Ectropion in dogs: when to operate?
3-year-old Basset Hound with moderate bilateral lower eyelid ectropion, slightly exposed and mildly hyperaemic conjunctiva, no significant discharge and no corneal lesions. Schirmer and fluorescein normal.
What is the most appropriate management?
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A. Conservative management with cleaning and lubricant, with surgery only if chronic conjunctivitis or corneal lesions develop
Correct. Mild to moderate ectropion in breeds such as Basset Hounds, Bloodhounds, St Bernards or Cocker Spaniels is usually well tolerated. Surgery (wedge eyelid shortening or Kuhnt-Szymanowski-type techniques) is indicated when it causes chronic conjunctivitis, exposure keratitis or discomfort.
B. Hotz-Celsus procedure on both lower eyelids
Hotz-Celsus everts the eyelid and is used for entropion; in ectropion it would worsen the eversion.
C. Long-term topical corticosteroid to control the hyperaemia
Mild hyperaemia results from exposure, not an immune-mediated process. Long-term corticosteroid does not correct the cause and increases the risk of infection and ulceration.
D. Urgent surgery to stop the ectropion progressing to blindness
Without clinical signs there is no urgency; many dogs with conformational ectropion live their whole lives with local care alone.
lightbulb Key takeaway
Besides conformational ectropion, look for acquired causes: facial paralysis, scarring, overcorrected entropion, or weight and muscle tone loss in older dogs. V-Y plasty is used for cicatricial ectropion.
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Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.