by Janet Farricelli CPDT-KA

Created on: December 18, 2008

Having worked for an animal hospital along with a popular veterinary ophthalmologist, I have seen my fair share of dogs affected by cherry eye. Cherry eye, also known as prolapsed third eyelid, is a condition that can be easily diagnosed by simply looking at the affected dog's eye. The corner of the eye will appear as if swollen and bright red. This is the third eyelid, which normally would be tucked in and not visible.

Dogs of specific breeds seem to be more prone to cherry eye than others, such breeds are as follows:

Bulldogs

Boxers

Boston Terriers

Cocker Spaniels

Beagles

Mastiffs

Basset Hounds

Saint Bernard

Causes of Cherry Eye

The most common cause appears to be a weakness of the ligament maintaining the nictating gland in place. In some cases, states of inflammation may be considered the culprit. The condition may be considered hereditary, and for this reason canine specimens affected by cherry eye should not be bred.

Treatment

Unfortunately, treatment mainly consists of corrective surgery. In some cases eye drops or medications may be tried but they usually are not effective in reducing the swelling. In the past, the third eyelid of dogs affected by cherry eye was totally removed, however, nowadays veterinarians are fully aware of the important role the third eyelid plays in producing tears. It is estimated that the third eyelid contributes to at least 30% of the total tear production. Should the whole third eyelid gland therefore be removed, the affected eye may become dry and can be damaged by a condition called Keratoconjunctivitis sicca requiring life long lubricating eye drops.

Preferably, the gland will be surgically tucked in back in place and a permanent suture will be placed to prevent the gland from prolapsing again. This procedure is done under general anesthesia with the pet usually being discharged the same day. Most likely an Elizabeth collar must be used to prevent the dog from pawing at the injury, interfering with recovery.

Prognosis

The prognosis is better for those that seek attention soon. A prolapsed gland may easily become infected especially when a dog tends to paw at it frequently during the day. Also the gland may irritate the cornea or even create corneal ulcers. Unfortunately, in some cases, cherry eye will recur despite surgery. In such cases it is important to report the occurrence to the veterinarian or veterinarian ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

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