UNDERSTANDING CHERRY EYE

CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, AND TREATMENT

Cherry eye is a common condition affecting our canine companions. Here, we delve into its intricacies, providing a comprehensive overview of its causes, symptoms, and treatment options to help us better understand and manage this condition.

WHAT IS CHERRY EYE?

Cherry eye is a colloquial term for a prolapsed gland of the third eyelid.

Dogs, unlike humans, have a third eyelid, known as the nictitating membrane, which provides an additional layer of protection and lubrication to the eye. This membrane houses a tear-producing gland, crucial for maintaining eye health. When this gland prolapses or protrudes from its normal position, it becomes visible as a red, swollen mass in the inner corner of the eye, resembling a cherry—hence the name ‘cherry eye.’

SYMPTOMS OF CHERRY EYE

The most apparent sign of cherry eye is the appearance of a red, swollen mass in the corner of the eye. Other symptoms that may accompany cherry eye include:

• Eye irritation: The exposed gland can cause discomfort, leading the dog to scratch or paw at the affected eye.

• Discharge: There may be increased tear production or discharge from the eye.

• Inflammation: The area around the gland can become inflamed and swollen.

DIAGNOSIS

Due to the visible nature of the condition, cherry eye is quite straightforward to diagnose. A vet will conduct a thorough eye examination to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential issues.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

There are several approaches to treating cherry eye, depending on the severity of the condition and the individual dog's needs:

NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT

In some cases, particularly if the condition is caught early, a vet may attempt to manually reposition the gland using medication and gentle manipulation. This approach is often temporary, and the gland may prolapse again.

SURGICAL TREATMENT

Surgery is the most effective and common treatment for cherry eye.

There are two primary surgical options:

• Gland replacement: This method involves creating a pocket in the third eyelid and tucking the gland back into place where it is secured. This approach preserves the gland's function and is generally the preferred method.

• Gland removal: In cases where the gland is severely damaged or the replacement surgery fails, removal of the gland may be necessary. However, this option is less desirable because it can lead to decreased tear production and potential dry eye issues later on.

POST-SURGICAL CARE

After surgery, it's crucial to follow your vet’s post-operative care instructions to ensure a successful recovery. This typically includes:

• Medication: Administering prescribed eye drops or ointments to reduce inflammation and prevent infection.

• Elizabethan collar: Using an Elizabethan collar to prevent the dog from scratching or rubbing the eye during the healing process.

• Follow-up visits: Attending followup appointments to monitor healing and ensure the gland remains in place.

PREVENTION

While cherry eye cannot always be prevented, especially in breeds predisposed to the condition, owners can take steps to minimise the risk.

These include avoiding rough play or handling around the dog’s head and eyes and attending routine vet visits to help detect early signs of eye issues.

CONCLUSION

Though alarming in appearance, cherry eye is a very manageable condition with proper vet care. With timely intervention and appropriate treatment, most dogs with cherry eye enjoy a comfortable and healthy life.