ADVICE

Entropion and ectropion

Entropion and ectropion are conditions that involve the eyelids. They are more common in dogs than cats.

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. Entropion can be a congenital defect, but can also occur following trauma, painful corneal lesions, and conjunctival inflammation.

Ectropion is the opposite of entropion – the eyelids droop exposing the cornea. Ectropion is considered normal in some breeds, but can also develop in senile dogs that lose muscle tone and dogs that have had an entropion overcorrected.

Predisposed breeds

• Entropion predisposed breeds include, but are not limited to: chow chow, Chinese shar pei, Irish setter, golden retriever, Labrador retriever, collie, Great Dane, and Rottweiller.
• Ectropion predisposed breeds include, but are not limited to: basset hound, bloodhound, cocker spaniel, Clumber spaniel, bulldog, and Saint Bernard.

What are the signs of entropion and ectropion?

Diagnosis

A diagnosis should be done by a veterinary surgeon, who will carry out a complete examination on the eyes while the dog is awake. This will help prevent overcorrection or undercorrection of the problem. The veterinary surgeon will pay careful attention to the eyelashes and if/where they may rub on the eye. The veterinary surgeon 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 show ulcers in the cornea of the eye, alerting the veterinary surgeon that damage has been done to the cornea and treatment is necessary.

What are the treatment options?

Treatment is always surgical.

• Entropion – The surgery involves removing an elliptical piece of tissue directly under the eye. The two sides are sutured together, pulling the affected eyelid down. Antibiotic eye ointments are prescribed following the procedure.
• Ectropion – The technique involves a "V" or "Y" incision to shorten the lid.

Aftercare

After a dog undergoes entropion or ectropion surgery, it is sent home with an Elizabethan collar around its neck. This collar will prevent it from scratching the surgical stitches. This collar is worn at all times until the stitches are removed. Also, topical antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection around the surgery site.

Prognosis

The success rate of entropion and/or ectropion surgery varies based on breed, age, and case specifics. Entropion surgery is successful 90 to 95 per cent of the time and recurrence is very uncommon, unless the surgery involves extensive skin removal, such as in breeds like the shar pei. In this instance, several follow-up surgeries may be needed to completely correct the condition.