
Ectropion is a
medical condition
A disease is a particular abnormal condition that adversely affects the structure or function (biology), function of all or part of an organism and is not immediately due to any external injury. Diseases are often known to be medical condi ...
in which the lower
eyelid
An eyelid ( ) is a thin fold of skin that covers and protects an eye. The levator palpebrae superioris muscle retracts the eyelid, exposing the cornea to the outside, giving vision. This can be either voluntarily or involuntarily. "Palpebral ...
turns outwards.
It is one of the notable aspects of newborns exhibiting congenital
harlequin-type ichthyosis, but ectropion can occur due to any weakening of tissue of the lower eyelid. The condition can be repaired
surgically. Ectropion is also found in
dog
The dog (''Canis familiaris'' or ''Canis lupus familiaris'') is a domesticated descendant of the gray wolf. Also called the domestic dog, it was selectively bred from a population of wolves during the Late Pleistocene by hunter-gatherers. ...
s as an inherited, developmental condition.
Causes
*Congenital
*Aging
*Scarring
*Mechanical
*Allergic
*
Facial nerve palsy
*Anti-cancer treatments such as erlotinib, cetuximab, and panitumumab, which block the function of EGFR (the epidermal growth factor receptor).
In dogs
Ectropion in dogs usually involves the lower eyelid. Often the condition has no symptoms, but tearing and
conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye or Madras eye, is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, clear layer that covers the white surface of the eye and the inner eyelid. It makes the eye appear pink or reddish. Pain, burning, scratchiness ...
may be seen. Breeds associated with ectropion include the
Saint Bernard, the
Bloodhound
The bloodhound is a large scent hound, originally bred for hunting deer, wild boar, rabbits, and since the Middle Ages, for tracking people. Believed to be descended from hounds once kept at the Abbey of Saint-Hubert, Belgium, in French it is ...
, the
Clumber Spaniel,
Newfoundlands, and the
Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff or is an Italian breed of large dog of mastiff type. It was recognised as a breed by the Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana in 1949, and accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1956.
It descends ...
.
It can also result from
trauma or nerve damage. Treatment (surgery) is recommended only if there is chronic conjunctivitis or if there is
cornea
The cornea is the transparency (optics), transparent front part of the eyeball which covers the Iris (anatomy), iris, pupil, and Anterior chamber of eyeball, anterior chamber. Along with the anterior chamber and Lens (anatomy), lens, the cornea ...
l damage. A small part of the affected lid is removed and then the lid is sewn back together.
See also
*
Cervical ectropion
*
Entropion
Entropion is a medical condition in which the eyelid (usually the lower lid) folds inward. It is very uncomfortable, as the eyelashes continuously rub against the cornea causing irritation. Entropion is usually caused by Genetics, genetic factors. ...
References
External links
{{Congenital malformations and deformations of eye, ear, face and neck
Dog diseases
Disorders of eyelid, lacrimal system and orbit
Congenital disorders of eyes