A dog’s eyes are an important window of information that reflects its health, and by looking at a dog’s eyes, you can tell if it is suffering from a disease. For example, when a dog has an ectropion of the eyelid, the dog owner must pay attention. Eyelid ectropion usually occurs when part or all of the eyelid is turned outward and the eyelid conjunctiva is exposed, forming a rabbit eye. The lower eyelid is more common, but scarring of the upper eyelid is also seen. Many dogs have this condition. For example, breeds with prominent facial features: Bulldogs, Labrador Retrievers, etc., and large dogs: Mastiffs, Newfoundlands, Great Pyrenees, etc. Dogs with ectropion of the eyelid leads to exposure of the conjunctival tissue within the dog’s eyelid, drying out the eye and thus making it more susceptible to external bacteria, often leading to conditions such as conjunctivitis and keratitis. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to eye cleanliness in dogs with ectropion, and to treat serious cases in a timely manner. Symptoms of ectropion can be seen as the eyelid turns outward, tears, and exudate accumulates in the conjunctival folds. The conjunctiva is exposed for a long time causing inflammation and congestion, and the cornea is dry and rough. In cases of prolonged disease, pigmentary keratitis may develop, which can affect vision. Etiology Eyelid ectropion is associated with congenital and hereditary factors, scarring (eyelid surgery, blepharitis), physiological (fatigue, old age), and paralysis. 1. Developmental ectropion Related to congenital heredity, it is commonly seen in St. Bernards, Blood Tees, Great Danes, Newfoundlands, and Bullmastiffs. Laxity of the lower eyelids is common in these dogs, probably due to pronounced broad lids and lack of lateral contraction muscles, and is a standard feature of these breeds. 2. Acquired ectropion Caused by trauma or chronic inflammation, scar formation, fatigue and lid laxity in older dogs, and lid nerve injury can all cause this disease. Treatment 1. In cases where lower eyelid ectropion is not severe, dogs with chronic lacrimal overflow can be treated without surgery and can be treated with antibiotics and corticosteroid eye drops to reduce local irritation and prevent infection. 2. If there is an abnormal increase in secretions, chronic conjunctivitis and blepharospasm occur, surgical correction is appropriate. There are various methods of correction for this condition, but the Wharton-Jones blepharoplasty, also known as the V-Y technique, is generally used. A V-shaped skin incision is made 2-3 mm below the lower eyelid margin of the ectropion with a deep large subcutaneous tissue, the base of which should be wider than the ectropion portion of the lid margin in the V-shape. The subcutaneous tissue is then separated upward from the tip of the V-shaped incision and the triangular flap is gradually freed. Next, appropriate subcutaneous separations are made on both sides of the trabecular margin, and nodal sutures are made from the tip of the V upward, moving the flap upward while suturing until the ectropion of the lower eyelid margin returns to its original shape and is corrected. Finally, the remaining skin incision is closed with nodal sutures, changing the original V-row incision into a Y-shape. The surgery is commonly performed with a #4 or #7 silk suture, maintaining a stitch spacing of 2mm, and the sutures are removed 10-14 days after surgery. After caring for the dog, antibiotic eye drops or ointment need to be applied to the eye 3-4 times a day for 5-7 days. Eliminate symptoms of conjunctivitis or keratitis secondary to eyelid ectropion; also pay attention to animal scratching or rubbing causing damage to the operative area. Pay attention to the usual dog eye hygiene clean and dry, drink more water, appropriate supplementation of trace elements, and do not eat food containing salt and grease.
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