Why Are My Dog's Eyes Red? Cherry Eye Disease in Dogs: Causes and Symptoms

Cherry eye in dogs is the name given to the drooping of the third eyelid. The nictitating membrane is a tissue that secretes tears and is normally hidden in the corner of a dog's eye. When cherry eye occurs, this membrane grows and protrudes from the eye, appearing as a pinkish mass in the corner of the eye. Cherry eye often causes dryness and irritation of the eye, therefore it can lead to more serious eye problems. When cherry eye occurs, it is necessary to consult a veterinarian immediately to prevent the condition from developing into a more serious problem. Cherry eye disease is not preventable. Therefore, dogs, especially those prone to cherry eye disease, should have their eyes checked regularly. Cherry Eye Symptoms The most prominent symptom of this condition in dogs with cherry eye, which can be called cherry eye dogs, is the appearance of a pink mass at the corner of the eye. The mass emerges from the corner of the eye near the nose and is impossible to miss when viewed from the outside. This mass may disappear on its own after a few days. However, it is usually permanent and can cause some complications if left untreated. Symptoms of cherry eye include a pink mass in the eye, a dark fluid discharge, and a constant rubbing motion of the eye. Other conditions can also cause these symptoms. Physical trauma or contact of the eye with a foreign object also has symptoms similar to cherry eye disease. These conditions can result in vision loss or physical loss of the eye. If symptoms appear, a veterinarian should be consulted before the condition progresses. The earlier the condition is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. Cherry Eye Causes It? Cherry eye is generally seen in dogs under one year old. It occurs when the connective tissue that holds the third eyelid in place loosens or tears. The exact cause of this condition is unknown. However, treatment is usually done surgically. Cherry eye can occur in one eye or both eyes. Some dog breeds are more prone to cherry eye. American Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, Basset Hounds, Lhasa Apsos, English Bulldogs, Chinese Sharpei, Newfoundlands, Burmese, and Cane Corso are dog breeds prone to cherry eye.

Cherry Eye Symptoms

In dogs with cherry eyes, the most prominent symptom is the appearance of a pink mass at the corner of the eye. The mass protrudes from the corner of the eye near the nose and is impossible to miss from the outside. This mass may disappear spontaneously after a few days. However, it is usually permanent and, if left untreated, can cause complications.

Cherry eye symptoms include a pink mass in the eye, a dark fluid discharge, and a constant rubbing motion of the eye. Other conditions can also cause these symptoms. Physical trauma or contact of the eye with a foreign object also has symptoms similar to cherry eye. These situations can result in vision loss or physical loss of the eye. If symptoms appear, a veterinarian should be consulted before the condition progresses. The earlier the condition is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.

What Causes Cherry Eye?

Cherry eye is generally seen in dogs under one year old. It occurs when the connective tissue holding the third eyelid in place loosens or ruptures. The exact cause of this condition is unknown. However, treatment is usually surgical. Cherry eye can occur in one eye or both eyes. Some dog breeds are more prone to cherry eye. American Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, Basset Hounds, Lhasa Apsos, English Bulldogs, Chinese Sharpei, Newfoundlands, Burmese, and Cane Corso are among the breeds susceptible to cherry eye.

How is Cherry Eye Diagnosed?

Cherry eye is easily diagnosed because it is readily visible from the outside. However, a physical examination by a veterinarian is necessary to assess the overall health of the eye. Swelling of the third eyelid reduces tear production. A Schirmer Tear Test can be performed to ensure the dog's eye is not dry. Additionally, the cornea is checked for scratches. Scratches or tears in the cornea can cause not only pain but also ulceration, infection, and perforation.

How is Cherry Eye Treated?

Treatment for cherry eye in dogs is generally surgical. Cherry eye surgery can reposition the eyelid gland located behind the third eyelid. However, in cases where cherry eye is severe, repositioning surgery may not be possible. Similarly, if cherry eye is left untreated, the third eyelid gland may lose its function. In such cases, the third eyelid gland is surgically removed. Complete removal of the eyelid gland is considered a last resort because it causes a permanent decrease in tear production and leads to dry eyes. Cherry eye surgery is the only treatment option. Treatment results are generally successful. However, the success rate varies depending on the condition. Performing the surgery immediately after the mass is detected increases the chances of success. On the other hand, waiting reduces the success rate. Cherry Eye Recovery Process After surgery, the dog needs to wear an Elizabethan collar until healing is complete. Healing usually occurs within 14 days. Since young dogs are very energetic and active, it is very important that the collar is always used. Cherry eye surgery is generally a minimally invasive procedure, and the recovery period can be comfortably managed with pain medication afterwards.

Cherry eye surgery is the only treatment option. Treatment results are generally successful. However, the success rate varies depending on the condition. Performing surgery immediately after the mass is detected increases the chances of success. On the other hand, delaying surgery reduces the success rate.

Cherry Eye Recovery Process

The dog needs to wear an Elizabethan collar until healing is complete after surgery. Healing usually takes place within 14 days. Since young dogs are very energetic and active, the use of the collar is very important. Cherry eye surgery is generally a minimally invasive procedure, and the recovery period can be comfortably managed with pain medication.

The third eyelid gland produces 35% of tears. With cherry eye disease, it loses its function over time and leads to dry eyes. Dry eyes in dogs can cause ulcers, infections, or perforations. Cherry eye surgery reduces the risk of dry eyes but does not completely eliminate it. Dry eye checks should be performed throughout the dog's life after cherry eye surgery. Dry eyes can occur even years after surgery.

Cherry eye disease is not contagious to humans or other living beings. This disease occurs physically due to the inability of muscles to perform their function. Therefore, it is not contagious.