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Cherry Eye, also known by it's medical terminology "prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid", is a common problem of young dogs. Any dog can develop cherry eye, but some dog breeds are more susceptible of getting cherry eye than others. Those breeds are: Beagle, Bloodhound, Boston Terrier, Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Saint Bernard, and Shar-Pei.

What happens in a cherry eye is a tear gland, which is behind the third eyelid, comes out it its normal position and swells. Once it's exposed to the air, it may become irritated, infected, red, and swollen. Your dog should be taken to a vet to be evaluated. Eye drops may be prescribed that can help minimize irritation and swelling.

Many cases of cherry eye are linked to a congenital defect in the ligament that holds the gland in place. It is also possible that the other eye could develop cherry eye at any time.

There are two surgical options to correct cherry eye:

1. The gland is surgically tacked back behind the 3rd eyelid where it belongs. This saves that gland and the valuable tears it produces. This surgery takes a little more skill so you want to make sure you find a dog ophthalmologist. Successes of this option vary greatly. I have heard anywhere from 5% - 90% effective. The disadvantage of this surgery is that very often the gland will prolapse again, requiring another surgery.

2. Remove the gland. This is a quick, simple procedure, but you lose the gland and its valuable tear production. This surgery may predispose your dog to a condition referred to as "dry eye". The tear gland that would be removed produces between 30-35% of tear production in the eye. When this is removed, the eye is still above to produce sufficient tears, unless one of the other tear glands does not work efficiently. When there are not enough tears to lubricate the eye, "Dry Eye" occurs. Your dog will require eye drops daily to help lubricate the eye. The advantage to this surgery is that the cherry eye is completely fixed and will not return again in that eye.

Learn more about this author, Betsy Kellogg.
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