Definition of Cherry Eye
Cherry Eye is a common eye condition where the gland of the third eyelid known as the nictitating membrane prolapses and becomes visible. (The third eyelid is a piece of tissue that helps to protect the eye. It assists in tear production and helps to protect the eye from injury.)Symptoms of Cherry Eye
Appears as a red mass in the inner corner of the eye, and is sometimes mistaken for a tumor. After gland prolapse, the eye becomes chronically inflamed and there is often a discharge. Because the gland is responsible for about 30% of the eye's tear production, the eye can eventually suffer from dryness. Baker House Veterinarians can accurately examine your pet for Cherry Eye and provide proper treatment.
Appears as a red mass in the inner corner of the eye, and is sometimes mistaken for a tumor. After gland prolapse, the eye becomes chronically inflamed and there is often a discharge. Because the gland is responsible for about 30% of the eye's tear production, the eye can eventually suffer from dryness. Baker House Veterinarians can accurately examine your pet for Cherry Eye and provide proper treatment.
Causes of Cherry Eye
The exact cause of cherry eye is not known, but it is strongly suspected that it is due to a weakness of the connective tissue that attaches the gland to the surrounding structures of the eye. The weakness of the connective tissue allows the gland to prolapse. Once the gland prolapses and is exposed to the dry air and irritants, it can become infected and/or begin to swell. The gland often becomes irritated, red, and swollen. There is sometimes a mucous discharge and if the animals rub or scratch at it, they can traumatize the gland further or possibly create an ulcer on the surface of the eye.
Baker House Vets recommend replacing the gland in its proper location. There are several techniques for doing this.
The exact cause of cherry eye is not known, but it is strongly suspected that it is due to a weakness of the connective tissue that attaches the gland to the surrounding structures of the eye. The weakness of the connective tissue allows the gland to prolapse. Once the gland prolapses and is exposed to the dry air and irritants, it can become infected and/or begin to swell. The gland often becomes irritated, red, and swollen. There is sometimes a mucous discharge and if the animals rub or scratch at it, they can traumatize the gland further or possibly create an ulcer on the surface of the eye.
Treatment of Cherry Eye
Removing the gland for cosmetic reasons is not an acceptable treatment method. A very high percentange of dogs, especially in smaller breeds and older animals, will develop dry eye.Baker House Vets recommend replacing the gland in its proper location. There are several techniques for doing this.
- The traditional "tucking" method where a single stitch is permanently placed drawing the gland back where it belongs. Complications are uncommon but the the stitch is permanent and we recomend watching your pet after surgery or allow the staff of Baker House Animal Hospital to remain with your pet for the healing process to take place.
- A wedge of tissue can be removed from over the gland and the edges brought together with absorbable suture.
- A modification of the wedge tissue technique, and the one Baker House surgeons generally employ, incising parralel on either side of the protruding tissue and then bringing the edges together in an inverting technique with absorbable sutures. No tissue is removed and suture knots are buried or brought to the outside of the 3rd eyelid.