Cherry Eye in Canines
Prolapsed Tear Gland Appears as Red Bulging Mass in Dog’s Eye
Dogs have a third eyelid which adds extra protection for the eye. This membrane can be seen in the inner corner of the eye of some animals. The gland of this third eyelid produces about one-third of the tears that keep the eye moisturized. When this gland bulges up over the eyelid and becomes inflamed it has the appearance of a small cherry. Dogs with cherry eye may also have a discharge and redness of the lining of the eye. If the dog paws at the irritated eye, it can cause further damage.
Causes of Cherry Eye
Cherry eye is not completely understood but is believed to be due to a weakness in the ligament holding the gland in place which may be attributed to genetics. Sometimes cherry eye can occur secondary to inflammation of the eye and sometimes there is no known cause. Breeds in which cherry eye is seen most often are the America Cocker Spaniel, English Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Boston Terrier, Beagle, Sharpei, St Bernard, Newfoundland, Bloodhound, Lhasa Apso, Miniature Poodle, and Shih Tzu.
Cherry eye can occur in one or both eyes and is more commonly seen in dogs younger than 2 years of age. Cherry eye in an older dog may indicate a tumor.
Treatment of Cherry Eye
Occasionally, the veterinarian may attempt to correct a cherry eye without surgery, using steroids and antibiotic ointments but this treatment is only rarely successful.
The most common treatment is surgical repositioning of the gland by stitching it back into place. Most of these surgeries are quick and successful. Occasionally the attachment can come loose and the procedure must be repeated.
In a few cases, the tear gland itself must be removed, but since this gland produces about one-third of the eye’s moisture, the risk of the dog developing ‘dry eye’ in the future is undesirably increased. Tears contain natural antibodies and lysozyme which helps prevent infection.
According to Dr. Erica Tolar, veterinary ophthalmology resident at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, some veterinarians will opt to leave a gland exposed if repeated replacement surgery has not been successful. Although untreated cherry eyes can become infected, Dr. Tolar says that the gland is still functional and is not always irritating to the dog.
Occasionally an untreated cherry eye will decrease in size and correct itself but any eye abnormalities should be checked by a veterinarian to determine if a tumor is present and which treatment is best.
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