“Cherry eye,” as it is commonly referred to, is a prolapsed gland of the nictitans. It occurs after a tear gland in a dog's third eyelidTo wink or blink; (of certain animals) to close the nictating membrane. [https://en.wiktionary.org › wiki › nictate
When a cherry eye is first diagnosed, your veterinarian may recommend a course of anti-inflammatory eye drops, to help reduce the swelling. Antibiotic eye medication may also be prescribed, if there is an associated discharge. If the cherry eye persists and causes discomfort, surgery will be the next step.
Cherry eye in dogs is not life-threatening, and it's not a medical emergency. However, you should take your pet to the vet as soon as possible to discuss your treatment options and schedule surgery. Most dogs with cherry eye go on to live full, healthy lives.
What causes “cherry eye”? The gland of the third eyelid is normally anchored to the lower inner rim of the eye by a fibrous attachment. In certain breeds, it is thought that this attachment is weak, which allows the gland to prolapse easily.
An untreated “cherry eye” will have decreased tear production and possibly incomplete closure of the eye. This can cause eye infections and dry eye. The dry eye can be severe enough to cause a lot of pain, pigmentation of the eye and blindness. The treatment for a prolapsed nictitans gland is often surgical.
In general pet owners can expect the average cost of Cherry Eye surgery to average $300 to $500 for one eye and up to $800 for both2.
To manage these quite simply, gently massage the cherry eye and many will pop back in. Ask your vet clinic to show you (our nurses offer this for no charge), or look at Youtube examples. If in itself this does not work, then steroid drops often help facilitate this by reducing the swelling.
Recovery of Cherry Eye in Dogs
You may see one to two weeks of inflammation before the eye begins to regain its normal appearance, but 7 to 10 days of ointment application and 5 to 10 days of oral antibiotics will assure that the eye heals properly, and infection is avoided.
Will Cherry Eye Go Away on Its Own or Without Treatment? No. Surgery is almost always necessary. However, in certain cases and when caught early, your veterinarian may prescribe a treatment plan first targeting the inflammation.
Cherry eye in dogs is not considered to be a life-threatening or painful condition; however, the condition can put your dog in a considerable amount of distress. Therefore, it is ideal to get the condition treated promptly by a veterinarian to thwart any possibilities of a permanent ocular damage.
Dogs usually heal from cherry eye surgery in about two weeks. You should routinely check in with your veterinarian to ensure a smooth recovery.
Cherry eye looks unsightly but is not dangerous in the short term. Over the long term, though, the gland may become swollen and angry-looking.
Your vet may temporarily prescribe topical lubricant medication to keep the eye and third eyelid moist and hydrated. Topical antibiotics and anti-inflammatories will treat any associated infection and pain/inflammation respectively. Infection and inflammation should be controlled ahead of surgical correction.
If you notice cherry eye in your dog, make an appointment with your family veterinarian right away. Early care can help ensure your dog's long-term eye health. Many cases will need minor surgery to reposition the gland to its normal location.
When referred to an eye specialist, these surgeries can cost upward of $2,000. At Brisbane Pet Surgery however, we perform these procedures frequently, and they only take between 10 and 20 minutes. We charge approximately $550 - $650, depending on whether you have chosen a correction or removal of the gland.
Treatment of Cherry Eye in Canines
For some dogs, conservative treatment such as warm compresses and gentle massage can help the membrane return to its normal position on the eye. However, more severe cases may require surgical intervention.
When your dog has Cherry Eye, you will see a protrusion of pink tissue that appears to be coming out of the corner of your dog's eyelid. It is attached there with a fibrous material that becomes weakened. This condition is seen most often in younger dogs as well as smaller dog breeds.
Although this looks dramatic it is not painful, but the longer it is exposed in this position the more irritated the gland and eyelid becomes, causing conjunctivitis and increased ocular discharge. The resulting irritation may cause the dog to rub at the eye and damage it, resulting in bleeding or infection.
What Is a Cherry Eye? A "cherry eye" is what veterinarians also refer to as a prolapsed gland of the third eyelid. Every third eyelid contains a gland that resides in the deeper part of the membrane, anchored by a supporting flap of cartilage and hidden under the lower lid.
Harmful complications from Cherry Eye surgery are unusual but recurrence of the cherry eye can happen. If a Cherry Eye recurs it is important to let your veterinarian know so that a second surgery either with your normal veterinarian or with an ophthalmology specialist can be planned.
Immediately post surgery, the third eyelid still looks inflamed and red, but the third eyelid is no longer inverted or 'flipped-over' like it was. Once the gland is in the normal position, the swelling will slowly reduce over a period of usually two weeks. The eyes should be fully open and relatively comfortable.
You may see one to two weeks of inflammation before the eye begins to regain its normal appearance, but 7 to 10 days of ointment application and 5 to 10 days of oral antibiotics will assure that the eye heals properly, and infection is avoided.
Cherry eye in dogs is not considered to be a life-threatening or painful condition; however, the condition can put your dog in a considerable amount of distress. Therefore, it is ideal to get the condition treated promptly by a veterinarian to thwart any possibilities of a permanent ocular damage.