@gmail.com) in USA or Oculus Veterinary Specialty Hospital
(oculusklinika@gmail.com) in Serbia, Europe to schedule an appointment so your pet
can be seen.