Surgical Correction of Entropion and Ectropion: Techniques and Outcomes
When Squinting Means More Than a Bad Hair Day
You know that look your dog gives you when the sun is in their eyes? A little squint, maybe a head tilt. Totally normal. But when the squinting doesn’t stop, or you notice tear stains that won’t clear up no matter what you try, or your pet keeps rubbing their face on the carpet like they’re trying to scratch an itch they can’t quite reach, something else might be going on.
Entropion and ectropion are two eyelid conditions that sound complicated but are actually pretty straightforward. One rolls the eyelid inward so that fur and lashes rub against the eye. The other lets the eyelid droop outward, exposing the delicate inner lining to dust and debris. Both are uncomfortable, and both can get worse without treatment. The good news is that they’re very treatable, and most pets bounce back quickly once the problem is corrected.
At Rustebakke Veterinary Service in Clarkston, WA, we see eyelid problems regularly and know how to match the right approach to your pet’s specific situation. If you’re noticing ongoing eye discomfort, we can walk you through options, including our surgery services. Please request an appointment so we can help your pet feel better.
Why Do Eyelid Problems Happen?
Seeing your pet squint, tear up, or shy away from light is stressful, especially when it keeps happening and eye drops don’t seem to fix it. Entropion and ectropion change how the eyelids sit against the eye, and when that fit is off, the eye pays the price. The reassuring part is that once we identify what’s going on, most pets respond really well to treatment.
We check lid position, tear quality, and the eye’s surface during exams, then explain what we’re seeing in plain terms so you can make confident decisions about your pet’s care.
What Exactly Are Entropion and Ectropion?
Entropion: When the Eyelid Rolls Inward
Entropion is when the eyelid rolls toward the eye, pushing eyelashes or fur directly against the cornea. Imagine having a strand of hair stuck in your eye that you can’t blink away. That constant rubbing causes pain, redness, squinting, watery eyes, and sometimes scratches on the cornea that can become serious if left alone.
Some dogs are born with a tendency toward entropion, while others develop a temporary version when a painful eye condition (like an ulcer) causes them to clamp their lids tightly. Figuring out which type your pet has matters because it changes the treatment plan. During an exam, we may check tears, stain the cornea to look for scratches, and assess the lid margins using our in-house diagnostic capabilities.
Ectropion: When the Eyelid Droops Outward
Ectropion is the opposite situation. The lower eyelid sags away from the eye, creating a pocket where dust, pollen, and bacteria collect. You might notice redness along the inner lid, a goopy discharge, or eyes that just always look a little irritated. While it may seem mild compared to entropion, that ongoing exposure makes infections more likely over time.
Breeds with loose facial skin are especially prone to ectropion, and the droop can deepen with age. We look at how well the lids protect the eye during blinking and discuss whether the condition needs monitoring, medical management, or surgical correction. Our small animal team helps you decide what makes the most sense for your pet.
Which Breeds Are Most at Risk?
Some dogs are simply built in ways that make eyelid problems more likely, and certain hereditary eyelid conditions run in families. That’s why early screening matters, especially for breeds with heavy facial folds, prominent eyes, or loose skin.
Breeds commonly affected by entropion: Shar-Peis, Chow Chows, Bulldogs, Mastiffs, Rottweilers, and Spaniels. Flat-faced breeds often develop entropion in the inner corners of the eye, where the folds are most pronounced.
Breeds commonly affected by ectropion: Saint Bernards, Bloodhounds, Basset Hounds, and Cocker Spaniels.
Cats can develop entropion too, though it’s more often linked to chronic eye disease or age-related changes than to breed structure.
Some eyelid problems show up in puppyhood and are clearly congenital, while others develop after injury, inflammation, or simply with age. Lids can tighten or loosen over time, and chronic irritation from other eye conditions can trigger temporary entropion that resolves once the underlying pain is treated. We watch for eyelid disorders during puppy and kitten visits, and our small animal wellness care builds in regular eye evaluations so we can catch problems before they escalate.
What Symptoms Should Send You to the Vet?
If you notice squinting, redness, tear staining, discharge, pawing at the face, or visible eyelid rolling, it’s worth booking an exam sooner rather than later. Eye issues can progress quickly, and early treatment is almost always simpler and more effective.
- Excessive tearing or discharge that doesn’t clear up
- Squinting, frequent blinking, or holding one eye partially closed
- Redness along the eyelid rims or inner lining
- Pawing at the face or rubbing against furniture and carpet
- Visible eyelid rolling, drooping, or a pocket that traps debris
What starts as mild irritation can progress to corneal ulcers if the rubbing continues unchecked. If you’re seeing any of these signs, please request an appointment so we can take a closer look and help your pet find relief.
How Do We Diagnose Eyelid Problems?
We start with a gentle eye exam to assess lid position, the surface of the eye, and tear quality. A numbing drop can help us tell the difference between temporary lid tightening from pain and a true structural roll, which is an important distinction for treatment planning.
A comprehensive evaluation may include:
- Tear testing to screen for dry eye
- Fluorescein staining to check for scratches or ulcers on the cornea
- Magnified inspection for extra eyelashes or abnormal hair growth
- Assessment of both eyes and overall facial structure
- In complex cases, imaging or ophthalmology referral
Our team identifies the underlying cause and builds a care plan with you, keeping you informed at every step so nothing feels like a surprise.
What Happens If Eyelid Problems Go Untreated?
This is a question we hear often, especially from owners whose pets seem to be managing okay despite some squinting or tearing. The honest answer is that eyelid problems rarely stay the same. They tend to get worse over time, and the longer the eye is exposed to irritation, the more damage accumulates.
With untreated entropion, the constant friction of fur and lashes against the cornea causes ongoing micro-trauma. Over weeks and months, this can lead to corneal ulcers that deepen and become infected, permanent scarring that clouds vision even after the lid is eventually corrected, pigmentation changes where the body deposits dark pigment over the cornea as a protective response (which blocks light and reduces vision), and chronic pain that affects your pet’s quality of life, appetite, and willingness to play.
With untreated ectropion, the exposed inner lid becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Chronic conjunctivitis, recurrent eye infections, and persistent discharge become part of daily life. The cornea may dry out in the exposed areas, leading to its own set of complications.
In both cases, the damage that accumulates while waiting makes eventual treatment more complex and recovery less predictable. A straightforward surgery performed early, before the cornea is scarred or pigmented, typically produces the best cosmetic and functional results. The longer the eye has been irritated, the more likely some permanent changes will remain even after correction.
If you’ve been watching and waiting, that’s understandable. But if symptoms are consistent or worsening, earlier intervention almost always means a simpler procedure and a better outcome.
What Are the Surgical Options?
When Are Temporary Treatments Used?
Temporary tacking sutures are a useful first step in certain situations. They hold the eyelid in a more comfortable position without committing to permanent correction, which makes them ideal for young, growing puppies whose facial structure is still changing, or for pets whose eyelid rolling is caused by pain from an ulcer or infection rather than anatomy.
Temporary measures work well when:
- A puppy’s face is still maturing and the final lid position isn’t clear yet
- Surface pain is causing spastic entropion that may resolve on its own
- We want to see how the eye responds before planning permanent surgery
These surgical alternatives can be repeated if needed and often provide immediate comfort. Once the face is mature or anatomy is clearly the root cause, permanent surgery offers lasting relief. Our surgery services include both temporary and permanent approaches tailored to your pet’s situation.
Which Permanent Techniques Are Most Common?
The goal of permanent correction is a natural, protective eyelid that sits comfortably against the eye without being too tight or too loose. For entropion, the modified Hotz-Celsus technique removes a small crescent of skin just below the lid margin to roll the eyelid back to its proper position. For ectropion, wedge resections shorten stretched tissue, and V-to-Y blepharoplasty can address more pronounced droop.
We choose techniques based on breed, facial structure, which eyelids are involved, and how much correction is needed. Some pets need a combination approach to restore full coverage. Our team stays current with eyelid surgery techniques and follows protocols that prioritize safety and a natural-looking result.
Are There Special Considerations for Cats?
Yes. Feline entropion tends to show up in adult or senior cats and is often connected to chronic eye disease or age-related tissue changes rather than breed structure. Many cats benefit from a combination procedure that addresses both the eyelid position and any corneal issues at the same time.
Managing entropion in cats means planning for both eyelid correction and corneal care, since the two often go hand in hand. Our small animal team creates a plan that respects feline sensitivity and gives healing the best chance.
What Happens on Surgery Day?
Your pet receives a preoperative exam and, when appropriate, bloodwork to make sure anesthesia is safe. We use modern monitoring, warming support, and anesthesia protocols tailored to your pet’s age, breed, and health.
Most eyelid corrections are brief procedures with same-day discharge. Pain control starts before surgery and continues through recovery, so your pet wakes up comfortable. Throughout the process, our surgery services focus on safety, comfort, and clear communication so you know exactly what to expect and when to expect it.
What Is Recovery Like?
The First Few Days at Home
Expect mild swelling and bruising for the first day or two, visible sutures along the eyelid, and the need for an Elizabethan collar (the cone of shame, as it’s affectionately known). Follow the medication plan closely, and don’t hesitate to call if something doesn’t look right.
Home care tips:
- Keep the cone on so your pet can’t rub or scratch at the sutures. We know it’s not their favorite accessory, but it’s protecting a lot of delicate work.
- Give pain relief and eye medications on schedule. Giving eye drops can feel awkward at first, but it gets easier quickly. Helpful guidance on administering eye medications walks you through the technique.
- Use short cold compresses if recommended.
- Limit activity and avoid dusty or windy environments.
- Watch for rapidly increasing swelling, thick discharge, odor, or broken sutures.
If anything seems off, please contact us right away. We’d always rather hear from you early than have a small concern become a bigger one.
Healing Timeline and Follow-Up
Initial healing usually takes 10 to 14 days, and sutures are typically removed around that time. Swelling may take a few additional weeks to fully settle, and the final lid position refines as tissues relax. Recheck exams confirm the eyelids are protecting the eye the way they should.
Growing pets or those with very loose skin may need staged adjustments later. We intentionally correct conservatively to avoid overcorrecting, which is harder to fix than under-correcting. Follow-up visits are built into our small animal care to monitor healing and answer your questions as your pet gets back to normal.
How Successful Is Eyelid Surgery?
Very. Surgical correction of entropion and ectropion has a strong track record when carefully planned. Most pets experience noticeable relief within days and enjoy long-term comfort after healing is complete.
Prognosis depends on a few factors: how long the eye was irritated before surgery, whether the cornea sustained any damage, your pet’s age and facial maturity, and how closely aftercare instructions are followed.
What owners can expect:
- Quality of life improves quickly once the rubbing and exposure stop
- Some corneal scarring may remain if ulcers were present, but vision is usually preserved
- Complications are uncommon and typically manageable with follow-up care
- For breeding animals, genetic counseling may be appropriate, and some breed registries have rules about exhibition after corrective eyelid surgery, so it’s worth checking those guidelines in advance
If you’re unsure whether your pet needs surgery or what the timeline looks like, we’re happy to talk it through and help you decide the best path forward.
How Can You Protect Your Pet’s Eyes Long-Term?
Prevention starts with routine checkups to monitor eyelid fit and corneal health, especially in breeds with loose skin or prominent eyes. At home, managing dust and wind exposure helps, and working with your veterinarian to control allergies or dry eye keeps the surface calm and comfortable.
Our small animal wellness care includes breed-specific guidance so you know what to watch for at each stage of your pet’s life. If new symptoms pop up between visits, our urgent pet care offers same-day exams to get your pet help when they need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between entropion and ectropion? Entropion rolls the eyelid inward so fur and lashes rub the eye. Ectropion droops the eyelid outward, leaving the inner lining exposed. Both cause irritation and discharge, but in different ways.
Can puppies grow out of entropion? Some mild cases improve as the face matures. Temporary tacking can keep the eye comfortable while your puppy grows, and we reassess once facial structure is more settled.
Do all cases need surgery? Not always. Temporary tacking, treating underlying ulcers or infections, and managing inflammation can help in some situations. But when the structure of the eyelid is the core problem, surgery provides the most reliable, lasting relief.
How long is recovery? Most pets heal in 10 to 14 days, with residual swelling settling over a few weeks. We’ll guide you on when to remove sutures and when it’s safe to resume normal activity.
Will my pet need more than one surgery? Growing pets or those with very loose skin sometimes need staged corrections. A careful, conservative first surgery helps ensure the best final result without overcorrecting.
We’re Here to Help Your Pet See Comfortably
Entropion and ectropion are highly treatable, especially when caught early before the cornea sustains lasting damage. At Rustebakke Veterinary Service, we combine community-focused care with the expertise and tools to diagnose, correct, and support recovery from eyelid problems, big or small.
If your pet is squinting, tearing, or acting sensitive around the eyes, let us take a closer look. Contact us with questions about your pet’s symptoms, or request an appointment for an eye evaluation. Our diagnostics and surgery services provide care from first exam through full recovery. We’re in your corner, and we’ll help you figure out the right next step.
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