Ectropion is the rolling outward of part of the eyelid or the entire eyelid. It occurs on the lower eyelid, in one eye only, or in both eyes. When the eyelid rolls outward, the conjunctiva is over exposed, leading to an inflammation and repeated episodes of conjunctivitis.
Animation showing the anatomy of the eye in the dog:
Flat-faced dogs (eg English bulldogs, Pekinese, and Pugs) may be more likely to experience ectropion. Breeds that have numerous skin folds on the face (eg bloodhounds, Shar-Peis, and Chow Chows) may also be more likely to have this condition. The ectropion is often associated to other palpebral anomalies, including entropion and excessive skin folds.
What are the breeds predisposed to ectropion?
Among predisposed dogs are several large & giant breeds, including:
- Bernese Mountain dogs
- Bull mastiff
- Cane corso
- Chow-Chow
- Great Dane
- Dogue of Bordeaux
- Golden retriever
- Labrador
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- St-Bernard
- St-Hubert
- Great Pyrenee
- Basset Hound
What are the clinical signs generated by an ectropion?
An ectropion will often trigger a chronic inflammation of the cornea, as well as recurrent episodes of conjunctivitis. The most common sign is a constant discharge of the eye.
Animation demonstrating an ectropion in a dog:
What is the treatment?
Entropion is generally treated with surgery. Your veterinarian will establish the gravity of the condition and establish if a surgical correction is the preferred option.
© Copyright Medi-Productions 2016