If your dog has been showing signs of a prolapsed tear gland in their third eyelid, they could have cherry eye. While this condition is not dangerous to dogs, treatment is necessary in order to keep them comfortable and reduce the potential risk for more serious vision issues down the line.
In most cases, surgery is necessary to reposition and secure the gland. This process is known as tacking and involves inserting a single stitch into its place with a needle.
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The Symptoms
Your dog’s eyes are delicate organs that are vulnerable to infection and damage. This includes physical trauma like scratches and lacerations as well as physiologic conditions like pink eye (conjunctivitis) or cherry eye.
Cherry eye, also known as prolapsed third eyelid tear gland, is caused by an issue with the connective tissue that holds the tear gland in place behind the third eyelid. Usually, this gland can be found hidden away in your dog’s corner of their eye.
Your dog’s tear gland produces approximately 35% of their tears and provides essential lubrication to the cornea. When this gland prolapses, it can cause your pet’s eye to become dry and irritated. In many cases, surgical repositioning of the gland is the preferred treatment.
The Causes
Cherry eye is an ophthalmic condition that affects dogs of many breeds. It’s caused by the prolapse of the third eyelid tear gland, located within the membranous structure in the inner corner of the eye.
This gland produces approximately 35% of your dog’s watery tears. If its gland prolapses, it could reduce tear production and lead to dry eyes.
Your veterinarian can diagnose cherry eye by running a series of diagnostic tests to confirm the condition. They’ll also look for scratches on the cornea that could lead to ulceration and infection if left untreated.
For most patients, surgical replacement of their third eyelid gland is the most effective treatment for cherry eye. This prevents recurrences and guarantees your pup’s eyes will remain healthy throughout their lives.
The Treatment
Cherry eye is a common condition among dogs that can be caused by any number of factors, including stretching, tearing or detachment of anchoring tissue on an ocular gland. This gland plays an essential role in providing oxygen and producing tears for the eye.
Healthy dogs usually keep this gland hidden behind the third eyelid. Unfortunately, some breeds may develop prolapse of this gland due to weakening of its anchoring tissue.
When this occurs, a swollen membrane will protrude from under the third eyelid. While not usually painful, it can cause discomfort and prompt your dog to scratch or paw at their eye.
In many cases, surgery is the best treatment for this condition. The aim is to reposition the gland back in its proper location and secure it permanently with a stitch. As this type of procedure is minimally invasive, your vet may provide pain medication to keep your pet comfortable during recovery.
The Prevention
Your dog’s eyes are an integral part of their health and development. Unfortunately, they can suffer from various eye conditions if left unchecked; therefore, be aware of potential hazards.
The third eyelid contains a tear gland beneath it, which helps to keep your dog’s cornea (outer portion of his eye) lubricated. If this gland prolapses or slips out of place, your pet’s eye will become dry and scratchy.
Due to this, cherry eye should be treated promptly in order to avoid further issues.
Treatment options for dry eye syndrome include topical anti-inflammatory medication and/or surgery. If surgery is indicated, your veterinarian will attempt to stitch back the gland into place or create a pocket in tissue of the third eyelid that fits against the eyeball.
Unfortunately, this method may not always work and a prolapse may recur at some point in the future. To reduce the risk of future prolapses, try to steer your dog away from activities that put too much strain on his eyes and use dog-safe eye drops daily to keep them lubricated.
