Entropion and ectropion are conditions that involve the eyelids. With an entropion the eyelids roll inward and rub against the cornea of the eye. This can cause a great deal of discomfort for the dog. Ectropion is the opposite of entropion, the eyelids droop exposing the cornea. These conditions are more common in dogs then cats. Entropion can be a congenital defect but can also occur following trauma, painful corneal lesions, and conjunctival inflammation. Ectropion is considered normal in some breeds but can also develop in senile dogs that lose muscle tone and can also be seen in dogs that had an entropion over corrected.
Predisposed Breeds: Entropion - Breeds that are commonly seen with entropion include but are not limited to; Chow Chow, Chinese Shar-Pei, Irish Setter, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Collie, Great Dane, and Rottweiller. Ectropion - Dog breeds that include ectropion as a breed characteristic include but are not limited to; Basset Hound, Bloodhound, Cocker Spaniel, Cumber Spaniel, Bulldog, and Saint Bernard.
Symptoms: Entropion -
- Eyelids appear to roll inward.
- Excessive tearing.
- Winking.
- Conjunctivitis - eyes will appear red or inflamed.
- Pain. Painful eyes cause dogs to paw and rub their eyes resulting in more damage.
- Sensitivity to light.
Symptoms: Ectropion -
- Eyelids appear to roll outward exposing the eye.
- Conjunctivitis - eyes will appear red or inflamed.
- Excessive tearing.
- Inflammation of the cornea, due to exposure.
- Discharge from the eyes.
Diagnosis: A diagnosis should be done by a veterinarian. A qualified veterinarian will do a complete exam on the eyes while the dog is awake, this will help prevent overcorrection or under-correction of the problem. If an overcorrection or an under-correction is the result then the dog may require further treatment. The doctor will pay careful attention to the placement of eyelashes and if/where they may rub on the eye. The doctor will also need to check the eye for further damage caused by the defect. This is generally done by using fluorescein dye to stain the eye. This stain will expose ulcers in the the cornea of the eye alerting the doctor that damage has been done to the cornea and treatment is necessary.
Treatment: Treatment is always surgical.
- Entropion - Many times the surgery to repair an entropion involves removing an elliptical piece of tissue directly under the eye, the two sides are sutured together pulling the affected eyelid down. Antibiotic eye drops or ointments maybe sent home following the procedure. Another procedure involves using a CO2 laser, the laser is used to contract the skin collagen. The laser is used along the eyelid margin, there is no incision or sutures. Lasers are not in every veterinary practice so some searching maybe needed to find a practice in your area that has one.
- Ectropion - The laser technique mentioned under entropion can also be used to correct an ectropion. The traditional technique involves a "V" or "Y" incision to shorten the lid.
Additional information:
- Breeds that consider ectropion a breed characteristic may only need correction if symptoms are present.
- Carefully examine puppies for this defect before purchasing them, they will not outgrow it.
- Correction is important for the general health of the eye, it will save the globe of the eye from overexposure to the environment and from damage from contact with the lid margins.
References:
Common Diseases of Companion Animals, Alleice Summers, MS, DVM (Mosby, Inc. 2002)
