Cherry Eye
Cherry eye is clinically defined as a prolapsed gland of the third eyelid. The term cherry eye was coined because the prolapsed gland looks like a cherry located near the inner corner of the eye. It can occur in many breeds of dogs but is most common in spaniels, bulldogs, mastiffs and dogs which have significate droop to their eyes.
It can present in one or both eyes. A lot of vets will advise that the gland is tacked back down - this does not work with Neapolitans and it is advisable to have total removal of the gland to avoid further complications of infection or re-occurance.
Kerato-conjunctivitis sicca or Dry Eye, is a common complication associated with cherry eye. KCS requires lifelong treatment, usually with topical cyclosporine, corticosteroids, and ocular lubricants.
Cherry eye appears as a round, smooth, red mass near the medial canthus (inside corner near the tear duct). Inflammation of the gland with swelling and redness may be present, but often the gland looks relatively normal, with a smooth, pink conjunctival surface.
Prior to surgery they should be treated with eye creams/drops, because the gland in the other eye is likely to prolapse you are advised to wait a while. If the the other gland does not present within a month or so surgery should go ahead. However, its sod's law that when this happens the gland in the other eye will probably pop up. Always remember to use lubricant in the cherry eye to keep the tissue viable and healthy, at all times until surgery can be done.
Cherry eye removal is quick and easy, it will usually take approx. 2 minutes, unless the gland is unusually thick in which case it may take a little longer.
The patient should be examined 2 weeks after surgery to ensure proper healing.
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