Ectropion in Dogs: What Breeds Are at Risk, and What Are the Signs?

Ectropion in dogs is an eyelid abnormality in which the affected eyelid rolls outward.

What Is Ectropion in Dogs?

Commonly, both lower eyelids are affected by ectropion in dogs, giving the lower lids a droopy look. Because the eyelid is rolled outward, the pink inner lining of the eyelid (conjunctiva) is exposed.

This condition can cause irritation to the eye.

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Ectropion in dogs is considered typical of some breeds.

Luckily, ectropion is not a medical emergency. If you’re noticing that your dog’s eyelids look droopy, you can usually watch them at home unless you’re noticing other symptoms of eye irritation.

If your dog did not have sagging lower eyelids before but does now, contact your veterinarian for an exam.

Symptoms of Ectropion in Dogs

Aside from the droopy look of the affected eyelid, the following are symptoms of eye irritation that you might notice in dogs with ectropion:

• Watery or mucoid discharge from the eye

• Redness and/or swelling of the eye or the pink tissue around it (the conjunctiva)

• Rubbing or pawing at the eye

• Excessive blinking or squinting

• Dark pigmentation on the clear outer layer of the eye (the cornea)

Causes of Ectropion in Dogs

In most cases, ectropion in dogs is a congenital condition that a pup inherits from their parents. Examples of common breeds with congenital ectropion include:

• Cocker Spaniels

• Saint Bernards

• Bloodhounds

• Basset Hounds

• Newfoundlands

• Great Danes

• Chow Chows

Less commonly, dogs can get ectropion secondary to another condition. Examples of conditions that can lead to ectropion include:

• Surgical overcorrection of rolled-in eyelids, called entropion

• Facial nerve paralysis

• Scarring, inflammation (swelling), or infection of tissues around the eyes

• Hypothyroidism

How Veterinarians Diagnose Ectropion in Dogs

Ectropion in dogs can usually be diagnosed with a simple physical exam. If your veterinarian sees that your dog’s eyelids are rolling outward, your dog will be diagnosed with ectropion.

Dogs with ectropion may get corneal ulcers, which are injuries on the clear outer layer of the eye. Your veterinarian may also apply fluorescein stain to the eye to check for corneal ulcers.

If your dog is an adult who did not previously have droopy eyes, your veterinarian may also recommend lab work to rule out other conditions, like hypothyroidism.

Treatment of Ectropion in Dogs

Mild cases of ectropion in dogs don’t usually need treatment.

If your dog’s eye is drying out, the veterinarian may recommend lubricating eye drops or gels. If there is an ulcer, your dog may need topical antibiotics for the eye, such as Neo-Poly-Bac Ophthalmic Ointment.

In severe cases, surgery may be recommended. This would include cases where your dog’s quality of life and comfort are compromised, such as if they’re repeatedly getting corneal ulcers or pawing at their eyes.

This surgery involves shortening the eyelid so that it does not sag or roll outward. For simple cases, your pet’s veterinarian may be able to do the surgery.

If the condition is severe or part of multiple eyelid abnormalities, you may be referred to a veterinary ophthalmologist for surgery.

Recovery and Management of Ectropion in Dogs

If your dog has inherited ectropion that doesn’t need surgery, this will be a lifelong condition, which may or may not ever need medical management.

If lubricating drops are recommended for your dog’s ectropion, these may be necessary on and off throughout their life.

Treatment for an ulcer on the eye usually lasts about 10 to 14 days. If your dog is getting recurrent ulcers, ectropion surgery will likely be recommended.

If your dog needs surgery, recovery generally lasts around 10 to 14 days. After surgery, you will notice mild swelling of the lower eyelid that improves over the recovery period. For procedures this close to the eye, it’s common for veterinarians to use a suture that will dissolve and fall out on its own.

If your dog has an ulcer or needs surgery, they will need a recovery cone after surgery to keep them from rubbing their eye. The recovery cone must be rigid. Doughnut-type cones or soft recovery cones may prevent your dog from pawing at their eye but will not keep them from rubbing their face on furniture.

Occasionally, a dog may need a second ectropion surgery.

When the veterinarian is shortening the eyelid, they tend to make as small a change as possible. While undercorrection can be addressed with another ectropion surgery, overcorrection may cause other abnormalities in eyelid conformation.

Prevention of Ectropion in Dogs

Most cases of ectropion in dogs are genetic. If dogs have severe enough ectropion that they need surgery, they should not be bred.

If your dog has ectropion, make sure your dog’s eyes stay well-lubricated.

Contact your vet if you’re noticing:

• Redness of the eye or conjunctiva

• Excessive squinting or blinking

• Discharge from the eye

• Pawing at the eye

• Pigmentation developing on the outer surface of the eye