Ectropion is the name for the condition that provides some dog breeds with the sad droopy lower eyelids many pet owners adore. That said, if your dog has ectropion it can make them more susceptible to a number of painful eye conditions. Today our Greensboro vets explain more about the complications of ectropion in dogs.
Your Dog's Eyes
Dogs like people can suffer from a range of eye conditions that can be both painful and possibly result in loss of vision. Because our pets can't tell us when they have sore eyes, it's essential to pay close attention to the condition of your dog's eyes and contact your vet if your pooch seems to have red, itchy, or painful eyes. Taking swift action and having eye issues treated early can help to prevent more severe issues from developing.
If your dog has droopy eyes, it is essential to monitor the health of your dog's eyes and contact your vet at the first sign of problems.
What is dog ectropion?
Ectropion occurs when your dog's lower eyelid rolls away from the eye, causing a droopy appearance and exposing the delicate mucous membrane or conjuntiva that is not naturally meant to be exposed. While many modern dogs have been selectively bred to feature the droopy eyed appearance that ectropion brings, other dogs develop the condition as a result of various health issues such as nerve damage, infection, injury or severe chronic inflammation of the eye.
Regardless of whether your pet has been bred with ectropion or whether it is the result of an underlying health issue, once the eyelid has rolled away from its natural protective position the dog becomes more susceptible to painful conditions such as pink eye (conjunctivitis), corneal inflammation (keratitis), corneal scarring and possible visual impairment.
How do I know if my dog has ectropion?
Ectropion has been selectively bred into many modern dog breeds including bloodhounds, chow chows, great Danes, Newfoundlands, St. Bernards and Bullmastifs. Ectropion is characterized by a sagging or outward rolling lower eyelid. In many cases you may also notice a discharge, or the conjunctive lining of the eyelid may be red and inflamed.
If ectropion is uncomfortable for your dog, or if an infection has developed you may notice that your pup is pawing and rubbing at their eye, or the eye might water. Tearing could also lead to brown staining of the fur below the eye.
How is ectropion treated in dogs?
In dogs that have not been bred to have ectropion it will be necessary to determine the underlying cause, as well as treat any uncomfortable symptoms.
While treatment for ectropion isn't necessarily required if the eye stays healthy and the condition is mild, lubricating eye drops or ointments may be prescribed to help prevent the drying out of the cornea and conjuctiva.
If a bacterial infection, or corneal ulcer has developed your vet will prescribe antibiotic drops to treat the infection.
In dogs with severe cases of ectropion, surgery to correct the condition may be recommended.
What is the prognosis for dogs with ectropion?
If your dog has droopy lower eyelids then chances are good that you will always have to take extra care with your dogs eyes. Throughout your pet's lifetime they will likely be susceptible to recurring bouts of conjunctivitis that will require treatment. That said, with the help of lubricating drops and ointments most dogs with ectropion live normal, happy lives.
Our Greensboro Veterinary Ophthalmology Services
At Carolina Veterinary Specialists in Greensboro, our veterinary ophthalmologist offers ophthalmology services to diagnose and treat a range of eye problems in pets including tumors, ectropion related issues, infections, cataracts, and glaucoma.