Ectropion is a condition in dogs which causes the eyelid to roll outward. This abnormality usually occurs in the center of the eye of the lower eyelids, and either one or both of the eyes may be affected. Ectropion symptoms in dogs can be mild, moderate, or severe, but with the right treatments this condition has an excellent outlook.
The most common symptom of ectropion in dogs is a slight droopy appearance of the eyelid (or eyelids), and it usually occurs in the center of lower the eyelid. Additional symptoms include watery eyes, swollen or red conjunctiva of the eye, and increased bacterial infections in the eye.
There is no test that is used to definitively diagnose ectropion in dogs. Instead, this condition is diagnosed through evaluating the dog’s symptoms, physical appearance of the eye, results of a Schirmer tear test, and the dog’s history and breed.
The treatment for ectropion in dogs depends on the severity of the conditions. Mild ectropion may require no treatment at all, moderate cases are usually treated with medicated eye drops, and severe cases of ectropion are treated through surgical procedures.