Cherry eye is a name often associated with a condition in dogs. It occurs when the dog's third eyelid, a membrane located in the corner of a dog's eye, becomes swollen and reddened. Usually, a third eyelid is unseen until it becomes irritated in some way. Some dogs are more prone to cherry eyes. Although it is not a life-threatening illness, cherry eye can be particularly bothersome to the dog. If a dog is treated for cherry eye, you can take precautions to minimize the risk of cherry eye returning.
Instructions
Do not breed a dog that has cherry eye. This is the one sure step you can take to eliminate cherry eye from being passed down to other generations of puppies. Certain breeds of dogs are more predisposed to having cherry eye, including the American cocker spaniel, beagle, bloodhound, English bulldog, shar-pei, poodle, Saint Bernard and Boston terrier.
Follow doctor's orders to prevent the recurrence of cherry eye. Once a dog is diagnosed with cherry eye, surgery likely will be needed to reposition or replace the gland that is affected. Give your dog its prescribed medicine following surgery, which likely will include medications to reduce inflammation of the eye. If a suture is used in the process, watch to make sure it does not come untied, which is evident by the appearance of a thread in the eye. Follow up with your dog's veterinarian for checkups.
Watch for other problems, including an occurrence of cherry eye in both the originally affected eye and the other eye. Another issue your dog could face, even years after a surgery, is a problem producing tears. The condition, more commonly known as dry eye, occurs when the dog's tear gland is either removed or replaced and cannot produce enough tears to properly keep the eye moist. Signs of dry eye include discharge of pus, redness and cloudiness near the cornea. If this occurs, see your dog's veterinarian.