Hey there, pet parents. Today we're going to look at two common eyelid problems in dogs: Entropion and Ectropion. Both of these conditions are about the abnormal conformation of the eyelids, and they can cause significant discomfort and damage to the eye if not addressed. Let's roll right into it.
What is Entropion?
Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, toward the eye. This causes the eyelashes and the hair on the eyelid to rub directly on the surface of the cornea (the clear window of the eye).
As you can imagine, this is extremely irritating and painful. It's like having a brillo pad rubbing on your eye with every blink. This constant rubbing can cause:
- •Squinting and excessive tearing.
- •Corneal ulcers (scratches or erosions on the cornea).
- •Corneal scarring and pigmentation, which can affect vision.
Entropion is a hereditary condition in many breeds. It usually affects the lower eyelid, but it can affect the upper lid as well.
What is Ectropion?
Ectropion is the opposite of entropion. It's a condition where the eyelid rolls outward, or droops away from the eye. This leaves the delicate tissues that line the eyelid (the conjunctiva) exposed.
This exposure leads to:
- •A "droopy" look to the eyes.
- •Chronic conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva).
- •Poor tear distribution, which can lead to a dry eye.
- •Discharge from the eyes.
Ectropion is also a hereditary condition, and it's considered a normal feature in some breeds like Basset Hounds and Bloodhounds.
Breeds at Risk
- •For Entropion: Shar-Peis are the poster children for entropion. It's also very common in Chow Chows, Bulldogs, Rottweilers, and many other breeds.
- •For Ectropion: Basset Hounds, Bloodhounds, St. Bernards, and Cocker Spaniels are commonly affected.
It's also possible for a dog to have a combination of both conditions, which is common in giant breeds like the St. Bernard.
Spotting the Signs
Signs of Entropion:
- •Squinting (Blepharospasm): The most common sign of eye pain.
- •Excessive Tearing (Epiphora).
- •Redness and Inflammation.
- •Pawing or Rubbing at the Eye.
- •Corneal Opacity: The cornea may look cloudy or blue due to scarring.
Signs of Ectropion:
- •Droopy Lower Eyelids.
- •A Sad or Tired Expression.
- •Red and Exposed Conjunctiva.
- •Mucoid Discharge from the eyes.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The diagnosis of both entropion and ectropion is made by a simple visual examination of the eyelids.
Treatment for Entropion
The definitive treatment for entropion is surgical correction. The surgery is called a blepharoplasty. The surgeon removes a small, crescent-shaped piece of skin from under the eyelid to tighten it and roll it back out to its normal position.
- •In Puppies: Young puppies with severe entropion may have a temporary "tacking" procedure done. Sutures are placed to temporarily roll the eyelid out. This may be all that is needed, or it may be done to protect the eye until the puppy is old enough for the permanent surgery.
- •In Adults: The permanent blepharoplasty surgery is performed. The goal is to correct the entropion without over-correcting it and causing ectropion.
Treatment for Ectropion
- •Mild Ectropion: If the ectropion is mild and not causing any problems (as is the case in many Basset Hounds), no treatment may be needed other than occasional lubricating eye drops.
- •Severe Ectropion: If the ectropion is severe and is leading to chronic conjunctivitis or other problems, it can also be corrected with a similar plastic surgery procedure to shorten and tighten the eyelid.
The prognosis for both conditions is excellent with appropriate surgical correction. The surgery resolves the source of chronic pain and irritation and prevents long-term damage to the eyes.
Sources & Further Reading:
- •American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists - Entropion and Ectropion
- 1VCA Animal Hospitals - Entropion in Dogs and Ectropion in Dogs