Pet Health
Condition Overview
There is a tear gland wrapped around the cartilage of the third eyelid that is a major source of tears for the eye. In a dog with cherry eye, the fibrous attachments to the undersurface of the third eyelid are weak.
Symptoms
You will see a red sac protruding from the inside center of the eyeball.
All symptoms +
Causes
Cherry eye is a congenital (damage to a developing fetus) defect that occurs most commonly in Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, Boston Terriers, and Bulldogs.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made by physical examination.
Treatment
Removing the third eyelid or the tear gland seriously interferes with tear production and may result in a dry eye syndrome in breeds so disposed. If the gland is removed, your dog may require artificial tears daily for life.
Alternatively, surgery can be performed that repositions the third eyelid and the tear gland. This corrects the problem while maintaining tear production.
Prevention
There is no prevention for Cherry Eye.
Support
Please contact your veterinarian if you have questions regarding this condition.
Sources
Dog Owners Home Veterinary Handbook
Publisher: Wiley Publishing, 2007
Website: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/
Authors: Debra M. Eldredge, Liisa D. Carlson, Delbert G. Carlson, James M. Giffen MD
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