Distichiasis and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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Distichiasis Can Damage Corneas in Cavaliers

CavalierHealth.org Copyright © 2004 Blenheim Company Distichiasis is a very common inherited condition in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. In many cases, distichiasis can cause irritation and tearing, and corneal abrasions and ulcerations.

Distichiasis is the growth of extra eyelashes (cilia) from the glands of the upper or lower eyelid. A follicle develops deep within the glands rather than on the skin surface of the eyelid. As the follicle grows, it follows the duct of the gland and grows out of the gland opening along the eyelid as a set of eyelashes.

All CKCSs should be examined at least annually by a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist. They are listed on this webpage of the website of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO): www.acvo.org/locate.htm

Treatment

Treatment usually starts with the application of ophthalmic lubricants, to protect the cornea and coat the eyelashes with an oily film. Surgical correction may remove the eyelashes and kill the hair follicles, if they are causing corneal changes. Regrowth of hairs is a common problem and may require repeated surgeries. The appearance of new follicles at new locations may also occur after surgery.

Also, cryoepilation (cryotherapy or cryosurgery) has been used by veterinary ophthalmologists to remove the distichiatic lashes without damaging the normal lashes. Cryoepilation is the application of a liquid nitrogen probe which freezes the hair follicles, which then are removed. It has been reported that with cryoepilation, up to 90% of the treated distichiatic lashes do not regrow, and repeat surgical treatment is seldom required. However, this form of ophthalmologic surgery may be very expensive -- from $1,000.00 to over $2,000.00.

Breeders' Responsibilities

The Genetics Committee of the ACVO classifies distichiasis as a "breeder option" for CKCSs. Therefore, the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (C.E.R.F.) does not deny certification to Cavalier King Charles Spaniels which are affected with the disorder. However, the Canine Inherited Disorders Database recommends that Cavalier King Charles Spaniels affected with distichiasis should not be bred. At the very least, dogs both affected with the disorder should not be bred to each other. Any littermates of breeding stock having distichiasis should be taken into consideration. All Cavalier breeding stock should be examined by board certified veterinary ophthalmologists to determine if the dogs are affected with distichiasis.