The mean age of dogs in Group I was 4.18 years, and in Group II, 3.8 years. Of the 16 dogs, Beagles and Labrador Retrievers were most common (25% each), followed by Bullmastiffs and Indian Pariah dogs (12.5% each), while Pitbull, Siberian Husky, Chow Chow, and Rottweiler accounted for one case each (6.25%). On gross examination, 87.5% of cases had bilateral eyelid involvement, with varying degrees of ocular discharge, blepharospasm, and pain. Diagnoses included lateral canthal entropion with lower eyelid entropion in 37.5%, macroblepharon in 12.5%, macroblepharon with diamond eye in 12.5%, lateral canthal dermoid in 12.5%, diamond eye in 6.25%, and lower eyelid laceration in 6.25%. Conjunctival hyperaemia was noted in 87.5% of dogs, with one case showing third eyelid prolapse. All Group I dogs showed normal neuro-ophthalmic reflexes, while in Group II, 50% had delayed PLR and dazzle reflexes, though menace response remained intact in all. Corneal ulcers were present in 37.5% of Group I but absent in Group II. Corneal vascularization was seen in 62.5% of Group I and 50% of Group II; pigmentation was equal in both groups (50%). Corneal transparency grading showed 50% of Group I and 62.5% of Group II had clear corneas at presentation, with varying grades of haziness in the remaining cases. Preoperative STT values (Table 1) were within normal physiological limits but elevated due to reflex tearing, with mean of 22.23±1.61 mm/min (Group I) and 24.75 ±1.84 mm/min (Group II). Postoperatively, STT values significantly decreased in both groups, with Group I showing 17.50±0.56 mm/min on Day 3 and 16.23±0.27 mm/min on Day 21, compared to 19.86±1.00 mm/min and 17.50±0.47 mm/min in Group II, with p-values of 0.047 and 0.028 respectively, indicating faster recovery and reduced epiphora in Group I. Corneal vascularization and pigmentation decreased in both groups by Day 21. Palpebral fissure length (Table 2) significantly reduced from 38.96 mm to 32.00 mm in Group I, compared to a smaller reduction from 38.07 mm to 34.32 mm in Group II. Wound scores (Table 1) showed better healing in Group I across all time points: immediate post-op (1.2±0.15 vs. 1.375±0.19), Day 3 (1.667±0.28 vs. 2.5± 0.17, p = 0.02), and Day 21 (1.067±0.06 vs. 1.857±0.14, p = 0.00). Ophthalmic scores (Table 1) showed symptom resolution in both groups with no statistically significant differences. One dog (12.5%) in Group I experienced postoperative wound dehiscence and blepharitis requiring resuturing; by Day 21, healing was complete with minor scarring and satisfactory cosmetic outcome.
This study evaluated the surgical outcomes of lateral canthal reconstruction (Miller’s technique) and lateral canthoplasty using lateral arrowhead technique in dogs with macroblepharon, lateral canthal entropion, and related ocular conditions. The mean age (3-4 years) supports prior findings that middle-aged, broad-skulled breeds are prone to eyelid abnormalities due to periocular tissue laxity post skeletal maturity (
Werner-Tutschku and Nell, 2025 and
Verma et al., 2025). Labradors and Beagles were most affected, followed by other breeds with predispositions linked to excessive facial skin and macroblepharon
(Mecvan et al., 2024; Stades and Woerdt, 2021). Bilateral presentation (87.5%) aligns with previous reports (
Bedford, 1998;
Maggs et al., 2013). Ophthalmoscopic findings of corneal vascularization, pigmentation, and ulceration matched those reported by
Kokde et al. (2025);
De Moraes et al. (2021) and
White et al. (2012), highlighting chronic mechanical irritation from malpositioned eyelids. Preoperative Schirmer Tear Test (STT) values-22.23±1.61 mm/min (Group I) and 24.75±1.84 mm/min (Group II)-indicated reflex epiphora, with postoperative values showing significant reduction, especially in Group I, suggesting effective surgical relief of irritation. By day 21, 87.5% of corneas were optically clear, and vascularization and pigmentation were reduced. Palpebral fissure length (Table 2) was reduced more in Group I (mean 6.96 mm) than in Group II (mean 3.75 mm), suggesting better restoration of eyelid anatomy with Miller’s technique. Wound healing, based on
Abdelkader et al. (2024), was significantly better in Group I, while ophthalmic scores improved similarly in both groups, indicating comparable visual recovery. These outcomes are supported by
Kecova et al., (2025) and
Werner-Tutschku and Nell (2025), who reported high success and aesthetic satisfaction with lateral canthal reconstruction. One case of wound dehiscence in Group I, consistent with
Renwick (1996) and
Fossum (2012), was likely due to suture tension or self-trauma, though the cosmetic and functional outcome remained acceptable. Overall, Miller’s technique demonstrated superior anatomical correction, healing, and clinical outcomes compared to lateral arrowhead canthoplasty technique.
