What is a distichia (dystichia)?
A distichia (plural distichiae) is an extra eyelash that grows from the margin of the eyelid through the duct or opening of the meibomian gland or adjacent to it. Meibomian glands produce lubricants for the eye and their openings are located along the inside edge of the eyelids. The condition in which these abnormal eyelashes are found is called distichiasis.
There are usually multiple distichiae, and sometimes more than one grows from each duct. Even though dogs do not have eyelashes on their lower eyelids, distichiae may be found on either the upper or lower eyelid. In most cases, they are found bilaterally (on both eyes).
Distichiasis is similar, but not identical, to ectopic cilia - a condition that also occurs in dogs. For more details about this ectopic cilia, see the handout "Ectopic Cilia or Eyelash Problems in Dogs".
What causes distichiasis?
Sometimes eyelashes arise from the meibomian glands. Why the follicles develop in this abnormal location is not known, but the condition is recognized as a hereditary problem in certain breeds of dogs. Distichiasis is a rare disorder in cats.
What breeds are more likely to have distichiasis?
The more commonly affected breeds include the American Cocker Spaniel, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Dachshund, Shetland Sheepdog, Golden Retriever, Chesapeake Retriever, Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Pug, Boxer Dog, and Pekingese.
What are the clinical signs of distichiasis?
The signs vary with the severity of the condition, including the number of extra eyelashes, their size, and their stiffness. In some cases, when the extra eyelashes are very soft, the patient does not show any symptoms. In other cases, the distichiae irritate the eye and cause inflammation, eye discharge, and pain.
If left untreated, the cornea may become ulcerated/injured. You may notice redness or inflammation of the eye or the conjunctiva, excessive tearing (epiphora) or other discharges from the affected eye, and excessive blinking or squinting (blepharospasm). This condition can be painful, and your dog may rub or paw the eye. If there is a corneal ulcer, the affected part of the cornea often appears bluish and may appear less shiny.
With chronic or long-standing distichiasis, the dog often develops corneal scarring (white areas on the cornea), hyperpigmentation (dark areas on the cornea), or corneal neovascularization (abnormal formation of blood vessels across the surface of the cornea), all of which will ultimately affect the dog’s vision.
How is distichiasis diagnosed?
Distichiasis is usually diagnosed by identifying lashes emerging from the meibomian gland openings or by observing lashes that touch the cornea or the conjunctival lining of the affected eye. A thorough eye examination is usually necessary, including fluorescein staining of the cornea and assessment of tear production in the eyes, to assess the extent of any corneal injury and to rule out other causes of the dog's clinical signs. Some dogs will require topical anesthetics or sedatives to relieve the intense discomfort and allow a thorough examination of the tissues surrounding the eye.
How is the condition treated?
Dogs that are not experiencing clinical signs with short, fine distichia may require no treatment at all. Patients with mild clinical signs may be managed conservatively, through the use of ophthalmic lubricants to protect the cornea and coat the lashes with a lubricant film. Removal of distichiae is no longer recommended, as they often grow back thicker or stiffer, but they may be removed for patients unable to undergo anesthesia or while waiting for a more permanent procedure.
If your dog develops corneal ulcers from the distichiae or if your dog continues to rub or paw at their face, indicating that the condition is irritating, then other options, including surgery, are a better treatment choice. The goal of surgery is twofold: first, to remove the offending eyelashes and second, to kill the hair follicles so that the distichiae do not recur. If only one or two distichiae are present, the surgeon may completely remove the affected portion of the eyelid to eliminate the misplaced follicles. If multiple eyelashes are present, the surgeon may use electrocautery, cryosurgery (freezing), or a laser to destroy the follicles.
Previously used therapies, such as electrolysis and lid splitting, are no longer recommended. All surgical treatments require general anesthesia. Your veterinarian may recommend referral to an ophthalmologist for surgical treatment, especially in severe or complicated cases.
What are the risks?
Left untreated, distichiae that are causing clinical signs will continue to cause irritation and pain, and the irritation may lead to severe corneal ulcers and secondary bacterial infections. These conditions may lead to blindness or loss of the eye. The dog may further irritate the eye by scratching or rubbing at it.
Complications associated with electrocautery and cryosurgery may include excessive scarring of the eyelids. Regrowth of hairs may occur, requiring the need for repeated surgery.
What is the prognosis for a dog with distichiasis?
The prognosis is excellent for dogs that do not show any clinical signs associated with their distichiae. For dogs with mild clinical signs, the likelihood that the condition can be managed with conservative treatment is good. In these cases, it is important to administer all medication and return for follow-up examinations as directed by your veterinarian.
"Your veterinarian will discuss a diagnostic and treatment plan that is tailored to your dog's individual case to help you successfully treat this condition."
The prognosis for surgical correction of this condition is also generally good. Following surgery, post-operative rechecks are necessary for several months to monitor for regrowth of the eyelashes. Your veterinarian will discuss a diagnostic and treatment plan that is tailored to your dog's individual case to help you successfully treat this condition.
There is no preventative care for distichiasis, although veterinarians strongly discourage the breeding of two affected dogs to each other because of the hereditary nature of this condition.
