Early Stages of Cherry Eye

Unlike humans, dogs have a third eyelid in the form of a triangular, tear-producing gland in the inside corner of each eye. Cherry eye occurs when this gland pops up and begins to protrude from between the eyelid and the eye. Typically this condition occurs in dogs under 2 years old.

  1. Early Signs

    • During the earliest stage of cherry eye the gland over the nictitating membrane (the third eyelid) swells up and dislodges from its usual place. This dislocation occurs through either swelling or through a weakness in the cartilage of the eyelid. Once dislodged the gland can't circulate blood properly and becomes red. At this stage the cherry eye is an irritant but not painful for the dog.

    Development

    • Once the gland is exposed the dog may rub at the eye or dust and other pollutants may further irritate it, all of which worsens the condition. At this point the gland may swell further and turn extremely red, like a cherry, letting out a puss-filled discharge. At this stage the entire eye may swell and a secondary eye infection can take place.

    Later Stages

    • The red swelling of cherry eye eventually turns a blackish color. The entire eye area further swells and the gland takes on a rotten appearance. While the condition is not painful in itself, the irritation causes great discomfort and impairs the dog's vision as well as tear production leading to dry eye.

    Treatments

    • At its earlier stages veterinarians prescribe an eyedrop for the dog that can help reduce the swelling which leads to the gland returning to its proper location. At later stages surgery becomes necessary to either stitch the gland back into place, remove the gland permanently or tuck the gland into position.

    Causes

    • Cherry eye is not the result of any trauma or environmental factors but instead solely a genetic trait of certain breeds of dogs. Bulldogs, Boston terriers, Cocker spaniels, beagles, shih tzus, lhasa apsos, great danes, bloodhounds and basset hounds in particular are prone to cherry eye. Since the condition is based upon genetics, there are preventative tactics to stop cherry eye. However, it is best to treat it at an early stage.