There is no effective prevention for cherry eye in dogs. Unfortunately, certain breeds are predisposed to this condition and there is not much you can do to influence whether your dog will develop cherry eye.
While Cherry Eye cannot be prevented, it's treatable with surgery, and the prognosis is best when it's caught early.
Unfortunately, there are no known preventative measures to avoid cherry eye, according to Dr. Collins. About 40% of dogs that experience cherry eye will be affected in both eyes, usually before the age of two.
Background. “Cherry Eye” is a layman's term used to describe protrusion of the tear gland associated with the third eyelid membrane in the middle corner of the eye. This occurs due to a hereditary weakness in the gland's normal attachments.
Although it isn't an emergency, a cherry eye can cause some severe problems for the dog. As with Lydia's dog, most dogs that get a “cherry eye” are less than two years of age. If it prolapses once, it is likely to happen again. About 40% of dogs that have one third eyelid gland prolapse will have both eyes do so.
What is the treatment of “cherry eye”? "Treatment involves surgical replacement of the third eyelidthird eyelidThe nictitating membrane is a transparent or translucent third eyelid present in some animals that can be drawn across the eye for protection and to moisten it while maintaining vision. The term comes from the Latin word nictare, meaning "to blink". gland." Treatment involves surgical replacement of the third eyelid gland. It is important to treat the condition as soon as possible in order to minimize permanent damage to the eye or third eyelid gland.
“Cherry eye,” as it is commonly referred to, is a prolapsed gland of the nictitans. It occurs after a tear gland in a dog's third eyelidthird eyelidThe nictitating membrane (from Latin nictare, to blink) is a transparent or translucent third eyelid present in some animals that can be drawn across the eye from the medial canthus to protect and moisten it while maintaining vision. becomes inflamed. While it is usually not extremely painful, sometimes a dog will rub at it as if it were itchy.
If you suspect your dog has cherry eye, it's important to see your vet as soon as possible. While not a medical emergency, the condition can cause health concerns over time. Left untreated, cherry eye can result in damage to the tear duct and cause chronic dry eye.
Harmful complications from Cherry Eye surgery are unusual but recurrence of the cherry eye can happen. If a Cherry Eye recurs it is important to let your veterinarian know so that a second surgery either with your normal veterinarian or with an ophthalmology specialist can be planned.
Cherry eye is a genetic defect or an injury to the eye that causes the third eyelid to pop out.
The cherry eye (prolapsed third eyelid gland) should never be surgically removed because it predisposes the animal to a dry eye condition that will need chronic medications and/or surgery.
Usually, the vet-recommended treatment for cherry eye in dogs is surgery to preserve the eyelid. "Surgical repositioning of the gland, not excision, is the recommended treatment since it preserves the important function of tear production," Vygantas explains.