Brow rhytidectomy with or without Stades‐like procedure for correction of pseudoptosis and trichiasis‐entropion of the upper eyelid in Chow Chow and Shar‐Pei dogs: A retrospective study of 27 dogs (2019–2022)

Purpose Methods Results Conclusions Heavy brows in Chow Chow and Shar‐Pei dogs can be associated with pseudoptosis and trichiasis‐entropion of the upper eyelids, causing vision impairment and ocular discomfort. This study describes the outcomes of brow rhytidectomy ± Stades‐like procedure to address these anatomical abnormalities.Retrospective medical records review (2019–2022).Twenty‐seven dogs (n = 15 Chow Chow, n = 12 Shar‐Peis) were included, aged 1.9 ± 1.5 years (0.5–6.5 years). Presenting complaints included recurrent episodes of ocular inflammation (n = 13, 48.1%), blepharospasm (n = 10, 37.0%), corneal ulcers (n = 8, 29.6%), entropion (n = 6, 22.2%), and impaired vision (n = 4, 14.8%). Brow skin was removed as follows: (i) First incision parallel and 10–15 mm dorsal to upper lid, slightly extending beyond medial/lateral canthi; (ii) second incision forming an arc with its apex 15–35 mm dorsal to the first incision; and (iii) standard two or three layers closure. In 22/27 dogs, a Stades‐like procedure was performed by removing a 2–4 mm strip of skin above eyelid margin and leaving it to heal by secondary intention (no sutures). At last recheck (follow‐up 354.5 ± 187.8 days), 19/27 dogs (70.4%) had an adequate eyelid conformation, 7/27 dogs (25.9%) were considered under‐corrected, and 1/27 dogs (3.7%) was over‐corrected. Most owners (81.5%) were satisfied with the surgical results. Most cases (96.3%) had no recurrence of the clinical signs during the entire follow‐up period.Brow rhytidectomy ± Stades‐like procedure provide good cosmetic and clinical outcomes in Chow Chow and Shar‐Pei dogs, although under correction may occur in severely affected dogs and with advancing time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]