by Morgan Rodgers

Created on: October 10, 2009

Symptoms

Cherry Eye is a condition where the gland associated with the third eyelid (the nictitating membrane) prolapses (falls out of place) and becomes visible in the inner corner (medial canthus) of the eye. This gland, the nictitans gland, produces about half of the eye's lacrimal fluids (tears), which are spread over the eye by the third eyelid and help to keep the eye well lubricated. Cherry Eye develops when the ligaments surrounding the nictitans gland are weak or underdeveloped and allow the gland to become visible. Once exposed, the nictitans gland becomes irritated, reddens and swells, making it appear as a small red mass (which some say resembles a cherry) in inner corner of the eye. Mild irritation is common and there is often tearing of the eye, but rarely significant pain.

Cherry Eye can be unilateral or bilateral and its presence in one eye is not predictive of development in the other. Some breeds (including the Bassett Hound, Beagle, Boston Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, English Bulldog and Shar Pei) are more predisposed to developing Cherry Eye but the actual etiology is unknown. Almost exclusively a disease of young dogs (less than 2 years old), Cherry Eye does occasionally occurs in cats, most notably in the Burmese. Unfortunately, Cherry Eye in a mature dog often indicates the presence of a neoplasm (tumor) in the gland.

What To Do

If you notice swollen tissue in the corners of your pet's eye or eyes, Cherry Eye should be suspected. In some animals, the nictitans will be visible intermittently, and may resolve spontaneously (however, you should mention it to your veterinarian on your next annual exam). If the gland does not recede, you will need to have your pet examined by a veterinarian. If possible, you should seek the advice of a veterinarian with extensive training in eye diseases (a veterinary ophthalmologist).

What To Expect At The Veterinarian

While Cherry Eye is easily diagnosed by examination, your veterinary ophthalmologist will examine your dog's eyes thoroughly to be sure Cherry Eye is not a symptom of another disease. The treatment for Cherry Eye is to return the gland to the correct location and surgically tack it down. Failure to replace the gland can lead to corneal damage and permanent vision loss. For many decades, the standard treatment for Cherry Eye was to surgically excise (remove) the gland. As gland's function, and the role it plays in keeping the eye lubricated, has become more understood, this procedure has become

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