How to Spot the 5 Early Signs of Ectropion in Saint Bernards
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As a Saint Bernard owner, have you noticed your dog’s eyes watering more than usual or the inside of their eyelids red and irritated?
Have you caught them squinting, blinking excessively, or pawing at their eyes?
These could be early signs that your dog is developing a common eyelid condition called ectropion. Left untreated, ectropion can cause vision problems, eye infections, and ongoing pain and discomfort for affected dogs.
In this article, you’ll discover the 5 key warning signs of ectropion in Saint Bernards. As a canine health writer who has researched this condition, my goal is to help you identify ectropion as early as possible, so you can get veterinary help right away—before complications set in.
You’ll learn what causes ectropion, the risks it poses for a dog’s eye health, and how to get an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. I’ll also provide tips on preventing ectropion so your dog can maintain clear, comfortable vision for years to come. Don’t wait until it’s too late!
The 5 Early Signs of Ectropion in Saint Bernards
Ectropion is an outward rolling or sagging of the eyelid, causing the inner eyelid lining to be exposed. This can lead to irritation, infection, and even vision impairment if left untreated.
In Saint Bernards, keep a close watch for these 5 key early signs of ectropion:
Excessive Tearing
One of the earliest and most telling signs of ectropion is excessive tearing from the eye, known clinically as epiphora. According to veterinary research, a good portion of dogs with ectropion experience abnormal tearing. You’ll likely first notice clear, watery discharge coming from your Saint Bernard’s eye as the tear ducts overproduce fluid.
This abnormal overflow of tears occurs because with ectropion, the sagging or outward-curled eyelid loses its tight seal against the eyeball. This causes tears to spill out over the lid margin rather than draining properly through the puncta and nasolacrimal ducts.
You may observe:
- Trails of tears streaming down your dog’s face
- Damp, matted fur below the eyes
- Soaked areas on your dog’s face that never fully dry
- Tear stains around the eyes and on the cheeks
- Constant dampness of your dog’s facial hair
It’s crucial not to ignore this early symptom. While some tearing could result from minor irritation, frequent watery eyes in Saint Bernards is likely a red flag for underlying ectropion. Catching this problem early allows treatment before major corneal damage or infections develop.
Promptly consult your vet if you notice excessive wetness around your dog’s eyes. Early intervention for ectropion can help prevent permanent eye health consequences and relieve your dog’s discomfort. In the meantime, artificial tear ointments may temporarily soothe irritated eyes.
Eye Redness and Irritation
Red, irritated eyes are another common symptom of ectropion in Saint Bernards. When the eyelid sags outward, it exposes the conjunctiva instead of protecting it behind the eyelid where it belongs. The conjunctiva is the delicate pink tissue lining the inner surface of the eyelids and covering the white of the eye.
When this sensitive membrane is left exposed due to ectropion, it becomes inflamed and irritated. You may notice the white part of your dog’s eye taking on a pinkish, reddish hue instead of the normal pearly white color.
In addition to redness, the conjunctiva may look swollen around the cornea. There is often tenderness and discomfort when you examine the eyelid area. Some dogs with ectropion rub or scratch at their eyes frequently due to the irritation.
Left untreated, the chronic irritation can progress to a serious condition called conjunctivitis, or infection/inflammation of the conjunctiva membrane itself. This requires antibiotic eye drops from the veterinarian.
Red, irritated eyes are the body’s way of signaling discomfort and vulnerability due to compromised eyelid anatomy. Quick follow up with your vet helps soothe inflammation and prevent it worsening into a full-blown infection. Temporary relief can come from rinsing the eye with sterile saline and applying cool compresses.
Squinting or Excessive Blinking
Frequent squinting or rapid blinking are common symptoms of irritation and discomfort caused by ectropion in Saint Bernards. According to veterinary research, dogs with ectropion may squint or blink excessively.
When the eyelid droops outward, it exposes the sensitive inner eyelid surface and eyeball. Contact with air, sunlight, or any touch or pressure becomes uncomfortable or even painful. This triggers a reflex to tightly shut or squeeze the eyelids closed (squinting) or rapidly flutter the eyelids open and closed (blinking).
You may notice frequent squinting, especially in bright light. The sunlight shining directly onto the unprotected membrane causes your dog to squint and try to shield their eyes by squeezing them shut. Squinting tends to come and go.
Blinking is distinguished by very fast opening and closing of the eyelids, sometimes repeatedly. It can occur in any lighting. Blinking helps spread tears over the surface of the eye for lubrication and protection.
In dogs with ectropion, constant blinking is an attempt to defend the eye against irritation and keep it moist when the eyelid is not closing properly. Over time, some dogs develop a habitual blink response.
While minor eye irritation may cause temporary squinting or blinking, consistent symptoms likely indicate ectropion discomfort and exposure. Proper eyelid positioning by a vet will help resolve this issue before damage or secondary injuries occur.
Corneal Damage in Saint Bernards
One of the most serious complications of ectropion in Saint Bernards is potential damage to the cornea – the clear outer layer covering the front of the eye. Under normal conditions, the cornea is kept healthy by tears and protected by the snug eyelid closure.
With ectropion, the sagging eyelid characteristic of this breed interferes with these natural protections for corneal health. The abnormal lid shape and position causes inadequate tear distribution and leaves the cornea exposed to irritation.
Over time, the Saint Bernard’s cornea is at risk for developing ulcers, scratches, or other damage from the constant irritation. You may notice a cloudy, bruised, or bluish spot on the cornea indicating an ulcer site. There is usually sensitivity and pain around the corneal ulcer as well.
Another common corneal complication with chronic ectropion in Saint Bernards is keratoconjunctivitis sicca, also known as KCS or “dry eye disease”. Tear production decreases over time, leaving the cornea vulnerable to desiccation damage.
Keeping the cornea lubricated with ophthalmic drops/ointments and preventing ectropion from worsening are key to avoiding permanent corneal injury and vision problems in your Saint Bernard.
Corneal Damage in Saint Bernards
One of the most serious complications of ectropion in Saint Bernards is potential damage to the cornea – the clear outer layer covering the front of the eye. Under normal conditions, the cornea is kept healthy by tears and protected by the snug eyelid closure.
With ectropion, the sagging eyelid characteristic of this breed interferes with these natural protections for corneal health. The abnormal lid shape and position causes inadequate tear distribution and leaves the cornea exposed to irritation.
Over time, the Saint Bernard’s cornea is at risk for developing ulcers, scratches, or other damage from the constant irritation. You may notice a cloudy, bruised, or bluish spot on the cornea indicating an ulcer site. There is usually sensitivity and pain around the corneal ulcer as well.
Another common corneal complication with chronic ectropion in Saint Bernards is keratoconjunctivitis sicca, also known as KCS or “dry eye disease”. Tear production decreases over time, leaving the cornea vulnerable to desiccation damage.
Keeping the cornea lubricated with ophthalmic drops/ointments and preventing ectropion from worsening are key to avoiding permanent corneal injury and vision problems in your Saint Bernard.
FAQ
Ectropion in Saint Bernards can be caused by several factors. Genetics play a major role, as some bloodlines are predisposed to having excess facial skin and loose eyelids. Age is another cause, as many Saint Bernards develop acquired ectropion later in life due to gradual eyelid laxity. Severe ectropion can also result from paralysis of the facial nerves, which causes loss of muscular tone around the eyelids. Less common causes include excessive droopy facial folds, trauma from an injury near the eye, and scarring from conditions like dermatitis affecting the eyelid. Overall, hereditary conformation, aging, and nerve damage are the most prevalent culprits of ectropion in this breed.
Most cases of acquired ectropion in Saint Bernards present between 4-8 years of age as mature adults. The onset is typically gradual over time. Congenital ectropion evident from birth is relatively rare in the breed. Saint Bernard puppies may be born with slightly loose eyelids, but severe eversion and symptoms tend to manifest later in adulthood once the facial skin and eyelid muscles relax with age. Owners should monitor for any developing eyelid changes throughout their Saint Bernard’s lifetime.
Diagnosing ectropion involves a complete ophthalmic exam by a veterinary eye specialist. The vet will evaluate the eyelid anatomy and degree of eversion or drooping. They will also test tear production and corneal sensitivity, which can be impaired by ectropion. Fluorescein dye may be applied to check for any corneal scratches or ulcers that could indicate eyelid irritation. Based on the clinical appearance and exam findings, the vet can definitively diagnose ectropion and determine next steps for treatment.
Treating ectropion in Saint Bernards often starts with topical eye medications like lubricating ointments and antibiotic drops if needed for any secondary inflammation or infection. For severe ectropion, surgery to tighten and shorten the eyelids may be required, such as medial/lateral canthoplasty procedures. Post-surgically, an Elizabethan collar is imperative to prevent rubbing and disruption of incision sites. Ongoing management includes keeping facial folds clean and dry and providing eye protection outdoors. Mild cases sometimes only call for conservative treatment with lubrication and monitoring.
Some tips for preventing ectropion in Saint Bernards include: selecting a puppy from lines devoid of eyelid issues or excessive facial skin, consistently cleaning facial folds as puppies to avoid dermatitis scarring, using goggles and sun protection outdoors, having annual veterinary eye exams to catch early changes, and monitoring eyelids daily for any signs of looseness or irritation. Promptly treating any minor eyelid inflammation may also prevent it worsening into ectropion over time. Overall, responsible breeding, proactive care, and vigilance for subtle changes are key to reducing ectropion risk.
Conclusion
In summary, ectropion is an outward rolling of the eyelids that can cause significant discomfort and impair vision in affected Saint Bernards. Being able to identify the early signs, like excessive tearing, eye redness, squinting, blinking, and corneal issues, is crucial for seeking prompt veterinary diagnosis and treatment. While ectropion cannot always be prevented, responsible breeding, consistent eye care, and diligent monitoring for subtle changes can reduce risk in susceptible breeds like the Saint Bernard.
If your Saint Bernard is exhibiting any symptoms of eyelid irritation, inflammation, or conformational abnormalities, schedule an ophthalmology exam right away. The veterinary eye specialist will be able to recommend appropriate medicated drops, ointments, or surgical correction to relieve symptoms and support ocular health. With early intervention, most dogs can go on to lead comfortable lives despite inheriting genetic eyelid predispositions. Do not wait until ectropion has advanced to take action. Protect your Saint Bernard’s eyesight and wellbeing by catching problems early.
