CAPS: Keeping an eye out for entropion

Dear Reader, my friend Jolene recently adopted an adorable Chocolate Lab who she named Nashville, Nash for short. He is a cutie and sweet as can be! Unfortunately, it turns out that Nash has entropion, which is a hereditary disorder of the eyes.

Entropion is an abnormality of the eyelids in which the eyelid rolls inward. Because of the inward rolling, the hair on the eyelid rubs against the cornea causing pain, ulcers, and perforations, all of which interfere with vision.

The clinical signs are squinting, holding the eye shut, excessive tearing, and mucus discharge. There can also be problems with eye crusting and red eyes.

The exact genetics for entropion is unknown and is found in many large breeds. Labradors are just one of the many affected by this malady. Flat-faced dogs like bulldogs usually get medial entropion, which involves the corner of the eyes near the nose. Strangely, it does not seem to cause discomfort.

When Jolene noticed Nash squinting and his eyes watering, it was a trip to the veterinarian for diagnosis. Upon confirmation of entropion, it was on to the treatment. Her vet recommended surgery to reverse the eyelids inward rolling.

The surgery involves removal of a section of skin. Many cases require two surgeries, an initial major surgical correction, followed by a second, minor corrective surgery. The reason for the two surgeries is to reduce the risk of over-correcting the entropion, which could result in an outward-rolling eyelid or ectropion.

The prognosis for the surgery is good, and Nash is on his way to recovery. His only complaint is wearing the cone of shame. From now on, it will be a clear view for Nashville.

LOOKING FOR A HOME

We have two adorable puppies, one female three months and one male eight months.

We also have three fluffy male kittens ages three to eight months in a rainbow of colors. All of our babies need foster homes.

IN NEED OF

• Items for the Spring CAPS garage sale. Call 775-423-7500 to have your items picked up.
• Dog Walkers! We desperately need volunteers to walk and socialize our dogs. Call 775-423-7500 for details.
• Fancy Feast kitten wet food.
• Cat litter (clump) for our guests’ comfort.
• Aluminum cans. We will pick up your cans; give us a call at 775-423-7500. You can also drop them off at CAPS.

SHOUT OUT TO

• Elaina at Three Happy Hounds in Fernley for her generous donation of toys, food, and treats. Pooch smooches to you!
• Mavis for her marvelous chili at the Chili Cook-off. All tails are wagging for you!
• Fallon Elks #2239 for sponsoring the Chili Cook-Off and donating the entrance fee to CAPS. A Four-Paw-Salute to you!

COME SEE US

CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We suggest appointments for adoptions and food pantry.

DON’T FORGET

• February holiday: National Pet Theft Awareness Month.
• You can sponsor an adoption by paying part or full adoption fees. Due to rising costs in shelter and veterinary care, we have adjusted our adoption fees. Dog adoptions are $150 for female $125 for male. Cat adoptions are $100 for female $80 for male. All adoptees are healthy, spayed/neutered, chipped, and have all necessary shots.
• If you would like a newsletter, call 775-423-7500 or email caps@cccom.net.
• CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. CAPS’ email address is caps@cccomm.net. Please visit the CAPS website (www.capsnevada.com) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are likeable.
• Over the Rainbow: If you would like your pet remembered send his/her name and a short description to Kathleen Williams-Miller, a CAPS volunteer, at jkwmil@outlook.com.