CHERRY EYE
                        

   

    Otherwise known as "Prolapsed Gland Of The Third Eyelid"

Unlike man, the dog has a third eyelid, situated in the inner corner of the eyes. Behind this is pinkish tissue called the "Hardarian Gland". In English Bulldogs, as well as other Breeds, including but not limited to: Boston Terriers, Cocker Spaniels and Beagles, This gland is not strongly held In place. Which is the cause of Cherry Eye. It is NOT life threatening. So, if your Bulldog developes a Cherry Eye, Do not Panic. It looks worse than it feels to the dog and it is very common to this breed.

"Cherry Eye" is the prolapse of this gland, which then protrudes from behind the third eyelid, appearing like a cherry in the corner of the eye. Cherry Eye mostly occurs in young puppies, usually around the age of 10-16 weeks, due to weakness in the gland's normal attachments. It is very common in Bulldogs and often affects both eyes although the second gland may prolapse several months after the first.

In older times, the prolapsed gland was simply removed. This option is still available today and is relatively cheap. However, be aware that this gland is responsible for producing approximately 30% of the tear volume to the surface of the eye, while the orbital lacrimal gland produces the rest. It is thought that should the main orbital lacrimal gland be damaged later in life that there is no "back up" for tear production. If this scenerio were to happen, it could cause "Dry Eye" to develope. Dry Eye is a serious eye condition and requires lifelong treatment.

The most desirable treatment for Cherry Eye is to "TACK" the gland back into a normal position. This requires a stitch to hold the gland in place. Surgery for this condition is generally done under general anesthesia. Surgery is most likely to be successful if it is done soon after the gland prolapses. The longer the gland sits in an abnormal position the greater the risk that the gland will undergo damage, and not be fully functional when it is tacked back into place.

When done by a experienced practitioner, re-occurance rates are at a minimal 5% to 10%. After two weeks post-surgery with no re-occurance, cherry eye should never be a problem again.