Ectropion is an eyelid deformity in which your dog’s eyelid droops outward. Ectropion can occur in only one eyelid, or it may be present in both. Ectropion generally impacts the lower eyelids.

You will notice your dog’s eyelid or eyelids droop outward. This will make the inside of eyelid more visible, which can make your dog’s eyelid appear inflamed or red. However, the eyelid sometimes is indeed inflamed and painful because it has been exposed to the elements more so than would normally happen if the eyelid did not droop outwards. If there is pain and/or inflammation you may notice your dog blinking or squinting.

Ectropion can be a genetic or acquired condition. In some cases, genetic ectropion is actually a normal characteristic of your dog’s breed standard. This is the case with, for example, Basset Hounds. Acquired ectropion may be caused by scarring from eyelid surgeries such as entropion repair, trauma, eyelid inflammation or facial paralysis. A case of temporary ectropion may happen in some dogs when they are extremely tired.

Your vet will diagnose ectropion during a physical exam of your dog.

For mild cases your vet may elect not to treat this condition except perhaps to prescribe eye lubricating drops or eye medication if minor inflammation is present. For more serious cases such as if the ectropion causes pain moderate or severe inflammation, your vet will likely opt to surgically correct the ectropion by removing or re-shaping part of your dog’s eyelid.

For genetic ectropion, severely affected dogs should not be bred and you should not acquire a dog with a family history of this condition. For acquired ectropion, you should safeguard your dog from trauma and disease.

No, you cannot contract ectropion from your dog.