Cherry Eye in Dogs: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Introduction

Cherry eye is a common eye condition in dogs that affects the third eyelid, also known as the nictitating membrane. The third eyelid is a small, pink or white membrane located in the inner corner of the eye that helps to protect the eye from dust, dirt, and other irritants. In cherry eye, the third eyelid becomes inflamed and protrudes from the eye, resembling a cherry.

Cherry eye is a relatively common condition, affecting approximately 1-2% of dogs. It can occur in any breed of dog, but it is most commonly seen in young dogs, especially those under the age of 2.

Causes of Cherry Eye

The exact cause of cherry eye is unknown, but several factors are believed to contribute to its development:

1. Genetic Predisposition: Certain breeds of dogs, such as the Bulldog, Pug, Boston Terrier, and Cocker Spaniel, are more prone to developing cherry eye. This suggests that genetics may play a role in the condition.

2. Trauma: Cherry eye can sometimes be caused by trauma to the eye, such as a scratch or a blow to the face. Trauma can damage the muscles and ligaments that hold the third eyelid in place, allowing it to protrude.

3. Dry Eye: Dry eye is a condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears to keep them moist. This can lead to irritation of the eyes, which can make the third eyelid more likely to protrude.

Symptoms of Cherry Eye

The most common symptom of cherry eye is a protruding third eyelid. The protruding eyelid may be pink, red, or white, and it may be accompanied by swelling and redness of the eye. Other symptoms of cherry eye may include:

• Squinting
• Pawing at the eye
• Discharge from the eye
• Difficulty opening the eye

Diagnosis of Cherry Eye

Cherry eye is usually diagnosed based on a physical examination of the eye. Your veterinarian will look for a protruding third eyelid and other signs of inflammation. Your veterinarian may also perform a tear test to check for dry eye.

Treatment of Cherry Eye

Treatment for cherry eye typically involves surgery to reposition the third eyelid. This is a relatively simple procedure that can be performed on an outpatient basis. In most cases, the surgery is successful and the third eyelid will stay in place without further problems.

In some cases, medication may be used to treat cherry eye. Medications can be used to reduce inflammation and swelling, which can help to reposition the third eyelid. However, medication is not always effective in treating cherry eye, and surgery is usually the recommended treatment.

Prevention of Cherry Eye

There is no sure way to prevent cherry eye, but there are some things you can do to reduce your dog's risk of developing the condition:

• Keep your dog's eyes clean. This will help to prevent irritation of the eyes, which can make the third eyelid more likely to protrude.
• Avoid exposing your dog to trauma. This will help to prevent injury to the eye, which can lead to cherry eye.
• If your dog has dry eye, treat it promptly. Dry eye can lead to irritation of the eyes, which can make the third eyelid more likely to protrude.

Importance of Cherry Eye Treatment

Cherry eye can be a serious condition if it is not treated. If the third eyelid remains protruding, it can become dry and irritated. This can lead to infection and other serious eye problems. In some cases, cherry eye can even lead to vision loss.

Benefits of Cherry Eye Treatment

Treating cherry eye can help to:

• Relieve discomfort and pain
• Prevent infection
• Protect vision
• Improve the appearance of the eye

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are a few common mistakes to avoid when it comes to cherry eye:

• Do not try to treat cherry eye at home. Cherry eye is a serious condition that requires veterinary care. Attempting to treat cherry eye at home can make the condition worse.
• Do not give your dog medication without consulting your veterinarian. Some medications can make cherry eye worse.
• Do not expose your dog to trauma after surgery. This can lead to the third eyelid protruding again.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about cherry eye:

1. Is cherry eye painful for dogs?
Yes, cherry eye can be painful for dogs. The protruding third eyelid can rub against the eye, causing irritation and discomfort.

2. Can cherry eye go away on its own?
In some cases, cherry eye may go away on its own. However, this is not common, and most dogs will require surgery to correct the condition.

3. How long does it take for cherry eye to heal after surgery?
Most dogs will recover from cherry eye surgery within a few days. However, it is important to keep the eye clean and protected during the healing process.

4. Can cherry eye come back after surgery?
In some cases, cherry eye can come back after surgery. However, the risk of recurrence is low, and most dogs will not have any problems after surgery.

5. How can I prevent cherry eye from coming back?
There is no sure way to prevent cherry eye from coming back, but there are some things you can do to reduce your dog's risk of recurrence:

• Keep your dog's eyes clean.
• Avoid exposing your dog to trauma.
• If your dog has dry eye, treat it promptly.

6. What are the risks of cherry eye surgery?
Cherry eye surgery is a relatively safe procedure, but there are some risks associated with any surgery. These risks include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Scarring
• Damage to the eye

7. How much does cherry eye surgery cost?
The cost of cherry eye surgery will vary depending on the veterinarian, the location, and the severity of the condition. However, the average cost of cherry eye surgery is between $300 and $600.

8. Is cherry eye surgery covered by pet insurance?
Many pet insurance policies cover cherry eye surgery. However, it is important to check with your insurance provider to be sure.

Conclusion

Cherry eye is a common eye condition in dogs that can be painful and disfiguring. If you think your dog may have cherry eye, it is important to take them to the veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. Cherry eye can be easily treated with surgery, and most dogs will recover quickly and without any problems.