Did you know that dogs and cats actually have three eyelids? In addition to their top and bottom lid, they have a third eyelid called the nictitating membrane, located in the inner corner of the eye and is home to an important tear gland (which helps keeps the eyes lubricated!). The tear gland is held in place by special tissue fibers in the eye, but sometimes the tear gland protrudes and becomes visible. When protruded, the gland looks like a swollen pink or red bump in the inner corner of the eye - hence the name “cherry eye.”
Who does cherry eye affect?
While cherry eye can occur in dogs and cats of any age, it is significantly more prevalent amongst dogs, and even more so amongst specific breeds. For example, breeds such as beagles, boston terriers, cocker spaniels, bull dogs, sharpeis, and bloodhounds are genetically disposed to having weaker tissues that hold the tear gland within the third eyelid in place.
Does cherry eye hurt?
While it may look painful, cherry eye is not usually painful to pets, though it can be uncomfortable and lead to itching or rubbing of the face. However, although it is not known to be particularly painful, untreated cherry eye can lead to more discomfort as time goes on. To keep the eyes lubricated, the body produces tear film, which consists of water, mucus, and oil. Naturally, the tear glands are an important part of this process!
While protruded from the eye, the tear gland in the third-eyelid does not receive proper circulation, which may inhibit the tear duct function. Without proper lubrication from tear film, the eye may start to create a protective layer by secreting a thick, yellow discharge. Untreated, this can lead to permanent eye changes including loss of vision in that eye. Luckily, there are methods for correcting cherry eye and getting that tear gland back into place where it belongs!
How is cherry eye corrected?
There are different techniques for correcting cherry eye, all of which require anesthesia. Obviously, the eye is very delicate and the surgical methods used to treat cherry eye require your pet to be completely still, which also prevents your pet from experiencing any discomfort during the procedure!
A common method of treatment involves tucking (or tacking) the gland back into place and holding it with a stitch. While intended to be permanent, there are times when a second or third tuck may be required later in life. This method is usually a fairly quick procedure that can be done at the same time as other procedures. For example, cherry eye that occurs in young puppies or kittens can often be corrected during their spay or neuter.
A newer procedure called imbrication (or pocketing) may also be successful. This procedure involves removing a wedge of tissue from the area over the tear gland and tiny dissolvable sutures are placed. As it heals, the stitches close the gaps around the gland, keeping it in place.
In cases where the stitch fails, removing the gland can be an option. Once removed, however, the gland cannot be put back into place and the eye may need help in staying lubricated. In the event that removal is necessary, your veterinarian or veterinary ophthalmologist can advise the best course of treatment and maintenance of the eye.
Contact us at 972-347-6100 if you notice any of the following symptoms:
redness, discharge, or swelling around the eye, changes to your pet’s vision, squinting the eyes, or rubbing of the face on furniture, with their paws, etc. Injuries or issues with the eye can lead to pain, discomfort, or loss of vision and should always be addressed promptly with your veterinarian or a veterinary ophthalmologist.
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