Often times in the past, man's efforts to improve upon a breed have met with less than perfect results. Look at the dog world, for example. Pug dogs that have difficulty in breathing, large breeds of some dogs prone to hip dysplasia, Chows and Shar Peis with entropion.

What is entropion?

Entropion is an abnormal condition in which the eyelid rolls in toward the eye. It may involve all or part of the lid margins in one or both eyes. Entropion can occur after an injury or disease of the eyelid, but is most commonly a congenital defect. Entropion is usually associated with inherited eyelid defects in many canine breeds.

"In dogs there is definitely a hereditary predisposition for entropion. It is often seen in the Chow and Shar Pei breeds of dog. In fact, it is almost guaranteed that Shar Pei puppies will need to have their eyes tacked."1

"Entropion is extremely inheritable in sheep. There is a strong suspicion that it is also highly inheritable in pigs."2

Those short snouts may be leading to trouble! The more "pug" their nose, the more "scrunched-in" their face, the more wrinkles they have! These can lead to chronic eye or nasal problems.

With all those wrinkles, it's hard to see! Entropion may be difficult to detect if you're not looking. There has been mention of tearing or eye discharge in some potbellied pigs, in various articles. The reasons for the eye discharge could possibly be from hay or dust irritation, but get down and look closely at your pig. It may not be from the hay.

What to look for

If your pig has a constant eye discharge or crusty matter at the corner of his eye, if he seems to be blinking or rubbing his eyes on things, get down and look closely at his eyes. You will need very good light, a flashlight, and your pig must hold still! I recommend doing that at night when your pig is sleepy, and you've just given him his evening belly rub.

Carefully and gently open his eyelids to check if the eyelashes are rubbing against the eye surface. A constant irritation to the cornea of the eye can cause scarring and even blindness. If the eye seems red, bloodshot, or you notice a bluish, cloudy cast to the eye, or see the eyelashes rubbing the surface of the eye, have your veterinarian look at your pig.

What can I do?

There are several options if you find your pig has this condition. If it is not too serious - that is, the eyelashes are just a few, and they are not rubbing DIRECTLY on the corneal surface, you and your pig may be able to live with the condition. However, be aware that you must take extra care with your pig's eyes. Keep them clean of crusty discharge. Be aware that this condition is probably hereditary. Therefore, it is best not to breed any pig that has entropion. If the condition is severe, eye surgery may be necessary. If the entropion condition is severe enough to warrant eye surgery, have your pig neutered or spayed at the same time, if it isn't already. Remember, this condition can be hereditary, and you wouldn't want to pass this problem on to the next generation of pigs!

We have a responsibility

These creatures are our friends and companions. We should strive to improve the breed, and eliminate faults and genetic defects. So many times I have heard breeders say, "Well, we're working with such a limited gene pool." This should not be an excuse, but a challenge. Let's all work to improve our breed, our pigs, and our companion/friends!

Notes

1. Susan Choy, DVM, Bear Valley Animal Clinic, Los Osos, CA.
2. Steven McClinny, DVM, Adobe Animal Hospital, San Miguel, CA

The preceding information was based on "Entropion:  a serious problems that all breeders should be keeping and eye on," by Ardis Hartwig,originally printed in the SCAMPP April, 1995 Newsletter.