Cherry Eye in Dog
The term's often used to describe protrusion of the tear gland associated with the third eyelid membrane in the corner of the eye.
This occurs due to weakness in the gland's normal attachments and is thought to be an inherited abnormality in several breeds of dogs, including the English Bulldog, Cocker Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, and Shar Pei.
The third eyelid serves as added protection for the eye through an interesting ability to close upward and over the dog's eyeball.
Dogs are able to retract the entire eyeball backward into the eye socket, and coupled with this retraction is the third eyelid's ability to slide up and over the retracted globe.
On the underside of the third eyelid is a small gland. It secretes about 30 percent of the eye's tear production. Most surgeons prefer to preserve this gland at the time of surgery to correct Cherry Eye in Dog.
Because if the other tear producing apparatus ever fails due to infection, trauma, or autoimmune disorders, the gland of the third eyelid will be of benefit to the dog's eye.
Once the tear production of an eye fails, a chronic dryness ensues and adversely impacts the health of the eye surfaces.
This "dry eye" is called Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). Long term medication is then required to keep the eyeball moist.
Treatment is considered when irritation of the cornea is experienced.
Topically applied ointments and eye drops may sufficiently control the irritation. If irritation occurs, and topical medication is required on a continual basis, surgery then should be considered.
This involves surgically replacing the gland into its normal position and attaching it with sutures.
Most veterinarians can perform this simple surgical procedure.
Surgery for this condition is done under general anesthesia. Your pet is able to go home the same afternoon.
There may be some swelling and redness of the eye which will resolve over the first 3-5 days. Surgery is most likely to be successful if it is done soon after the gland prolapses.
With time, prolonged swelling of the gland can make repositioning more difficult and recurrence more likely.
It is generally advisable to consider the procedure to
correct Cherry Eye in Dog due to the irritation and
potential damage that can result from the dog pawing or
scratching at the affected eye.
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