What is ectropion?
Ectropion is an abnormality of the eyelids in which the eyelid (usually the lower eyelid) “rolls” outward or is everted. This causes the lower eyelids to appear droopy.
Ectropion exposes the delicate conjunctival tissues that line the inner surface of the eyelids and cover the eyeball, causing drying of the tissues. This results in conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva). The surface of the eye or the cornea may also dry out, resulting in keratitis (corneal inflammation). All these conditions are painful. Corneal damage can also result in corneal scarring, which can impair or obstruct vision. In most cases, both eyes are affected. Ectropion is usually diagnosed in dogs less than one year old.
Are certain breeds more likely to have ectropion?
Certain breeds have a higher incidence of ectropion than others. Congenital ectropion, which a dog is born with, is the most common form of this condition in veterinary practice. Affected breeds include:
- Cocker spaniel
- Clumber spaniel
- Saint Bernard
- Bloodhound
- Basset hound
- Bernese mountain dog
- Mastiff
- Newfoundland
- Bulldog
- Chow chow
- English springer spaniel
- American cocker spaniel
- English cocker spaniel
Are there other causes of ectropion?
Acquired ectropion can occur in any dog at any age. Acquired ectropion means that a condition other than an inherited trait causes the eyelid to “sag” or evert. Some common causes of acquired ectropion include:
- facial nerve paralysis
- hypothyroidism
- scarring secondary to injury
- chronic inflammation and infection of the tissues surrounding the eyes
- surgical overcorrection of entropion (turned-in eyelids)
- neuromuscular disease
What are the clinical signs of ectropion?
The clinical signs are a “sagging” or “outward rolling” lower eyelid. A thick, mucoid discharge often accumulates along the eyelid margin. The eye and conjunctiva may appear reddened or inflamed. The dog may rub or paw at the eye if it becomes uncomfortable. Tears may run down the dog’s face if the medial aspect of the eyelid (the area of the eyelid toward the nose) is affected. In many cases, pigment contained in the tear fluid will cause a brownish staining of the fur beneath the eyes.
How is ectropion diagnosed?
Diagnosis is usually made on physical examination. If the dog is older, blood and urine tests may be performed to search for an underlying cause for the ectropion. Corneal staining will be performed to assess the cornea and to determine if any corneal ulceration is present. Muscle or nerve biopsies may be recommended if neuromuscular disease is suspected. Testing for hypothyroidism and for antibodies against certain muscle fibers may be done if looking for underlying causes.
How is ectropion treated?
The treatment for mild ectropion generally consists of medical therapy, such as lubricating eye drops and ointments to prevent the cornea and conjunctiva from drying out. Ophthalmic antibiotics may be recommended if corneal ulcers develop because of ectropion. If the condition is severe, the eyelids can be shortened surgically.
What is involved with surgical correction?
Treatment involves surgery to restore the normal contour of the eyelid. A general veterinary practitioner can successfully perform this corrective surgery in most cases. However, if the condition is severe, it may be necessary to refer the patient to a veterinary ophthalmologist for assessment and surgical correction.
How successful is the surgery?
Surgical correction is usually successful. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend performing two separate surgeries to reduce the risk of over-correcting the ectropion, resulting in an inward rolling eyelid known as entropion. This treatment is often necessary when there is a lot of secondary swelling or inflammation of the tissues surrounding the affected eye.
What is the prognosis for ectropion?
The prognosis for medical management or surgical correction of ectropion is generally good.
The medical treatment is often life-long, as flare-ups of conjunctivitis can recur. Lubrication of the eyes is vital. Most dogs will enjoy a pain-free, normal life. If the condition is treated later and corneal scarring has occurred, there may be permanent, irreversible visual deficits. Your veterinarian will discuss a diagnostic and treatment plan for your dog to help you successfully treat this condition.
Should an affected dog be bred?
Due to the concern of this condition being inherited, dogs with severe ectropion requiring surgical correction should not be bred.
