I have a flatcoated retriever who is now 16 months and unfortunately developed disctichiasis and ectopic cilia.   This is where the eyelids of dogs can grow abnormal hairs. These hairs grow from the oil glands (Meibomian glands) of the lids and are called distichia, if the hair protrudes from the oil gland opening onto the edge of the eyelid. Distichia are often irritating, especially if the hairs are long and stiff. Ectopic cilia are also hairs growing from oil glands on the eyelid, but the hair protrudes from the inner surface of the eyelid and is very painful, often causing corneal ulcers.

I first noticed problems with her eyes as she was rubbing herself on me and squinting excessively.  At first she was given eye drops until a further vet examined her and and saw the hairs in her eyelids.  She has had the hairs plucked twice now under general anaesthetic by my vet but unfortunately they grew back again.  So my vet referred her to have electrolysis. but six weeks later they have returned again.  I have just come back from my vets today and she has now referred her to The Willows Referral to have more surgery. 

Has anyone encountered this and have they any advice, she is due to go on Friday to The Willows Referral.  Wondered if anyone had been there for this treatment and what treatment they had been advised to have.

Hi
my pug had distichiasis in both eyes on the medial side. She had a medial canthoplasty operation which is where basically they cut away the area of cilia and sew the two edges together. This does limit her full vision as now, when she looks straight ahead her pupils are partially covered by skin. However, she has not (touch wood) had any further eye problems since the op. It does cause a build up of eye bogies from the eyes though as the lacrimal gland is covered.
Hope your dog gets on ok.