Disorder - Ectropion

Organ Systems Involved
Integument

Alternative Names
Congenital Ectropion
Heritable Ectropion

Brief Description

The eyelids are turned outward, and do not rest against the eyeball, so that parts of the eye are exposed and unprotected.

Presenting Signs

The eyelids serve to protect and clean the surface of the eye. Clinical signs of ectropion may vary with severity and some animals do not show any at all. The condition usually worsens at the end of the day and following exercise, when the eyes have been exposed to wind, dust etc. Animals may exhibit an abnormal flow of tears down the face and a discharge containing mucus and pus. There may be inflammation of the eye and the inside of the eyelid, and an increased number of blood vessels in the exposed inner eyelid. Some animals will develop long term or recurrent conjunctivitis as a result of exposure and inability to clear debris and mucus from the eye. Rarely, this condition can result in ulceration and pigmentation of the cornea (the transparent outer surface of the eyeball) and can potentially affect eyesight.

Groups Affected
Gundog
Hound
Non Sporting
Terrier
Toy
Utility
Working dog


Breeds Affected
American cocker spaniel
Basset hound
Bedlington terrier
Black and tan coonhound
Bloodhound
Bouvier de Flandres
British bulldog
Bull terrier
Chow chow
Clumber spaniel
Cocker spaniel
Curly-coated retriever
English setter
English springer spaniel
Flat-coated retriever
Golden retriever
Great Dane
Keeshond
Labrador retriever
Lhasa Apso
Mastiff
Neapolitan mastiff
Newfoundland
Pekingese
Pyrenean mountain dog
Rottweiler
Shar Pei
Shih Tzu
St Bernard


Treatment

Surgical

Related Disorders

Entropion

PubMed References
Ectropion

Further Reference Material [OMIA Number]
325


Contributor
Lara Graves