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Overview - Ectropion is the turning out (eversion) of the eyelid. Besides being
unattractive, ectropion can cause irritation because it exposes the sensitive inner lining of the eyelids and eyeballs to irritants. It also allows drying of
the eyeball due to increased tear evaporation. It may also prevent efficient spreading of the tears during the blink reflex.
Dogs that have ectropion must be watched carefully by their owners for possible foreign bodies in their eyes, and the dogs' eyes must be cleaned and often
medicated on a regular basis.
Congenital ectropion is most commonly seen in Breeds with excessive facial skin folds including the Bloodhound, Bullmastiff, Cocker Spaniel,
Newfoundland, St Bernard, Springer Spaniel.
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Treatment - If the ectropion is minor, simply an undesirable cosmetic affect and not
causing any clinical signs no treatment is necessary.
For ectropion associated with clinical signs, there are many surgical procedures
to correct the alignment of the eyelids involving plastic surgery of the skin
and muscle adjacent to the eyelid margins
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