22 Jan Cherry Eyes in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment (Part 2)
In the first part, we explained about cherry eye disease in dogs. This problem is a protrusion of the third eyelid or prolapse of the lacrimal glands of the third eyelid, which can occur in one or both eyes. Severity of the disease varies in dogs. We have already described this disease in detail and said that its symptoms are different and sometimes it’s very easy to diagnose. If left untreated, it can cause dry eyes, blindness, or even emptying of the eyes. There’s no specific cause for cherry eyes, but some breeds are more susceptible to it than other dogs, which we have already described completely. In this section, we will explain treatments and complications of this disease.
Cherry eyes treatments
Opportune treatment
Prompt treatment of the disease minimizes the possibility of permanent damage to the eye or tear gland of the third eyelid. On the other hand, the sooner we perform the surgery, the more likely we are to succeed. Because the gland didn’t have the opportunity for inflammation and enlargement. Cherry eye isn’t an emergency; But if you treat it too late, it can damage the lacrimal glands and cause chronic dry eyes. It may also gradually increase the swelling of the gland and restrict blood flow. The swelling upsets the dog, causing him to scratch his eyes, which increases the risk of eye damage and infection.
surgery
Your veterinarian may prescribe eye drops before surgery to temporarily reduce inflammation. These drops can also provide the necessary moisture to the eyes. In most cases, the gland returns to normal function a few weeks after surgery. The most common problem with this surgery is the opening of the sutures and the re-dropping of the gland. If it happens, the surgery must be repeated. In about five to twenty percent of cases, the cherry eyes occur again and the operation must be repeated. Fortunately, in more than 80% of cases, the lacrimal gland, which has been surgically replaced, remains there and no more problems occur.
Returning the gland to its original position with surgery is always the first choice because removing the gland causes dry eyes; But in very severe or chronic cases, there may be no choice but to remove the rest of the sample gland, especially when the lacrimal gland function is very low or has lost its function altogether.
Complications of protrusion of the third eyelid gland of dogs
If we don’t treat the cherry eye, there’s almost a 50% chance that the dog will suffer from dry eye. The lacrimal gland of the third eyelid secretes a very large portion, about 40 to 50 percent of the tears in the eye, and this gland can’t function normally when it falls. It means that fewer tears are secreted and as a result, the dog may suffer from dry eyes. Dry eyes in dogs can be a dangerous problem and can cause sores, infections and even eye piercings. So to have healthy eyes and good eyesight, this gland must function properly. Cherry eye in dogs can have other side effects such as conjunctivitis and corneal abrasions. In addition to being painful, corneal abrasions can cause ulcers, infections and perforation of the cornea if left untreated.
Postoperative care of cherry eyes
After surgery, oral medications and eye drops are prescribed to control pain, inflammation and prevent infection. The veterinarian will also check the amount of tear secretion to make sure the gland is still producing enough tears and your dog isn’t having a dry eye problem. The dog should wear an Elizabeth collar until it’s completely healed (which usually takes 14 days) so that it doesn’t touch or injure the surgical site. These collars can be uncomfortable for dogs, especially for young dogs who have a lot of energy and are very playful; But it’s necessary to protect the eye and prevent it from being hit or infected.
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