Dog eye condition explained: veterinarian discusses canine cherry eye
Cherry eye, a common eye condition in dogs, is characterised by a gland in the third eyelid popping out and swelling up, resembling a red, swollen 'cherry' in the corner of the eye. This condition is more prevalent in certain breeds such as Beagles, Bulldogs, and Cocker Spaniels, primarily due to genetic predisposition and anatomical factors related to their eye and eyelid structure.
The exact cause of cherry eye is not fully understood, but it is thought to be genetic and associated with weakened connective tissue or ligaments that normally hold the third eyelid gland in place. This weakness makes the gland prone to prolapsing, leading to the visible red bulging mass from the lower inner corner of the eye.
Breeds like Bulldogs and Beagles have specific eye and eyelid conformations that contribute to the higher incidence of cherry eye. For instance, Bulldogs have a facial structure and eyelid shape that can predispose the gland to prolapse more easily.
The third eyelid gland produces a significant portion of the tear film, so when it prolapses, it can interfere with eye lubrication and lead to complications such as dry eye or infection if left untreated. Untreated cherry eye can also lead to further issues such as conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers.
If left untreated, dry eyes can potentially lead to blindness. Therefore, it is crucial to take a dog to the vet if there are any issues with its eyes. A vet exam is necessary for a definitive diagnosis of cherry eye, and the distinctive red mass is usually the main diagnostic sign. Vets may perform additional tests to check for infection, but the appearance of the cherry eye is the primary diagnostic indicator.
In milder cases, eye drops or temporary stitches may be used as an initial treatment, but surgery is usually the best long-term fix. The typical treatment for cherry eye is surgery to put the gland back in its normal spot and keep it there, requiring general anaesthesia. Surgical removal of the gland is not recommended as it could result in chronic dry eye.
It is important to rule out other potential causes and confirm the diagnosis with a vet. Dr. Kelly Hood, an in-house expert at PetPortraits.com and a practicing small animal general and urgent care vet, suggests learning about eye discharge in dogs and researching pet insurance.
Cherry eye can cause discomfort for the dog, resulting in excessive tearing and squinting. If the condition reoccurs, the gland that prolapses in the first eye is more likely to prolapse in the second eye.
In summary, genetic factors combined with breed-specific anatomical features make these dogs more susceptible to cherry eye compared to other breeds. Understanding this condition can help pet owners take proactive steps to ensure their pets' eye health and wellbeing.
- The third eyelid gland, which plays a significant role in producing tear film, can pop out and swell up in dogs, causing a condition known as cherry eye.
- Certain breeds, such as Beagles, Bulldogs, and Cocker Spaniels, are more susceptible to cherry eye due to genetic predisposition and anatomical factors related to their eye and eyelid structure.
- If left untreated, cherry eye can lead to complications like dry eye, infection, conjunctivitis, or corneal ulcers, potentially leading to blindness.
- A vet examination is necessary for a definitive diagnosis of cherry eye, with the distinctive red mass being the main diagnostic sign.
- Surgical intervention is typically the best long-term fix for cherry eye, involving placing the gland back in its normal position and preventing future prolapses to maintain the pet's eye health and wellness.
