Eyelid lacerations should be repaired as soon as possible. Lacerations involving the lid margin require precise apposition to prevent longterm notch defects and an impaired lid function. A two-layer closure is recommended in all species, with the deep layer involving the tarsus and orbiculis oculi muscle (interrupted horizontal mattress 3-0 to 6-0 absorbable sutures) and the superficial layer (skin) apposed with a figure of eight suture at the eyelid margin followed by simple interrupted sutures using 3-0 to 6-0 silk. The skin sutures should be removed after 7–10 days. When skin sutures are in place, the lid may need protection from self-trauma by either an Elizabethan collar (dogs and cats) or hard eye cup (horses). Because the blink response can be impaired by the swollen lid, a temporary tarsorrhaphy may be necessary to protect the cornea. Postoperative therapy often includes topical antibiotics as well as systemic antibiotics and NSAIDs.
