Ectropion & Entropion in Picardy Spaniels: Risks & Puppy Buying Guide

The Picardy spaniel is a charming but lesser-known spaniel breed in the UK, with a strong heritage as a hunting and retrieving dog in France. This breed’s distinctive large, soulful eyes contribute to its heightened risk of developing certain eye conditions, notably ectropion and entropion, which affect the eyelids and eye health.

While Picardy spaniels generally enjoy robust health, understanding these inherited eye disorders is crucial, particularly for prospective puppy buyers and owners committed to responsible care.

What Are Ectropion and Entropion?

Ectropion and entropion are hereditary eyelid disorders prevalent in Picardy spaniels due to their facial conformation.

Ectropion involves the lower eyelid drooping outwards, exposing sensitive inner eyelid tissues. This can cause soreness, inflammation, excessive tearing, tear staining, and increases the risk of eye infections and foreign body damage.

Entropion is the inward rolling of the eyelid, causing the eyelashes to rub against the eye’s surface. This leads to irritation, eye discharge, corneal ulcers, pain, and can severely damage vision if untreated.

Why Are Picardy Spaniels at Increased Risk?

These eye conditions are hereditary. If a parent has ectropion or entropion, there is a higher likelihood their puppies may inherit the predisposition. The breed’s facial structure with large eyes means the eyelids are more susceptible to abnormal positioning.

Moreover, the relatively small gene pool of Picardy spaniels in the UK can magnify these inherited risks, especially without widespread health screening.

Recognising These Eye Conditions

Spotting ectropion or entropion early is important for prompt veterinary care.

• Signs of Entropion: Eyelids rolling inward, excessive blinking, squinting, redness, discharge, and pawing at the eye.
• Signs of Ectropion: Eyelids drooping outward, redness, mucoid discharge, excessive tearing, and apparent eye soreness.

Symptoms can overlap, so veterinary diagnosis often involves a hands-on eye exam and sometimes fluorescein staining to check for corneal ulcers.

Responsible Puppy Buying: Ensuring Health

Currently, no definitive DNA tests exist for predicting ectropion or entropion in Picardy spaniels, but good breeding practices can reduce these risks.

If you are considering a Picardy spaniel puppy, follow these guidelines:

• Choose a reputable breeder who can provide detailed health histories of both parents, especially concerning their eye health.
• Inspect the eyes of both the dam and sire for any signs of ectropion or entropion during your visit.
• Ask the breeder about any history of these conditions among the litter’s close relatives.
• Ensure the puppy appears bright, curious, and healthy, with clear eyes free from excessive tearing or discharge.
• Seek out breeders who follow Kennel Club health standards and practice responsible breeding to minimise hereditary conditions.

UK Veterinary Advice on Treatment and Prevention

According to 2025 UK veterinary consensus:

• Entropion usually requires surgical correction, ideally done when the dog reaches adult size (6-12 months) to prevent over- or under-correction.
• Ectropion is often managed medically using lubricating eye drops or ointments; surgery is less common and depends on the severity.
• Early screening in predisposed breeds helps prompt treatment and reduces long-term eye damage.
• Responsible breeding to avoid producing affected puppies is a vital preventative measure.

Genetics and Hereditary Eye Diseases in Picardy Spaniels

While specific genetic tests for ectropion and entropion are not yet available for this breed, general hereditary eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts are concerns in dogs. Research continues, and advances in genetic screening promise better health prospects for the breed in the future.

Potential owners should stay informed via trusted veterinary sources and breed clubs.

Summary and Next Steps

Picardy spaniels are beautiful and intelligent dogs with a strong working heritage. Being aware of the potential for ectropion and entropion and how to detect these conditions early is invaluable to their health and welfare.

For anyone seeking a puppy, prioritise responsible breeders who put health and welfare first, understanding the breed’s specific risks and care needs.

Regular veterinary check-ups and early intervention can ensure your Picardy spaniel enjoys a comfortable, happy life free from avoidable eye problems.