Pet Corrective Eye & Eyelid Repair
“Cherry eye” is a common term for a prolapsed third eyelid gland. Many mammals, including dogs, have an “extra” or third eyelid located inside the lower eyelid.
What is “cherry eye”?
“Cherry eye” is a common term for a prolapsed third eyelid gland. Many mammals, including dogs, have an “extra” or third eyelid (nictitating membrane) located inside the lower eyelid. The third eyelid serves as an additional protective layer for the eye, especially during hunting or fighting. The third eyelid also contains a special gland that produces a significant portion of the eye’s protective tear film. When this gland prolapses or “pops out”, the condition is known as “cherry eye”.
What are the clinical signs of “cherry eye”?
Prolapse of the third eyelid gland appears as a red swollen mass on the lower eyelid near the nose or muzzle (it takes its name from the resemblance to a cherry). The “cherry eye” may be large and cover a significant portion of the cornea, or it may be small and appear only periodically. Any sign of “cherry eye” should be brought to your veterinarian’s attention.
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. The breeds most commonly affected include cocker spaniels, bulldogs, Boston terriers, beagles, bloodhounds, Lhasa Apsos, Shih Tzus, and other brachycephalic breeds (dogs with “squished” faces and short limbs). Burmese and Persian cats are also reported to have “cherry eye.”
Surgical correction involves repositioning the gland back down into the conjunctival pocket behind the 3rd eyelid. Because of the delicate nature of the surgery, it is not uncommon for cherry eye surgery to fail and a second surgical correction needed. Bulldogs are notorious for needing a second correctional procedure. It is always a good idea to consider surgical correction by a board-certified ophthalmologist when able.
Cherry eye repair can be performed at the same time as Spay or Neuter surgery, or can also be scheduled as a separate stand-alone procedure.
For more information about Cherry Eye in pets, please visit the following article written by Petful. Or Cherry Eye in Dogs & Cats written by Veterinary Partner.