Introduction
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.
Treating Ectropion in Dogs
In mild cases of ectropion, only occasional treatment may be needed if irritations or infections develop. In these cases eye drops to moisten the eyes may need to be applied periodically, and if an infection develops an antibacterial cream or eye drops will be prescribed until the infection clears.
Moderate cases of ectropion are treated the same as mild cases, it’s just that the pet owners may need to be more vigilant about cleaning the dog’s eyes and applying medications more often. Surgery is only used for severe cases of ectropion.
Without surgical treatment, severe ectropion will not improve on its own and the dog can eventually develop permanent eye damage, and severe eye pain, due to the condition. The surgical procedure that is used to treat ectropion involves removing the drooping skin (usually in the center of the eye) to tighten the eyelid. This is a quick, though delicate, eye surgery and the risks are relatively minor.
Outlook for Dogs with Ectropion
The outlook for ectropion treatment is extremely good. Periodic treatment with eye lubricating drops and eye medications in cases of infection or inflammation will control the condition in mild to moderate cases. Surgical treatment for severe cases of ectropion is often very successful, and any secondary infections are usually resolved with medication.