Cherry Eye in the Dog
This Condition is Caused by Prolapse of the Third Eyelid
Cherry Eye is a relatively common eye ailment that affects dogs of all ages and breeds, and in some cases, this condition can result in infection and injury to the cornea. Understanding this condition affecting the third eyelid and the potential side effects is vital for owners of a dog who is affected by this condition.
Cherry Eye can be seen in all breeds, although there is a higher incidence in Poodles, Bulldogs, Cocker spaniels, Bloodhounds, Saint Bernards, Boston Terriers, Chihuahuas and many other breeds with “buggy” or prominent and protruding eyes.
What is Cherry Eye?
Cherry Eye is technically known as an everted nictating membrane or prolapse of the third eyelid. In a normal eye, the third eyelid sits low in the lower inner corner of the eye. The third eyelid serves to pull upward and over the eye when the lids are closed, providing an extra wall of protection. With the third eyelid is a small gland that produces about one-third of the eyes’ tears.
In a dog with Cherry Eye, the third eyelid slides out of position due to a weakness in the connective tissues. A pink bubble becomes visible in the eye’s inner corner and in some more pronounced cases, the dog’s field of vision is partially obstructed by the abnormality. In more minor, less pronounced cases of Cherry Eye, the condition may seem to come and go, depending on the amount of inflammation present.
The Effects and Treatment for Cherry Eye
Some dogs with Cherry Eye experience no discomfort or adverse effects. For these dogs, no treatment is required, although some owners do opt for surgical correction of the defect in order to improve the dog’s appearance.
In other cases, the inflammation involving the third eyelid and the associated gland causes a great deal of discomfort. Exposure to dry air and bacteria causes swelling. This swelling triggers pawing and rubbing at the eye and these actions on the dog’s part can cause additional inflammation and even more discomfort. Pawing at the eye can also lead to injury if the dog’s paw accidentally scratches the cornea or the inflamed membrane.
“It’s very common to see eye infections in a dog affected with Cherry Eye. The tissue protrudes, and comes in contact with bacteria. And the dog rubs at the eye with his paw, and this also sets the stage for infection,” explained Dr. Michael Levine, DVM. “For cases like this, I’ll typically prescribe an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory, so we can wipe out the infection while also reducing the inflammation that’s triggering the dog to paw at the eye in the first place.”
Unfortunately, many dogs end up in a continuing cycle of infection and inflammation associated with Cherry Eye, so surgical intervention is often the best option for patients who are more seriously affected by this eye ailment.
Surgery for Cherry Eye is relatively straightforward. The prolapsed portion of the third eyelid – the portion that is visible and inflamed – is carefully cut away. In the vast majority of cases, the remainder of the third eyelid is left in place.
The gland is also surgically repositioned when possible. Veterinarians try to avoid the removal of the gland, as the tears produced can save an eye in the event that one of the other tear glands sustains damage. If the gland is removed, the pet will be more apt to suffer from a condition known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, more commonly known as “dry eye,” which requires lifelong treatment with supplemental eye drops.
