07-07-1999, 08:29 AM
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| Junior Member | | Join Date: Oct 1998 Location: Stevens Point, WI | |
Here is some info that might be useful to you Rooster: Quote:
Glandular hypertrophy or "cherry eye" is a prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid. Cocker spaniels and bulldogs seem to be predisposed to this disorder. Cherry
eye is also commonly seen in beagles, Shih Tzus, bloodhounds, Great Danes, Lhasa Apsos, and basset hounds.
"Although we have yet to learn the cause of this condition, cherry eye is believed to be genetic and is usually not caused by trauma," says Dr. Ralph Hamor, an
assistant professor specializing in ophthalmology at the University of Illinois Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital (VMTH) at Urbana. The VMTH receives several
cases per month.
This condition is not a pretty sight and can be frightening to the owner when first noticed. "The red, fleshy gland that sits between the eyelid and the eyeball pops up
and protrudes over the edge of the third eyelid. In acute stages, dogs with cherry eye exhibit redness, swelling, and a mucous or serous discharge," explains Dr.
Hamor.
He notes that cherry eye is usually a canine problem, although similar cases have been observed in Burmese cats. Cherry eye frequently occurs in younger dogs --
less than a year old.
Treatment techniques differ among veterinarians. Typically, there are three ways to deal with cherry eye: 1) surgically reposition the gland to its original place at the
base of the third eyelid, 2) surgically remove the prolapsed gland, or 3) leave the prolapse alone.
It is important to note that the gland of the third eyelid is responsible for approximately 30 percent of a dog's tear production. Tears are necessary to lubricate the
cornea. Complete removal can lead to a condition called keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) or "dry eye." Dry eye is a vision-threatening disease. It is caused by tear
deficiency and, if left untreated, may result in persistent redness, mucus discharge, corneal scarring and ulceration.
Unfortunately, the same breeds that are predisposed to cherry eye are also predisposed to dry eye. For these breeds, it is believed that complete removal of the
gland can further predispose these breeds to dry eye.
As a result, VMTH policy recommends surgically repositioning the prolapsed gland in dogs that are predisposed to dry eye. Of course, the treatment route taken
depends on the owner's situation and wishes.
For dog breeds not prone to cherry eye, removal of the prolapsed gland is also an option. However, studies show that even these dogs can develop dry eye.
Medication, used in humans to prevent transplanted organ rejection, is available to treat dry eye and stimulate tear production. An approved veterinary product for
the medical treatment of dry eye is now available through your local veterinarian.
Ignoring the prolapsed gland, rather than removing it or repositioning it, may also be an option depending on the case. Usually, a prolapsed gland doesn't cause
serious disease unless it is complicating another disease process, says Dr. Hamor.
Although the specific reason behind cherry eye has not been discovered, Dr. Hamor encourages dog owners, especially owners of the breeds mentioned in this
column, to schedule regular veterinary checkups and eye exams for their animals. Many times, early detection can prevent more serious eye complications later on.
| We had a Dane at one time who had Cherry Eye and had to be operated on. It was a simple procedure and he was fine. Just had to give him some eye drops for a couple days after the procedure and that was that.
Hope this helps...
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