This abnormality, attributed to a genetic mutation, is known to affect dogs and humans.

[1] Distichiae usually cause no symptoms, because the lashes are soft, but they can irritate the eye and cause tearing, squinting, inflammation, corneal ulcers and scarring.

[2] Treatment options include manual removal, electrolysis, electrocautery, CO2 laser ablation,[3] cryotherapy, and surgery.

In veterinary medicine, some canine breeds are affected by distichiasis more frequently than others: An ectopic cilia is a special type of distichia usually found in younger dogs.

Commonly affected breeds include Poodles, Golden Retrievers, and Shih Tzus.