Login
Call us 1300 952 790
Get Your Free Quote
Pet Insurance
About Us
Members Benefits
Vets
Pet Hub
Insurance Hub
Tail Talk Blog
Contact Us

Understanding Ectropion in 
dogs and cats

Causes, symptoms, and treatment

Key symptomsSagging eyelids, visible inner eyelid tissue, redness, watery eyes, recurring infections
CommonalityModerate (more common in dogs than cats)
TransmissionNot contagious
Impact on healthMild to Moderate
(can become serious if untreated)
Treatment cost~$600 to $2,000 AUD
(depending on severity and surgery type)
Treatment duration2 to 4 weeks post-surgery
Ease of preventionDifficult

Most affected dog breeds

  • Bloodhound
  • Basset Hound
  • Cocker Spaniel
  • Saint Bernard
  • Great Dane
  • Labrador Retriever
  • Newfoundland

Most affected cat breeds

  • Rare, but can occur in Persians and Maine Coons

What is Ectropion

  • For the Non-Vets:

Ectropion happens when your pet’s lower eyelid turns outward, leaving part of the inner eyelid exposed. This can make the eyes water constantly, look red, and become irritated. While it might not hurt at first, the exposed tissue can dry out and lead to infection if left untreated.

  • The Vet’s Version:

Ectropion is an eyelid conformation abnormality characterised by outward rolling or drooping of the eyelid margin, leading to exposure of the conjunctiva. This condition can cause chronic irritation, conjunctivitis, keratitis, and excessive tearing. It may be congenital, developmental, or acquired through trauma, facial nerve paralysis, or scarring.

Key takeaways

  • Ectropion is a condition where the lower eyelid droops outward, exposing the inner eye tissue.
  • It can cause eye irritation, excessive tearing, and recurrent infections.
  • Certain breeds are genetically predisposed due to loose facial skin.
  • Mild cases may only require eye lubrication, but severe cases often 
need surgery.
  • Regular vet checkups and eye care can help prevent complications.

Importance for pet owners

Ectropion may seem minor but can become a recurring issue that affects your pet’s comfort and vision. Pets with sagging eyelids are more prone to eye infections and chronic inflammation. Identifying and treating it early helps prevent long-term damage and discomfort.

Understanding Ectropion

The eyelids play a crucial role in protecting the eyes, spreading tears evenly, and preventing dust from entering. In pets with ectropion, the lower eyelid sags or rolls outward, exposing delicate tissues that are normally protected.

This constant exposure leads to dryness, irritation, and sometimes secondary infections. Dogs with droopy or heavy facial skin are particularly prone, especially as they age or after eye inflammation.

Ectropion can affect one or both eyes and may appear on its own or alongside other eyelid issues such as entropion.

Causes of Ectropion

Genetic factors

Many breeds inherit a loose or heavy lower eyelid structure. Breeds like Bloodhounds, Basset Hounds, and Saint Bernards are especially susceptible due to their facial anatomy.

Age and muscle weakness

As dogs and cats age, the muscles supporting the eyelids can weaken, causing the eyelids 
to droop.

Scarring or trauma

Injury, previous surgery, or infection can cause scarring that pulls the eyelid downward.

Facial nerve paralysis

If the nerves controlling the eyelids are damaged, the muscles may lose tone, resulting 
in ectropion.

Chronic eye inflammation

Repeated irritation or conjunctivitis can stretch and weaken the eyelid tissues over time.

Symptoms of Ectropion

Mild symptoms:

  • Constant watery eyes (epiphora)
  • Redness or pinkness around the eyes
  • Slight drooping of one or both lower eyelids

Moderate to severe symptoms:

  • Visible pink tissue lining the eyelid (conjunctiva)
  • Crusting or discharge from the eyes
  • Frequent eye infections
  • Squinting or rubbing at the eyes
  • Sensitivity to light

Tip:

If your pet’s eyes are always watery or red, it may not just be allergies. A vet check can help rule out ectropion or related eye conditions.

Diagnosis of Ectropion

Physical examination

Your vet can usually diagnose ectropion through a visual inspection of the eyelids and conjunctiva.

Eye tests

  • Fluorescein staining: Detects corneal ulcers caused by dryness or rubbing.
  • Tear production test (Schirmer test): Measures tear flow to see if the eye is staying lubricated.

Breed and history review

Your vet will consider your pet’s breed, age, and whether previous infections or injuries might be contributing to the condition.

Treatment for Ectropion

  • Conservative management

Mild cases can often be managed with lubricating eye drops or ointments to keep the eye moist and reduce irritation.

Regular cleaning and vet-prescribed antibiotics may be used if there is mild conjunctivitis or discharge.

  • Surgical treatment

Severe or chronic cases usually require corrective surgery. The goal of surgery is to tighten or shorten the lower eyelid so that it sits snugly against the eye.

Common surgical approaches include:

  • Eyelid shortening or tightening: Removes a small section of skin to lift the eyelid into its normal position.
  • Reconstructive surgery: In cases caused by trauma or nerve damage, reconstructive techniques restore eyelid function.

Surgery generally has a high success rate and greatly improves comfort and appearance.

Postoperative care for Ectropion

Recovery

Most pets recover within 2 to 4 weeks. They may wear an Elizabethan collar to prevent rubbing and will receive antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops.

Monitoring

Swelling and redness are common for a few days after surgery. Your vet will recheck the eyes after one to two weeks to ensure healing is on track.

Long-term management

Some breeds may require ongoing tear lubrication even after surgery, especially those with naturally loose skin.

Cost of treatment for Ectropion

Treatment costs depend on the severity, whether both eyes are affected, and if reconstructive surgery is needed.

  • Consultation and eye exam: $100 to $250
  • Medications and eye drops: $50 to $150
  • Surgery (one eye): $600 to $1,200
  • Surgery (both eyes): $1,200 to $2,000
  • Follow-up visits: $100 to $200

Costs vary by location and vet clinic. Pet insurance can help offset surgical and medical expenses.

Prevention tips for Ectropion

Responsible breeding

Choose breeders who screen for eyelid issues and avoid breeding dogs with known eyelid deformities.

Routine eye checks

Regularly check your pet’s eyes for redness, discharge, or drooping. Schedule a vet visit if symptoms persist.

Proper eye hygiene

Keep your pet’s eyes clean by gently wiping away tears or debris with a soft, damp cloth.

Weight and skin care

Avoid excessive weight gain, as it can worsen sagging skin. Maintain clean and dry facial folds in droopy-faced breeds.

Getting Ectropion covered with pet insurance

What is Petsy Pet Insurance?

Petsy reimburses 80% or 90% of eligible vet costs for unexpected illnesses or injuries once waiting periods have passed. Coverage is customisable, and claims can often be submitted directly by your vet.

Petsy also offers a complimentary Pre-Existing Condition Assessment to clarify which conditions are covered based on your pet’s history.

What is a pre-existing symptom or condition?

Any signs or symptoms of an illness or health issue your pet shows before the exclusion period is over are considered pre-existing symptoms and conditions and won’t be covered. 

Ectropion is a Specified Condition that has a 6 month exclusion period. Once this period has passed without symptoms, it may be covered if it is not pre-existing.

Does Petsy cover Ectropion?

Petsy covers eligible costs for ectropion as long as it’s not pre-existing and no signs or symptoms of ectropion appeared during the exclusion period. Starting your policy early ensures your pet is protected before any symptoms arise.

How Petsy Pet Insurance can help?

Surgical correction for ectropion can be costly, especially if both eyes are affected. Petsy Pet Insurance can help to cover eligible costs for surgery, medication, and follow-up care related to ectropion.

qet a quote now

Waiver form

You can apply to reduce the 6 month exclusion period for Specified Conditions including ectropion.

How to apply:

  1. Complete Part 1 of the Waiver Form.
  2. Have your vet examine your pet and complete Part 2.
  3. Submit the completed form and your pet’s medical history within 14 days of the visit.
  4. Petsy will review it and issue an updated Certificate of Insurance if approved.

You can find the form under Policy Documents on our website or contact us directly to request a copy.

Waiver form

Conclusion

Ectropion may seem like a cosmetic issue, but it can cause chronic irritation and infection if untreated. With timely diagnosis, proper eye care, and corrective surgery, most pets recover fully and enjoy long-term comfort. Regular eye checks, responsible breeding, and early insurance coverage are key to keeping your pet’s eyes healthy and happy.

Frequently asked questions about Ectropion

Ectropion is when the lower eyelid droops outward, exposing the inner eyelid tissue and leading to irritation.

Bloodhounds, Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, and Saint Bernards are commonly affected.

It can cause discomfort, dryness, and infection, but symptoms improve quickly with treatment.

Mild cases may only need lubrication, while severe cases require surgery to tighten the eyelid.

Yes, especially in breeds with very loose skin, but recurrence is uncommon with proper care and follow-up.

Specified Conditions includes:

  • Cruciate ligament damage
  • Intervertebral disc disease
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Patella luxation
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Cherry eye
  • Entropion
  • Ectropion,
  • Osteochondritis dissecans (‘OCD’)
  • Lumps

Lumps means the protuberance or localised area of swelling or unusual growth that can occur anywhere on or in the body including tumours, warts, cysts, growths, mucoceles, haematomas and abscesses.

You can apply to reduce the 6-month exclusion period for Specified Conditions by using our request for Waiver Form. Simply take this form to your next vet visit and submit the completed form back to [email protected] within 14 days of the visit.

Pet Insurance
About Us
Members Benefits
Vets
Pet Hub
Insurance Hub
Tail Talk Blog
Contact Us
Claims Process
Get Your Free Quote
Login
Contact Us

Optional Extra Benefits

During the application process You will be provided with the option to include Optional Extra Benefits that cover certain conditions and Treatments which are not otherwise covered under the Policy.

The Optional Extra Benefits are:

Alternative Therapies, Behavioural Problems, and Dental Illness.

Examples of Alternative Therapies: Acupuncture, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy.

Examples of Behavioural Problems: Excessive licking, fur pulling, pacing and destructive chewing.

Examples of Dental Illnesses: Dental diseases, gingivitis, periodontal disease.