University
Commons Animal Clinic
1827 Wehrli Road , Naperville, IL 60565. Phone:
630-544-3333 |
|
Cherry
eye is a common congenital condition describing a protrusion of a gland located
in the third eye lid. Some dogs and less commonly, cats, will have a weak
attachment of the gland, that eventually breaks off and allows the gland to
prolapse upward.
The
condition is most frequently observed in young cocker spaniels, bulldogs,
beagles, bloodhounds, lhasa apsos, shih tzus, and other brachycephalic
("flat face") breeds. In cats it is less common and affects mostly
Burmese and Persians.
Affected
animals present with a red protrusion over the edge of the eye lid. Often,
tearing, squinting, conjunctivitis and discharge will complicate the problem.
The
treatment is surgery. There are several procedures that can be used to correct
and re-position the gland. In the past the gland was excised in some cases, but
this technique should be avoided.
The
gland is responsible for half of the watery tear production and its removal can
result in dry eye. The surgical recovery may be complicated by self-trauma and
irritation. Elizabethan collars and antibiotic/anti-inflammatory ointments may
help to minimize these complications. Post surgical recurrent rate is 5-20% and
in these cases, a second surgery is needed.
The
prognosis is usually good.
