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Diagnosis is usually made on physical examination. If the dog is older, blood and urine tests may be performed to search for an underlying cause for the ectropion. Corneal staining will be performed to assess the cornea and to determine if any corneal ulceration is present. Muscle or nerve biopsies may be recommended if neuromuscular disease is suspected. Testing for hypothyroidism and for antibodies against certain muscle fibers may be done if looking for underlying causes.
How is ectropion treated?
The treatment for mild ectropion generally consists of medical therapy, such as lubricating eye drops and ointments to prevent the cornea and conjunctiva from drying out. Ophthalmic antibiotics will be used to combat any corneal ulcers. If the condition is severe, surgical correction can be performed to shorten the eyelids.
What is involved with surgical correction?
Treatment involves eye surgery to restore the normal contour of the eyelid. A general veterinary practitioner can successfully perform this corrective surgery in most cases. However, if the condition is severe, it may be necessary to refer the patient to a veterinary ophthalmologist for assessment and surgical correction.
How successful is the surgery?
Surgical correction is usually successful. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend performing two separate surgeries, in order to avoid over-correction (which will cause an entropion, or the inward rolling of the eyelid, to develop). This is often necessary when there is a lot of secondary swelling or inflammation of the tissues surrounding the affected eye.
What is the prognosis for ectropion?
The prognosis for medical management or the surgical correction of ectropion is generally good.
"Medical treatment is often life-long as flare ups of conjunctivitis can recur, and lubrication of the eyes is vital."
The medical treatment is often life-long as flare ups of conjunctivitis can recur, and lubrication of the eyes is vital. Most dogs will enjoy a pain-free normal life. If the condition is treated later and corneal scarring has occurred, there may be permanent irreversible visual deficits. Your veterinarian will discuss a diagnostic and treatment plan for your dog to help you successfully treat this condition.
Should an affected dog be bred?
Due to the concern of this being an inherited condition, dogs with severe ectropion requiring surgical correction should not be bred.