What Causes Cherry Eye in Dogs? Cherry eye usually occurs in dogs under one year old. The condition arises when the small ligament that holds the third eyelidTo wink or blink; (of certain animals) to close the nictating membrane. [https://en.wiktionary.org › wiki › nictate
As we have mentioned, cherry eye does not go away on its own because the gland has prolapsed. Therefore, most dogs will require surgery. Leaving it untreated means your dog could be at a greater risk of health problems associated with cherry eye, including more swelling and irritation.
Unfortunately, there is no sure-fire way to prevent cherry eye. This condition is most common in young dogs that are under two years of age. This eye infection can occur in both eyes and can result in other problems like dry eyes. The good news is, cherry eye is treatable.
This eye condition, found in only 1% of the canine population, affects the dog's third eyelid, which becomes prolapsed and protrudes out of the bottom of the dog's eye corner, exhibiting an unappealing cherry-like look.
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.
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.
Cherry eye is most common in young dogs, especially breeds such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, English Bulldog, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, Pug, Bloodhound, American Cocker Spaniel, and Boston Terrier. Cherry eye is rare in felines, but can occur.
It's sometimes said that cherry eye can be resolved by carefully massaging the affected eye to reposition the prolapsed gland. Occasionally, the gland will correct itself on its own or will do so after a course of medication and steroids. But surgery is normally required.
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.
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.
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.
If untreated, dogs with cherry eye typically develop swelling and dryness of the exposed mucous membranes, which can become abraded, especially if a displaced gland of the third eyelid proves irritating to the dog (and it usually does).
Dogs usually heal from cherry eye surgery in about two weeks. You should routinely check in with your veterinarian to ensure a smooth recovery.
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.
Sometimes, it pops in and out of its own accord, meaning that you may only notice the cherry eye periodically. However, even if the signs are intermittent, it's still important to get your dog checked out by your vet.
Cherry eye is seen in young dogs, six months to two years of age. The most common breeds affected are cocker spaniels, bulldogs, beagles, bloodhounds, Lhasa apsos, mastiffs, Shih Tzus, and other brachycephalic breeds. Cats are rarely affected, but it has been reported in Burmese and Persian breeds.
Removing the damp cloth, I *very* gently moved my thumb over her eyelid, putting almost no pressure on her eye, from the center of her closed eye towards the corner of her eye near her nose. I repeated this several times until I felt the third eyelid almost suck back into the right place.
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.
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. Surgical removal of the gland is not advised. The treatment of choice is surgical anchoring of the gland into its proper position.
Cherry eye is an inherited problem, but it is recessive, so unless the sire also has the gene, the pups should be fine. The sire may not have the problem himself, but if there were cherry eyes somewhere in his background he may be carrier.
In some cases, cherry eye in dogs might also be caused by environmental allergies. This is because allergens can cause an immune system reaction that leads to an increase of cells in the gland. The gland swells, which causes it to slip and bulge out from the eye.
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.
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.