Ectropion

An ectropion is an eversion (or turning outward) of the lower eyelid or a part of it. It is, like the entropion, often a congenital condition, an acquired one, and even an intermittent one (visible when the animal is tired, or weakened by sickness). Breeds known of being predisposed are Spaniels, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Saint- Bernards, Mastiffs and the Saint-Hubert.

Depending of the ectropion’ s severity, the eye may display certain abnormalities; chronic serous discharge with a coloring of the hairs in the corner of the eye, a mucoid or purulent discharge, redness of the eye, swelling of the conjonctiva and sometimes even an ulcer of the cornea. Depending on the eye’s appearance, the veterinarian will want to perform ophthalmological tests in order to evaluate the cornea’s integrity and that of the eye in general. For example, if there is a presence of conjunctivitis or an ulcer of the cornea, that condition should be addressed first.

Various medication or tools may be prescribed depending of the condition: lubricating gel for the eyes, antibiotic cream, Elizabethan collar, and possibly oral medication. Afterwards, if it is judged to be necessary, the palpebral problem needs to be corrected.

Depending on the case, a medical treatment (treatment of the secondary problems without correcting the eyelid) or even surgical treatment may be recommended. If we opt for surgery, we must, like for the entropion, wait for the animal to complete growth before proceeding. The surgery consists of removing a skin flap (with the laser) in the problem area, and closing with sutures to give the eyelid the wanted form as to partner perfectly with the cornea.

Once again, recovery resembles that of the entropion, with the use of the Elizabethan collar and ophthalmic medication or oral medication .