Dog Cherry Eye Symptoms and Treatments

Unlike humans, many animals have a third eyelid, a triangular lacrymal or tear-producing gland supported by cartilage, which provides about a third of the lacrymal fluid or "'tears" which keep the eye lubricated and clean and which also helps to retain the structure of the soft tissue around the eye. You will often see it if they are unwell, as it tends to move down and cover part of the eye, and is simply a reflex mechanism to protect the eye and keep it well lubricated particularly during times of infection when the body temperature may raised.

Occasionally a weakness in the cartilage holding the third eyelid in place will weaken, causing the third eyelid to appear. The condition is not at all painful in the early stage and there appears to be no cause other than genetic predisposition in certain breeds of young dogs. There are three subdivisions of cherry eye:

1. Uberreiter's syndrome, or atypical pannus, an inflammatory keratitis that affects the gland;

2. Eversion/inversion (turning out or turning in) of the supporting cartilage;

3. Prolapse of the gland.

If the condition is left untreated, the gland and the thin layer covering the front of the eye, the conjunctiva, eye will become red, oedematous and inflamed, and the natural tear-washing function of the gland is compromised. This in turn will lead to infection and possible discharge and although the condition itself is not painful, the effects of irritation and discharge will cause discomfort and will restrict the dog's sight.

Treatment of the prolapsed gland is simply to reposition it in a pocket of tissue so as to retain its function, as excision will lead to dryness of the eye and a consequent keratitis and infection if the dust and debris cannot be washed away by the lacrymal fluid. If it is the cartilage that is affected, this is removed so as to leave the gland in place. Atypical pannus is treated with medication: usually the dog will need regular applications of steroid based medication at frequent intervals for the first few weeks and then six monthly to yearly as the condition dictates.

It is usually recommended that dogs who develop cherry eye are not used for breeding purposes since the condition is thought to be hereditary, although as yet there appears to be no further evidence as to its origin. There is not as yet any means of preventing the occurrence of the condition in a young dog.

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