How to Recognize and Treat Cherry Eye in Dogs
Nov 14,2024 | puaintapets
herry eye is a common but concerning condition in dogs where the third eyelid, or nictitating membrane, protrudes and appears as a red, swollen mass in the corner of the eye. While cherry eye is not typically a serious medical emergency, it can cause discomfort for your dog and, if left untreated, may lead to further eye issues. In this article, we’ll explore what causes cherry eye in dogs, how to recognize the symptoms, and the available treatment options.
What is Cherry Eye in Dogs?
Cherry eye refers to the prolapse or displacement of the third eyelid, also called the nictitating membrane, which is responsible for protecting and lubricating the eye. This membrane contains a gland that produces tears to keep the eye moist and healthy. When this gland becomes inflamed or weakened, it can protrude from its normal position and become visible, creating the characteristic "cherry-like" appearance in the corner of the eye.
Signs of Cherry Eye in Dogs
Cherry eye in dogs, also known as third eyelid gland prolapse, is a common eye condition that is especially prevalent in certain dog breeds, such as Beagles, Pekingese, and Cocker Spaniels. Characteristics of cherry eye include:
Protruding third eyelid: one or two pinkish-red protrusions may appear in the inner corners of the dog's eyes; these protrusions are caused by the third eyelid gland (part of the gland responsible for the production of tears) prolapsing out of the eyelid.
Conjunctival Flushing: Affected eyes may experience conjunctival congestion, which means that the red part of the inside of the eye looks redder.
Tearfulness: the dog may tear frequently due to discomfort.
Rubbing of the eyes: the dog may try to rub the eyes with its front paws to alleviate the discomfort.
Changes in eye discharge: initially it may be clear, as the condition progresses the discharge may become sticky and blood tinged.
What Causes Cherry Eye in Dogs?
Cherry eye in dogs, also known as third eyelid gland prolapse, is a common eye condition that is characterized by the prolapse of the third eyelid gland from its normal position and the formation of a reddish mass resembling a cherry. The following are the main causes of cherry eye in dogs.
1. Congenital factors
Cherry eye has a genetic predisposition in certain dog breeds, which have a weak connection between the third eyelid gland and the surrounding tissues, easily leading to gland prolapse. For example, breeds such as Beagles, Pekingese, Cocker Spaniels, Bulldogs, Bretts, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apso, and French Bulldogs are more prone to cherry eye. The susceptible age for these breeds is usually between 6 months and 2 years of age.
2. Trauma
Trauma to the eye, such as a bump, scrape, or other form of physical injury, can cause the third eyelid gland to become inflamed and swollen, eventually leading to glandular prolapse.
3. Diseases of the eye
Other diseases of the eye, such as conjunctivitis and keratitis, may cause inflammation and swelling of the third eyelid, which in turn may lead to glandular prolapse.
Also Read: Conjunctivitis in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms& Treatment
4. Autonomic nerve abnormalities
Abnormalities in the autonomic nerves of the whole body, which cause the sympathetic nervous tension to disappear, may easily trigger the protrusion of the third eyelid.
5. Overproduction of glands
Overproduction of glands may lead to enlargement of the gland and eventual prolapse of the eyelid.
6. Foreign body obstruction
The orifices of the glands may be obstructed by inflammatory products or small foreign bodies, leading to enlargement of the glands and eventual detachment from the corners of the eyes.
7. Environmental factors
Environmental factors such as high temperatures and diet may also affect your dog's eye health and increase the risk of cherry eye.
8. Other factors
Some studies have also suggested that adenomatous hypertrophic hyperplasia of the third eyelid paralacrimal gland may occur in response to acute and chronic inflammatory stimuli, which may also be a cause of cherry eye.
Can Cherry Eye Affect Dog's Vision?
Cherry eye in dogs, also known as third eyelid gland prolapse, is a common eye condition that is characterized by the prolapse of the third eyelid gland from its normal position and the formation of a red mass resembling a cherry. The main causes of cherry eye include congenital factors, trauma, ocular disease, autonomic nerve abnormalities, overproduction of the gland, foreign body obstruction, and environmental factors.
Effects of Cherry Eye on Dog Vision
Cherry eye may affect your dog's vision if left untreated. In the early stages of cherry eye, the effect on vision is less due to the small size of the prolapsed gland, which mostly retracts back into the eyelid on its own. However, as the disease progresses, the prolapsed gland will gradually increase in size and cover part of the cornea, thus affecting vision.
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Initial effects
Initially, cherry eye may cause only mild discomfort, such as mild conjunctival flushing and tearing. Since the ejected gland is small, it can mostly retract into the eyelid on its own, and the effect on vision is small.
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Mid-term effects
As the disease progresses, the prolapsed gland will gradually increase in size and cover part of the cornea, thus affecting vision. At this point, the dog may appear to scratch at the eyes, further aggravating the eye damage.
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Later effects
If the cherry eye remains untreated for a long period of time, the detached gland will continue to enlarge and cover more of the cornea, severely affecting vision. In addition, as the dog may scratch the eye frequently, it can lead to corneal abrasion and even ulcers, which may eventually lead to blindness.
How to Treat Cherry Eye in Dogs?
Treatments for cherry eye mainly include conservative treatment and surgery. Conservative treatment is usually applied in the early stages of cherry eye or when the symptoms are mild, mainly through medication to relieve symptoms and control inflammation. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for cherry eye, especially if symptoms are severe or if conservative treatments have not worked. The goal of surgery is to reset or remove the detached gland to prevent further complications.
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Conservative treatment
The use of antibiotics or steroid eye drops can help reduce inflammation and prevent or cure secondary infections associated with cherry eye. For example, use eye drops for cleansing and anti-inflammatory purposes. For mild cherry eye, try massage to promote glandular reset. Massage by gently pressing your thumb into the corner of your dog's cherry eye for about 5 minutes can sometimes cause the gland to temporarily retract.
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Surgery
Removal of the Third Eyelid Gland
This surgical procedure involves removing the detached third eyelid gland. Although the procedure is simple and quick, the removal of the third eyelid gland may lead to complications such as dry eye, as it is an important gland for the production of tears. Therefore, this method is not usually the first choice.
Third eyelid gland burial
This is a more recommended surgical procedure in which the detached gland is stitched to the third eyelid to prevent it from detaching again. This method preserves the function of the gland and prevents dry eye from occurring. For example, the gland is easily tucked into a small pouch using the pouch method, and then the conjunctival incision margin is closed with continuous sutures.
What to Expect After Cherry Eye Surgery?
Care after your dog's cherry eye surgery is crucial, and it directly affects your dog's recovery and eye health. Here are a few things to keep in mind after surgery.
1. Wear an Elizabethan collar
It is very important to put an Elizabethan collar on your dog after surgery. Dogs may experience discomfort at the surgical site, which they usually relieve by licking the area. If the Elizabethan collar is not worn correctly or removed too soon, it may cause the wound to open up or become infected. Even if the wound is not open, frequent licking can lead to inflammation.
II. Wound sterilization and anti-inflammation
Antibiotic medications are needed after surgery to prevent infection. Common antibiotics include penicillin and cephalosporin. To reduce the pain of the dog, appropriate painkillers such as meloxicam and flurbiprofen can be given after surgery. Anti-inflammatory and pain relief postoperative anti-inflammatory and pain relief cleaning Clean the surgical wound with sterile saline every day to keep the wound dry and avoid secondary infection. Change the dressing according to the wound healing condition, change the dressing regularly and observe whether there is redness, swelling, oozing and other abnormalities in the wound.
III. Observe and record the change of condition
Closely observe the dog's eye condition after surgery and note whether there is bleeding, increased secretion and other abnormal manifestations. Observe and record the dog's body temperature, respiration, pulse and other physiological indicators, as well as appetite, mental state and other manifestations, in order to detect abnormalities in time and take appropriate measures.
IV. Regular review
Regular review should be returned after surgery to ensure the surgical effect and ocular health. Nutrition and ExerciseAppropriate nutritional supplements should be given after surgery, and exercise should be controlled to promote recovery.
V. Eye Care
The eyes should be cleaned regularly after surgery to avoid dust and foreign objects from entering the eyes. Use mild eye drops to clean the eyes to minimize secretions and reduce inflammatory reactions.
VI. Nutritional supplementation
In the case of a dog that has just undergone surgery, the dog's physical state is still relatively fragile; with good nutritional supplementation, all body functions will recover quickly. Then at this time the pet owner can properly feed the dog some recovery nutrient solution to replenish nutrition, you can buy Puanthe's Recovery Nutrient Solution online, this product is mainly aimed at the nutritional supplementation of post-surgical recovery, which can improve the dog's immunity, effectively restore the diet, and replenish the dog's body's energy. Use it according to medical advice.
VII. Avoid excessive activity
During the recovery period, provide your puppy with enough water and food to help it regain its strength. At the same time, avoid allowing the puppy to be overly active or subjected to impacts that may affect wound healing.
VIII. Watch out for complications
Surgical overcorrection may result in eyelid ectropion, requiring a new surgical repair. The prevention and management of eyelid ectropion complications also need to be taken care of.
By taking the above care measures, you can help your dog recover faster, minimize complications, and ensure long-lasting surgical results.
Related: Understanding Cherry Eye in Dogs
FAQs
Conclusion
Cherry eye in dogs is a condition that occurs when the third eyelid’s tear gland becomes displaced, causing a swollen, red mass in the corner of the eye. While it is not typically a serious condition, it can cause discomfort and lead to further eye issues if left untreated. If you notice signs of cherry eye, it is important to consult your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. With timely intervention, most dogs recover well and can avoid long-term complications.
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