Cherry Eye in Dogs: Signs, Causes & Treatment (Vet Answer)

Caring for Your Dog‘s Eyes: How to Treat Cherry Eye Without Surgery

As a dog lover and veterinarian, I know how concerning it can be to suddenly notice a red, swollen mass protruding from the inner corner of your pup‘s eye. Chances are, your dog has developed a condition known as "cherry eye." While it may look quite alarming, cherry eye is actually a common issue seen in many dog breeds. The good news is, there are ways to treat cherry eye in dogs without resorting to surgery.

In this article, I‘ll explain what exactly cherry eye is, what causes it, and the symptoms to look out for. Most importantly, I‘ll walk you through 5 non-surgical treatment options you can try to remedy cherry eye in your dog. Of course, it‘s always crucial to consult with your veterinarian first for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. But for those looking to avoid surgery, there are some routes you can take to get your dog‘s eyes looking and feeling better.

What Is Cherry Eye in Dogs?

"Cherry eye" is the common term for prolapse of the third eyelid gland in dogs. You may not realize it, but dogs have three eyelids, not just two like humans. The third eyelid, also called the nictitating membrane, is a thin piece of tissue that resides in the inner corner of a dog‘s eye, beneath the lower eyelid.

This third eyelid contains a tear gland that produces a significant portion of a dog‘s tears. Tears are essential for lubricating and nourishing the eye. In cherry eye, the tear gland becomes inflamed and pops out of its normal position, appearing as a reddish-pink mass (resembling a cherry) protruding from the corner of the eye.

What Causes Cherry Eye?

The exact cause of cherry eye is unknown. However, it occurs when the ligaments and connective tissue that normally hold the tear gland in place weaken or break down. This allows the gland to prolapse out of position and swell.

There seems to be a genetic component, as cherry eye occurs far more frequently in certain breeds, especially brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like:

• English Bulldogs
• French Bulldogs
• Pugs
• Boston Terriers
• Pekingese
• Shih Tzus

Other breeds prone to cherry eye include:

• Beagles
• Bloodhounds
• Cocker Spaniels
• Lhasa Apsos
• Miniature Poodles
• Neapolitan Mastiffs
• Shar-Peis

Cherry eye most often develops in young dogs less than 2 years old. It can occur in one or both eyes.

Cherry Eye Symptoms in Dogs

The most noticeable sign of cherry eye is the visible red mass protruding from the inner corner of a dog‘s eye. Other cherry eye symptoms include:

• Watery, mucous, or pus-like discharge from the eye
• Redness and irritation of the surrounding eye area
• Excessive blinking or squinting
• Pawing at the eye
• Dry eye (if the prolapsed gland is not producing enough tears)

Left untreated, cherry eye can lead to complications like corneal ulcers, conjunctivitis, and chronic dry eye. This is why it‘s important to see your vet right away if you suspect cherry eye.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Cherry Eye

Although surgery is often recommended to reposition the prolapsed gland, there are some non-invasive treatments you can try first, depending on the severity of your dog‘s case. Here are 5 ways to potentially treat cherry eye without surgery:

1. Massage and manual repositioning. In very mild cases that are caught early, gently massaging the prolapsed gland and maneuvering it back into place may resolve the issue. However, this often provides only temporary relief, and the gland may eventually prolapse again.

2. Steroid eye drops or ointment. Topical steroids can help reduce the swelling and inflammation associated with cherry eye. By shrinking the prolapsed gland, it may be easier to manually reposition it. Steroids are usually used short-term.

3. Artificial tears. If the cherry eye is causing your dog to underproduce tears, artificial tear drops or ointments can help lubricate and soothe the eye, preventing further irritation. These are safe for long-term use.

4. Antibiotic drops or ointment. Sometimes cherry eye can make the eye more susceptible to secondary bacterial infections. If your dog is showing signs of unusual discharge or crustiness around the eyes, antibiotics may be prescribed.

5. Dietary supplements. Nutritional supplements aimed at supporting eye health may help prevent or slow the progression of cherry eye. Look for canine supplements with ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants (like vitamin C and E), and lutein. Consult your vet for proper dosing.

While these treatments can provide relief for some dogs, they don‘t address the underlying weakness in the connective tissue that causes the tear gland to prolapse. In many cases, the cherry eye will continue to recur until surgically corrected.

Also, the longer the gland stays prolapsed, the more likely it will become damaged and no longer functional. If too much time passes, simply tucking the gland back into place may not be sufficient, and removal of the gland may be necessary. Removal of the tear gland should only be done as an absolute last resort though, as it will lead to decreased tear production and chronic dry eye requiring lifelong treatment.

Preventing Cherry Eye Recurrence

If your dog has been treated for cherry eye, you‘ll want to take steps to prevent it from recurring, especially if you‘ve chosen not to pursue surgery. Here are some tips:

• Follow your vet‘s post-treatment instructions carefully. Administer all prescribed medications as directed.
• Avoid letting your dog rub or paw at their eyes. Consider using an Elizabethan collar (cone) or protective goggles designed for dogs.
• Keep your dog‘s eyes clean. Gently wipe away any discharge with a soft, damp cloth.
• Maintain regular vet check-ups to monitor your dog‘s eye health.
• Feed a high-quality, balanced diet with eye-healthy nutrients like omega-3s.
• Avoid any trauma or roughhousing involving your dog‘s head or face.

When Surgery May Be Necessary

In most cases of cherry eye, surgery is recommended as the ideal treatment option. A few different surgical techniques exist to reposition and anchor the prolapsed tear gland back where it belongs:

1. Pocket/envelope technique: The prolapsed gland is tucked into a new pocket created in the surrounding conjunctiva tissue of the eye.

2. Anchoring technique: The gland is stitched to the surrounding tissue or orbital rim to hold it in place.

3. Imbrication technique: The gland is tucked underneath the conjunctiva and tightened/adhered with small sutures.

The specific technique used depends on factors like your dog‘s size, age, and eye anatomy. The goal of these surgeries is to preserve the gland so it can continue producing tears normally. When performed by an experienced veterinary ophthalmologist, cherry eye surgery has a high success rate with generally short recovery times.

However, surgery may not be an option for all dog owners due to cost or other factors. In these cases, the non-invasive treatments covered earlier can still help manage symptoms. But if multiple attempts at non-surgical treatment fail and the cherry eye continues to recur and cause complications, surgery may be the only effective solution.

Caring for Your Dog‘s Eyes Post-Treatment

Whether you‘ve chosen surgical or non-surgical treatment for your dog‘s cherry eye, proper post-treatment care is essential to ensure a full recovery and prevent recurrence or other eye issues. Follow these general aftercare guidelines:

• Administer all medications as prescribed by your vet, for the full duration recommended, even if symptoms seem to improve.
• Keep your dog calm and limit exercise/activity during the initial recovery period (usually 1-2 weeks). Too much activity can jostle the eye area and disrupt healing.
• Use an E-collar (cone) to prevent your dog from scratching or rubbing at their eyes.
• Attend all follow-up vet appointments to monitor healing and check for any complications.
• Continue using any artificial tears, nutritional supplements, or eye cleaning routines long-term as directed by your vet.

With diligent post-treatment care and monitoring, most dogs recover very well from cherry eye. However, it‘s important to be aware that dogs who have experienced a cherry eye in one eye are at increased risk of developing it in the other eye in the future. There is also a risk of recurrence in the same eye, even after surgery.

If you ever notice the cherry eye reappearing, contact your vet right away to determine the next steps. Sometimes the gland may need to be re-sutured in place. Catching any recurrence early is critical to prevent long-term damage to the gland‘s tear-producing abilities.

Outlook for Dogs With Cherry Eye

With prompt diagnosis and proper treatment, the prognosis for dogs with cherry eye is generally quite positive. Non-surgical treatment can be effective for mild cases, or when surgery is not feasible. However, it‘s important to understand that non-surgical treatment often provides only temporary relief of symptoms, and the cherry eye may continue to recur until the underlying cause (weakness of the connective tissue) is addressed with surgery.

For this reason, surgery remains the treatment of choice for most cases of cherry eye in dogs. When performed in a timely manner by a skilled veterinary ophthalmologist, surgical repositioning of the tear gland has a high success rate and low risk of complications. The key is seeking treatment early before the gland sustains permanent damage from remaining prolapsed.

The vast majority of dogs make a full recovery after treatment and go on to enjoy normal, healthy eyes. However, vigilant monitoring is a must to watch for any signs of recurrence in the future. And even after successful treatment, some dogs may require long-term eye lubrication or supplements if their tear production has been affected.

The good news is, with the right care and a little TLC, even stubborn cases of cherry eye can be effectively managed and resolved. Don‘t let this unsightly eye condition get you or your pup down – help is out there! Work closely with your vet to find the treatment approach that works best for you and your dog.

I hope this guide has shed some light on cherry eye in dogs and given you hope that surgery isn‘t the only solution. Remember, your dog‘s eye health is in your hands – stay informed, stay observant, and don‘t hesitate to seek professional guidance. Wishing you and your canine companion clear eyes ahead!