Cherry Eye in Dogs: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

As your trusted partner in pet care, Oklahoma Veterinary Specialists is committed to providing you with comprehensive information about various health conditions that can affect your furry family members. Today, we're diving deep into a common eye condition in dogs known as "cherry eye."

What is Cherry Eye?

Cherry eye, medically known as prolapse of the third eyelid gland, is a condition that affects the nictitating membrane or "third eyelid" in dogs. This membrane, located in the inner corner of the eye, contains a tear gland that produces a significant portion of the eye's tears. When this gland becomes inflamed or displaced, it can protrude from behind the third eyelid, resulting in a red, swollen mass that resembles a cherry - hence the name "cherry eye."

Identifying Cherry Eye

As a pet owner, being able to identify potential health issues early is crucial. Here are some key signs to look out for when it comes to cherry eye:

1. A visible red mass: The most obvious sign of cherry eye is a red, oval mass protruding from the corner of your dog's eye. It can vary in size but is typically quite noticeable.
2. Eye irritation: Your dog may show signs of discomfort, such as pawing at the affected eye or excessive blinking.
3. Watery eyes: The displacement of the tear gland can lead to inadequate tear production, resulting in dry eye or excessive tearing.
4. Swelling: The area around the eye may appear swollen or inflamed.
5. Changes in eye appearance: The affected eye might look different from the other eye, even if the red mass isn't always visible.

It's important to note that cherry eye can occur in one or both eyes and can happen suddenly. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult with a veterinary professional promptly.

Breeds Prone to Cherry Eye

While cherry eye can affect any dog breed, some are more predisposed to this condition than others. Breeds with a higher risk of developing cherry eye include:

1. Beagle
2. Boston Terrier
3. Bulldog (English and French)
4. Cocker Spaniel
5. Lhasa Apso
6. Pekingese
7. Poodle
8. Neapolitan Mastiff
9. Newfoundland
10. Shar Pei

If you own one of these breeds, it's especially important to be vigilant about your pet's eye health and to schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian.

Treatment Options for Cherry Eye

At Oklahoma Veterinary Specialists, we believe in providing the most effective and least invasive treatment options for your pets. When it comes to cherry eye, there are several approaches we consider:

1. Manual Repositioning: In some cases, especially if caught early, the prolapsed gland can be manually pushed back into place. However, this is often a temporary solution, and the condition frequently recurs.
2. Surgical Correction: This is the most common and effective treatment for cherry eye. The goal of surgery is to reposition the gland and secure it in its proper place. There are two main surgical techniques:a) Pocket Technique: This involves creating a pocket in the third eyelid and tucking the gland back into place.b) Anchoring Technique: Here, the gland is sutured to the deeper tissues of the eye socket to hold it in place.
3. Gland Removal: In the past, complete removal of the gland was sometimes recommended. However, this approach is now generally avoided as it can lead to dry eye syndrome, which can cause long-term eye health issues.

Our board-certified veterinary specialists will assess your dog's specific case and recommend the most appropriate treatment option.

Post-Operative Care and Potential Complications

After surgery for cherry eye, proper post-operative care is crucial for a successful recovery. Here's what you can expect:

1. Medication: Your dog will likely be prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications to prevent infection and reduce swelling.
2. Elizabethan collar: Your pet will need to wear an E-collar to prevent scratching or rubbing the surgical site.
3. Limited activity: Restricting your dog's activity for a period after surgery is important to allow proper healing.
4. Follow-up appointments: Regular check-ups will be necessary to monitor the healing process.

While cherry eye surgery is generally successful, it's important to be aware of potential complications:

1. Recurrence: In some cases, cherry eye can recur even after surgery. The recurrence rate varies but is estimated to be around 5-20% [LINK: See a study on cherry eye recurrence rates in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association].
2. Dry eye: If the surgery doesn't preserve the tear gland's function, it can lead to keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye), which requires ongoing management.
3. Infection: As with any surgery, there's a risk of infection, which is why following post-operative care instructions is crucial.
4. Scarring: In rare cases, scarring of the third eyelid may occur, which could affect its function.

At Oklahoma Veterinary Specialists, we're committed to minimizing these risks through expert surgical techniques and comprehensive post-operative care.

Prevention and Regular Check-ups

While cherry eye isn't entirely preventable, regular veterinary check-ups can help catch the condition early, potentially making treatment easier and more effective. For breeds prone to cherry eye, we recommend:

1. Regular eye examinations as part of your pet's routine health checks
2. Being vigilant about any changes in your dog's eyes or behavior
3. Prompt veterinary consultation if you notice any signs of eye problems

Remember, early detection and treatment are key to managing cherry eye and preserving your dog's eye health.

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Cherry eye, while concerning, is a manageable condition when addressed promptly and properly. At Oklahoma Veterinary Specialists, we're here to provide expert care for your pet, from diagnosis through treatment and recovery. Our team of board-certified specialists uses advanced technology and techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes for your pet.

If you suspect your dog may have cherry eye or if you have any concerns about your pet's eye health, don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help, 24/7, because we understand that your pet's well-being can't wait.

Your pet's health is our priority, and we're committed to providing compassionate, expert care whenever you need us.