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Dogs with ectropion appear to have droopy eyes, and there is visible red or pink tissue below the sclera (the whites of the eyes). Congenital ectropion is typically diagnosed before one year of age and most commonly seen in the following breeds: Basset Hound, Bloodhound, Bulldog, Cocker Spaniel, Mastiff, Newfoundland and Saint Bernard. While congenital ectropion is the most common form, some dogs may develop acquired ectropion at any age as a symptom of one of various conditions. Ectropion is not to be confused with entropion, which is the condition of the eyelid rolling inward.
Lower eyelid droop, or ectropion, is a condition in which the lower eyelid rolls down and away from the eye, exposing the inner eyelid tissue. Affected dogs are at an increased risk to developing corneal complications that may affect their eyesight.
Ectropion Average Cost
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Inherited ectropion is a result of selective breeding to increase certain physical characteristics. For instance, hound breeds with excessive droopy skin are more likely to inherit a lower eyelid droop due to lack of eyelid support.
Acquired ectropion is a symptom of one of the following conditions:
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You must seek prompt diagnosis and treatment for lower eyelid droop. If treatment is delayed, corneal scarring can affect your dog’s vision and cannot be corrected. Upon physical examination of your dog, a veterinarian will be able to diagnose a lower eyelid droop easily. However, depending upon your dog’s age, further testing may be necessary. It is important that you inform your veterinarian of the onset of your dog’s symptoms in order to aid in the determination of the type and cause of the disorder. Let your veterinarian know when you first noticed the eyelid droop.
If your dog developed symptoms past the age of one year, testing will be done to determine the cause of the disorder. These tests may vary depending upon what additional symptoms your dog exhibits and what underlying cause is suspected. Basic testing to be expected is a blood sample with a blood chemistry analysis and complete blood count as well as a urinalysis. If an neuromuscular disease is suspected, a nerve biopsy may be ordered. If corneal ulceration is suspected, a procedure known as corneal staining involving a dye will be conducted in order to confirm ulceration.
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Treatment for the primary condition of lower eyelid droop will involve eye drops to lubricate the eye and ointment to prevent the drying out of the cornea and conjunctivae. For very severe cases, surgical correction may be required in order to provide proper support for the lower eyelid and decrease the droop.
This surgery can typically be performed by your general veterinarian, although, in some extreme cases, you may be referred to a veterinary ophthalmologist. Additionally, in cases with extreme swelling and inflammation in the area around the eye, your veterinarian or specialist may recommend separating the procedure into two surgeries in an effort to avoid overcorrection. For dogs with corneal ulcers due to infection, ophthalmic antibiotics will be prescribed. Additional underlying causes will need further treatment, depending upon the specific cause.
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With proper treatment, a dog’s chance of recovering from lower eyelid droop is very good. Surgery is typically successful; however, there is a small chance of overcorrection that can lead to further problems. If your dog’s condition is too mild to warrant surgery, medical treatment is likely to alleviate problems, although it is likely to be necessary throughout your dog’s life in order to maintain health and avoid pain. Your veterinarian may recommend an increase in the frequency of your dog’s well check ups in order to monitor the condition. In this situation, the condition may worsen as your dog enters old age, and frequency of check-ups may need to increase. If corneal scarring has occurred due to delayed treatment, your dog will have to adjust to its visual deficits.
It is important to note that if your dog has congenital ectropion, particularly if it is severe enough to warrant surgery, he or she should not be bred, as it is likely the condition will be passed on to offspring.
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Ectropion Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$600
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Ask a Vet
Boris
English Cocker Spaniel
3 Years
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
Hi my dog is 3 and half years old, and he had this condition ever since he was a puppy, I'm afraid to go with the surgical options because of what complications it may bring along. I was just probably wondering if there is some kind of eye drops or ointments that could be used safely ? One more question is, how would I know the severity of Ectropion? I mean he tears a lot, but that's about it... what do you advise I should do?
April 27, 2018
Boris' Owner
0 Recommendations
Surgery is the treatment of choice in these cases, it is true that over correction may cause complications but it is important to have this surgery done by a Veterinarian with experience in this procedure. The severity can be as mild as just a cosmetic issues, mild tearing or as severe as reddened eyes and secondary infections etc… You should discuss with your Veterinarian, but surgery should be considered. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
April 28, 2018
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Molly
Labrador Retriever
12 years
Mild severity
1 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
My Labrador is 12 years old, her bottom eyelid is drooping down and some of the tissue from the corner is covering her eye abit. I’ve been to the vets and he says it’s a possible internal ear infection?
Nov. 9, 2017
Molly's Owner
1 Recommendations
Normally eyelid disorders that you are probably thinking about are present at or soon after birth; your Veterinarian most likely is thinking about Horner’s Syndrome when may cause droopy eyelids which may be caused by an ear infection due to the path the nerve takes getting to the face. Without examining Molly, I cannot confirm but is something we commonly see in practice. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM https://wagwalking.com/condition/horners-syndrome
Nov. 10, 2017
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Blue
Weimaraner
3.5 months
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
My dog has a drooping eyelid just on one of his eyes. He has never had this before. He is a 3 1/2 month old Weimaraner. I boarded him this past weekend, and when I dropped him off, he was fine, but when I picked him up, I immediately noticed his right eye drooping. I figured he must have played too hard with another dog and gotten scratched in the eye or something, but it has been 3 days and still hasn't gone away.
Nov. 1, 2017
Blue's Owner
0 Recommendations
It is possible that Blue has Horner’s Syndrome which may be caused by trauma among other causes; if it is caused by trauma it would normally self resolve without intervention. Ectropion would be more concerning if Blue was born with it. I would keep an eye on it and ensure that it stays lubricated, but you should have your Veterinarian take a look to be on the safe side. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM https://wagwalking.com/condition/horners-syndrome
Nov. 1, 2017
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Ellie
Beagle
10 Months
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
Over the past week my ten month old beagle/dachshund mix has had a droopy/water eye after going on walks. As soon as we get back she hides under the table and seems to be in pain. It is worse in one eye than the other, but she doesn’t want to even lift up her head. It has happened everyday except for one for the past six days. I usually put a cold wet towel on it and then wash it out with warm water. It seems to go away after that and she is then back to her normal self after about and hour, two at the most. I am trying to use process of elimination to figure out what it is. I don’t know whether to take her to the vet.
Max
Golden Retriever
4 Years
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
Max, my 4 year old more golden retriever/less German shepherd mix, was sitting looking at the food I was eating and all at once his eye dropped. He was running through the yard about 2 years ago and slammed right into a car trailer. Developed ectropion, symptoms went away around 6 months later. Can’t remember where my daughter bought the meds, where would be best to buy them and do he needs to go back to the vet before I buy ointments?
Ectropion Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$600
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