Cherry Eye in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Symptoms of Cherry Eye in Dogs

• Red and swollen eyes

This is the most obvious feature of cherry eye, where the dog's eyes look redder than normal.

• Increased secretion

The dog may have more tear production, sometimes accompanied by purulent or sticky discharge.

• Eye pain

The dog may seem irritable and reluctant to let anyone touch or go near the eyes because of eye pain.

• Frequent blinking

To relieve discomfort, the dog may blink constantly.

• Difficulty in closing the eyes

In severe cases, the dog's eyes may be difficult to open completely due to swelling.

• Photophobia

Dogs may become sensitive to light and avoid bright light.

If your dog is experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it is recommended that you contact your veterinarian for an examination as soon as possible to determine the exact cause and treat accordingly. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential to prevent the condition from worsening and to protect your dog's vision.

What Causes a Cherry Eye in a Dog?

Cherry eye, medically known as acute iridocyclitis, is an acute inflammation of the iris and ciliary body. The process usually involves the following steps.

Inflammatory triggers

Cherry eye can be triggered by a variety of factors, including viral or bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases, or the body's allergic reaction to certain substances.

Vasodilation and congestion

Inflammatory stimuli cause blood vessels in the iris and ciliary body to dilate and blood to flow to the affected area, making the surface of the eye appear red.

Infiltration of inflammatory cells

Inflammatory cells of the immune system, such as white blood cells, migrate to the affected area in an attempt to fight infection or deal with damaged tissue.

Tissue edema and pain

The inflammatory response is accompanied by a buildup of tissue fluid, leading to swelling and increased pressure, which can trigger a painful sensation.

Breed Predisposition

Certain dog breeds are more prone to developing cherry eye due to genetic factors that cause the connective tissue to be weaker or more prone to tearing. Breeds with higher instances of cherry eye include:

• Bulldogs (English and French)
• Beagles
• Cocker Spaniels
• Shih Tzus
• Boston Terriers
• Pekingese

Vision Impact

Inflammation may affect the size and shape of the pupil, leading to blurred vision or light sensitivity.

Complications develop

If left untreated, cherry eye can lead to more serious complications such as glaucoma, cataracts or permanent vision loss.

Treatment of cherry eye usually involves the use of anti-inflammatory medications, such as corticosteroids, and possibly antibiotics or antiviral medications, depending on the cause of the inflammation. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to preventing long-term eye damage.

How to Properly Use Eye Drops for Cherry Eye in Dogs?

Preparing the Eye Drops

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Before applying eye drops to your dog, first make sure that the drops have not expired and are stored in the proper conditions. Shake the eye drops, which contain suspended particles, to ensure that they work evenly.

Clean your hands and your dog's eyes

Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the bottle of eye drops to prevent contamination of the medication. Gently pull up your dog's upper eyelid to form a “pocket” and clean around the eye with a gauze or cotton ball moistened with warm water to remove secretions and impurities.

How to use eye drops

1. Place your dog in a stable position, either sitting or lying down, with his head slightly tilted up.
2. Use one hand to hold your dog's head in place while holding the eye drop bottle in the other.
3. Hold the bottle close to your dog's eyes, but do not touch the eyes or eyelashes to prevent discomfort or contamination of the drops.
4. Squeeze the eyedropper bottle and place an appropriate amount of eyedropper into your dog's conjunctival sac, usually 1-2 drops.
5. Allow your dog to close their eyes for a few minutes and gently massage the tear sacs around the eyes to help distribute the medication.

Precautions

1. Avoid touching the tip of the eye drop bottle to the eye or other surfaces during eye drop application.
2. If your dog needs to use more than one eye drop at the same time, apply different drops 5-10 minutes apart to avoid drug interactions.
3. Observe your dog for any uncomfortable reactions, such as excessive blinking, eye rubbing, or signs of increased redness and swelling, and consult your veterinarian promptly.
4. Follow your veterinarian's instructions and eye drop directions to ensure that your dog receives safe and effective treatment.

Other methods

Physical therapy
Physical therapy can help ease the discomfort of your dog's cherry eye. Using a clean cloth moistened with warm water to gently wipe around your dog's eye can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Avoid using cold water as this may constrict blood vessels and increase inflammation.

Dietary Adjustments
Offering foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as deep-sea fish, can help reduce eye inflammation. Also, make sure your dog is getting plenty of water to maintain the body's water balance, which can help repair eye tissue.

Environmental Optimization
Keep your dog's living environment clean and comfortable with regular vacuuming and cleaning to reduce airborne allergens and irritants. Avoid exposing your dog to smoke, perfume and other substances that may irritate the eyes.

How to Prevent Cherry Eye Problems in Dogs?

Measures to Prevent Cherry Eye in Dogs

• Maintain eye hygiene

Regularly clean your dog's eyes to remove excess tear stains and discharge, which can be gently wiped with warm water and a clean cloth.

• Avoid exposure to irritants

Make sure your dog stays away from smoke, dust and harmful chemicals that can cause eye irritation and infection.

• Screening for Genetic Diseases

For certain breeds that are prone to cherry eye, screen for genetic diseases and choose a healthy breeding partner.

• Regular Veterinary Examinations

Take your dog for regular eye exams for early detection and management of eye problems.

• Provide adequate nutrition

Ensure your dog receives balanced nutrition, especially foods rich in vitamin A and Omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain eye health.

• Avoid excessive rubbing

If your dog has the habit of scratching the eyes, correct it promptly and use Elizabethan rings to protect the eyes if necessary.

• Environmental control

Keeping the indoor air moist and using a humidifier can reduce dry eyes and lower the risk of cherry eye occurrence.

By taking the above measures, you can effectively reduce your dog's chances of developing cherry eye and keep his eyes healthy. Remember, good daily care and regular veterinary supervision are key to preventing any animal health problems.

FAQs

Can Cherry Eye In Dogs Correct Itself?

Cherry eye, or third eyelid gland prolapse, is a common ophthalmic problem in dogs. In some cases, cherry eye may contract back into place on its own without external intervention, especially in the early stages of prolapse. However, this self-healing is uncommon, and even when it temporarily contracts on its own, cherry eye has a high rate of recurrence.

What Triggers Cherry Eye?

Genetic factors: Certain breeds may be more prone to cherry eye because of anatomical features, such as short-headed breeds or breeds with much folded facial skin. 

Ligament weakness or laxity: The third eyelid gland is usually held in position by ligaments, and if these ligaments are weak or lax, this may lead to prolapse of the gland. 

Inflammation of the eye: Inflammation of the eye or conjunctiva may cause the gland to swell, which in turn may cause prolapse. 

Immune system problems: Abnormalities in the immune system may cause the glands to swell, increasing the risk of prolapse. 

Dietary factors: The composition of your pet dog's diet, such as high salt and fat content, may be associated with the development of cherry eye. 

Trauma: Impact or other forms of physical injury to the eye may result in a prolapsed third eyelid gland. 

Is Cherry Eye In Dogs Caused By Stress?

 Cherry eye, or third eyelid gland prolapse, is a common ocular condition in dogs that is usually associated with breed, anatomy, and underlying immune system issues. No direct causal relationship between the development of cherry eye and stress is widely recognized or proven. The primary causes of cherry eye include congenital anatomical weaknesses, trauma, ocular inflammation, or immune system abnormalities.

While chronic stress and anxiety may affect an animal's overall health, including immune system function, there is no conclusive evidence that stress is a direct trigger for cherry eye. Therefore, while maintaining low stress levels in pets is a recommended health management practice, it is unlikely to be a direct way to prevent or treat cherry eye.

If your pet shows signs of cherry eye, you should consult your veterinarian for professional diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Your veterinarian may recommend appropriate treatment, such as medication or surgical correction, depending on your pet's specific condition. In the meantime, ensuring that your pet's living environment is comfortable and less stressful will help maintain his or her overall health.

Conclusion

Cherry eye is a relatively common condition in dogs, especially in certain breeds. It occurs when the connective tissue holding the third eyelid's tear gland weakens, causing the gland to prolapse. While the condition is not typically life-threatening, it can lead to discomfort and more serious issues if left untreated. Surgical correction is the most effective treatment, and with proper care, dogs can recover well and regain normal eye function. If you notice any signs of cherry eye in your dog, it’s important to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible to prevent further complications.

Also Read: Understanding Cherry Eye in Dogs