Close-up image of a cherry eye
Ever wondered why the corner of your dog’s eye is suddenly red and swollen? Your adorable little canine probably has a case of what is known as “cherry eye.” Fortunately this condition isn’t a serious threat to your dog’s health, but is merely is an irritating ailment that should be treated as soon as possible.
The medical definition for “cherry eye” is a disorder of the nictitating membrane, wherein the gland will prolapse. Dogs and cats have a “third eyelid” which offers additional moisture and protection to the eye. If the third eyelid shifts out of its original position, the gland can protrude from the eye and become a mass of bulging red skin that resembles a “cherry.” The dog’s eye will look inflamed, and glassy with mucous emissions, and the dog may be pawing at the sore spot intermittently. When the gland is prolapsed, exposure also causes a greater likelihood for bacteria and infection, which exacerbates agitation in the swollen area.
Cherry eye usually occurs in dogs under 2 years old; most often in the following breeds: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, English Bulldog, Beagle, Sharpei, Shih Tzu, West Highland Terrier, Pug, Cocker Spaniels, Boston Terriers, and Bloodhounds. Scientists are not certain what causes the third eye to slip out of place, but many believe that cherry eye is the result of exposure to bacteria, or an infection, dermatitis, fungal infection, or even possible sun damage. (Breeders should note that cherry eye is a hereditary disease; therefore it would not be advisable to breed a dog with the condition, as it could be passed down to the litter.)
Cherry Eye Treatments
If these symptoms arise, be sure to take your pet to the vet right away, where they can conduct a full eye exam. This will help determine if there is another issue with your pup’s eyes, such as a corneal ulceration or problems with the tear production, and will guide them as to what method of treatment would be best.
Medication: Vets will sometimes supply anti-inflammatory medication to treat the infection, but this does not address the need to reposition the third eyelid. The use of steroid ointment will, on occasion, return the gland to its place. But if the ointment is unsuccessful, then surgery is the next option.
Surgery: Some pet owners choose to have the gland surgically tucked back into place. Others remove the third eyelid completely. (However, removing this protective shield causes complications with the tear ducts. The third eyelid produces over 40% of the eye’s moisture; therefore removing it can cause a moisture deficiency in the dog’s eye). Surgically pushing the gland back to its original position is one of the most common procedures conducted on dogs.
Failing to treat the cherry eye by having the dog’s third eyelid repositioned or reattached, can result in a recurrence of the problem. When one eye has a prolapsed gland, it would be best to give preventative treatment to the gland of the other eye as well. When in doubt, get a professional opinion about your unique situation for the best advice on how to prevent this from happening to your dog again.
