Cherry Eye in Dogs and Cats
All dogs have three eyelids: an upper, a lower, and a third eyelid that is usually out of sight. The third eyelid acts like a windshield wiper and helps protect the eye. Sometimes the third eyelid can prolapse or pop out and a mass of red tissue will be seen in the inside corner of the eye.
Prolapse of the Gland of the Third Eyelid ("Cherry Eye")
The condition usually develops during the first year of life. The cause of the prolapse is unknown but is considered to be a weakness of the connective tissue around the gland. The gland starts to move and becomes irritated. Irritation leads to swelling and clear or mucous discharge. The third eyelid can become bloody and ulcerated and develops conjunctivitis.
The Cherry eye commonly affects young dogs, especially beagles, cocker spaniels, boxers, Neapolitan mastiffs, and Chinese Shar Peis Pekingese, and bulldogs. If one eye has cherry eye, the other eye could be predisposed to it as well. Cherry eye also affects cats. Burmese and Persian cats are more prone to developing this condition than most other cat breeds.
Causes of this condition still remain controversial. Eyelids may become inflamed from dermatitis; a bacterial, parasitic, or fungal infection, a metabolic or immune system problem, cancers, trauma or sun damage. It is also a common congenital defect that can be passed from one generation to another.
Treatment varies by exact diagnosis. Usually, the treatment envolves a surgical procedure where the prolapsed gland is pushed back in its pocket. This procedure can be performed under local anesthesia. The complete removal of the third eyelid is still performed in small animal clinics in some cases, but this type of surgery adversely affects the stability of the tear layer of the eye as this layer is responsible for about 30% of the overall tear production. Removal of a prolapsed gland of the third eyelid predisposes a dog to develop keratoconjunctivitis sicca ("dry eye") later in its lifetime.
As a result, newer surgical procedures involve removal of only a portion of the gland, or actually tacking down the prolapsed portion of the gland to the inner surface of the third eyelid. The prognosis for cases treated by replacing the gland is excellent.
If the condition is left untreated, it may go away on its own in two or three weeks, but in other cases it leads to further eye diseases.
Go Pets America recommends seeking the advice of your local veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccination program and for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health problems. For vaccination requirements please contact your state and local licensing authorities.
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