Cherry Eye
OVERVIEW:
This is a disorder of the tear gland of the third eyelid. The most common breeds affected are cocker spaniels, bulldogs, beagles, bloodhounds, lhasa apsos, and shih tzus.
CAUSES:
This syndrome is caused by a weak attachment of the gland to the orbital rim of the eye. Heredity is unknown.
SYMPTOMS:
Affected animals will have a reddened swelling at the corner of one or both eyes. Most animals are young (~1 year old).
TREATMENT:
Surgical intervention and tacking the gland in place is the only viable option. Up to 20% of the glands can re-prolapse. If only one eye is affected, the other eye will generally become affected also at a later time. The gland should never be removed-this will predispose the animal to dry eye. Steroid drops can be used before and after surgery to decrease swelling if a corneal ulcer is not present.
