Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes and hair to rub against the cornea. This creates constant pain, corneal ulcers, and scarring. It's especially common in certain breeds — Shar-Peis, Bulldogs, Retrievers, and Rottweilers. Surgery to correct the eyelid position is the standard treatment.
The average cost of dog entropion surgery is $1,000, with most owners paying between $500 and $2,000 per eye.
How Much Does Entropion Surgery Cost?
| Type | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary tacking (puppies under 6 months) | $200–$500 | Staples or sutures to temporarily roll eyelid out. May resolve as puppy grows. |
| Permanent entropion correction (one eye) | $500–$2,000 | Surgical removal of skin to permanently reposition the eyelid |
| Bilateral entropion surgery (both eyes) | $1,000–$3,500 | Both upper and/or lower lids corrected |
| Complex/multiple lid correction | $1,500–$3,500 | Upper + lower + medial canthus involvement |
What Affects the Cost?
- •Number of eyelids involved: Upper lid, lower lid, or both. More lids = more surgical time.
- •One or both eyes: Bilateral surgery costs roughly 1.5–2x unilateral.
- •Dog's age: Puppies may need temporary tacking ($200–$500) first, then permanent surgery later ($500–$2,000). Some puppies outgrow entropion and don't need permanent surgery.
- •Severity: Simple lid roll vs. complex medial canthus involvement (near the tear ducts) — the latter requires more advanced technique.
- •Corneal damage: If the cornea has ulcerated from the rubbing lashes, additional treatment is needed ($100–$500 for ulcer care).
- •Surgeon: General practice vet can perform simple entropion correction. Complex cases should go to a veterinary ophthalmologist.
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-surgical exam (may include eye stain test) | $50–$150 |
| Pre-surgical blood work | $80–$200 |
| Anesthesia + monitoring | $150–$400 |
| Entropion surgery (per eye) | $500–$2,000 |
| Overnight hospitalization (if needed) | $200–$500/night |
| Take-home pain medication + eye drops | $40–$100 |
| E-collar | $15–$40 |
| Follow-up visit (suture removal, 10–14 days) | $50–$150 |
| Total (one eye) | $900–$3,000 |
Breeds Prone to Entropion
| Breed | Type of Entropion | Typical Age of Onset |
|---|---|---|
| Shar-Pei | Lower lid (very high incidence — 50%+) | Puppyhood (as early as 2 weeks) |
| English Bulldog | Lower lid, medial canthus | Young adult |
| Chow Chow | Upper and lower lid | Puppyhood |
| Labrador / Golden Retriever | Lower lid, lateral canthus | Young adult |
| Rottweiler | Lower lid | Young adult |
| Boxer | Lower lid | Young adult |
| Saint Bernard / Mastiff | Lower lid, often combined with ectropion | Young adult |
Signs of Entropion in Dogs
- •Excessive tearing (epiphora)
- •Squinting or holding eye closed
- •Pawing at the eye
- •Red, inflamed conjunctiva
- •Discharge (clear, yellow, or green)
- •Corneal cloudiness or scarring
- •Sensitivity to light
- •If you see these signs, especially in a predisposed breed, have your dog examined immediately. Untreated entropion causes progressive corneal damage that can lead to corneal ulcers or even eye loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does entropion surgery cost for a dog?
Dog entropion surgery costs $500 to $2,000 per eye, with an average of $1,000. Bilateral surgery (both eyes) costs $1,000–$3,500. Temporary tacking for puppies costs $200–$500. Total cost including blood work, anesthesia, medications, and follow-up is $900–$3,000 for one eye.
Does pet insurance cover entropion surgery?
If your dog showed no signs of entropion before enrollment, most policies cover the surgery. However, since entropion is a congenital/hereditary condition, some insurers may consider it pre-existing if diagnosed before the policy started. Check your policy details. Reimbursement is typically 70–90% after your deductible.
Can entropion resolve without surgery?
Some puppies outgrow entropion as their head and face develop — temporary tacking ($200–$500) can buy time. However, adult dogs with true entropion require surgery. Without correction, the eyelashes continue rubbing the cornea, causing ulcers, scarring, and potentially permanent vision damage.
How long is recovery from entropion surgery?
Recovery takes 2–3 weeks. Sutures are removed at 10–14 days. The E-collar must stay on until sutures are removed. Eye drops and oral pain medication are given for 7–10 days. Most dogs are comfortable within 1–2 days of surgery because the painful eyelid rubbing is immediately corrected.
Can entropion come back after surgery?
Recurrence is rare with proper surgical technique (under 5%). However, some breeds with severe facial skin folds (Shar-Peis) may need revision surgery if the initial correction was too conservative. Choosing an experienced surgeon reduces recurrence risk.