Ectropion is a malposition of the eyelid that mainly affects the lower eyelid. The outer edge of the eyelid is turned outward and hangs down, which is why it is also referred to as a "drooping eyelid." This malposition prevents the eyelid from closing normally, leaving the eye permanently slightly open.
In many dog breeds, especially those with a lot of loose skin, the drooping eyelid is congenital, meaning it is a hereditary condition. Predisposed breeds include the Neapolitan Mastiff, Mastiff, Basset Hound, Swiss Mountain Dog, Great Dane, and various Spaniel breeds. In these dog breeds, the drooping eyelid is even considered a breed characteristic. However, as this is a condition, potential owners should be aware that these dogs may suffer from health problems as a result of these changes.
However, ectropion can also be acquired and develop after surgery (e.g., excessive correction of entropion) or neoplasms (tumors or abscesses) on the eyelid.
Paralysis of the facial nerve can also lead to a drooping lower eyelid and thus to ectropion due to slackening of the facial muscles.
Due to the enlarged palpebral fissure and poor eyelid closure, the normally covered conjunctiva is exposed and permanently exposed to external stimuli such as dust, foreign bodies, and bacteria. This leads to chronic redness and conjunctivitis with mucous-milky to partially purulent eye discharge. The eye tries to compensate for this pathological condition by forming folds in the eyelids. This results in what is known as "checkered eye."
The eyeball is no longer adequately moistened due to the lack of eyelid closure, which means that the cornea in particular is less protected and therefore more vulnerable. Dogs with ectropion therefore often suffer from corneal changes. If you suspect that your pet is suffering from ectropion and the associated symptoms, please consult a veterinarian immediately. The sooner ectropion is treated, the better the chances of avoiding further damage.
An ectropion can usually be diagnosed with certainty by the attending veterinarian after a general clinical examination and a special eye examination.
The type of treatment depends on the type and severity of the ectropion and the age of the animal. In young dogs with only minor changes, surgery is usually not performed, as the position of the eyelid can change as the skull grows and the ectropion can therefore regress on its own.
In adult dogs with severe changes and recurrent conjunctival and corneal inflammation, surgery is unavoidable to protect the eye from further damage. Depending on the severity of the change, the veterinarian has various surgical methods at their disposal, all of which lead to a tightening of the affected eyelid. If conjunctival and corneal inflammation is present, these are additionally treated with appropriate medication.
In general, the prognosis is good even after successful surgery. However, if complications such as corneal damage have already occurred, the prognosis may deteriorate significantly.
Ectropion is a partially hereditary condition that cannot be completely prevented. Since drooping eyelids are considered a typical breed characteristic in some breeds, these dogs are not currently excluded from breeding, as is the case with entropion. The incidence of the condition can therefore only be reduced to a limited extent.
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