Ectopic cilia in 112 dogs: A multicenter retrospective study.

Objective: The aim of this retrospective study was to review the clinical data and outcomes of patients that suffered ectopic cilium (EC).
Animals Studied: One hundred and twelve dogs from multiple private practices in France, with a clinical diagnosis of EC were included in the study.
Results: The mean age of affected dogs was 2.3 years. There were 64 females and 48 males. The most represented breeds were the Shi Tzu, the French Bulldog, the English Bulldog and the Chihuahua. Eleven dogs were affected bilaterally. The upper eyelid was implicated in 93.5% of the cases, with the median portion being the most affected. No statistical difference was observed between the right and the left eye. EC were associated with distichiasis in 50% of the cases. Pigmentation of the conjunctiva at the point of exit of the EC was present in 58% of the cases. EC were short in 75% and long in 25% of the cases. Corneal complications were statistically associated with short EC. The corneal lesions associated with EC were keratitis (94%), corneal granuloma (0.8%), corneal fibrosis (2.7%), corneal degeneration (0.8%), superficial corneal ulcer (68.7%), deep corneal ulcer (8%) and perforating corneal ulcer (0.8%). The surgeries which consisted of the removal of the hair follicle was successful in 88.4% of the cases.
Conclusion: EC is a rare condition which can be treated successfully by the removal of the hair follicles. It must be suspected in cases of corneal lesions unresponsive to medical treatment.
(© 2021 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.)