(Prolapsed
Third Eyelid Gland)
WHAT
IS A CHERRY EYE?
The
third eyelid (or nictitating membrane)is a thin portion of tissue found under
the inner corner of the lower eyelid of most domestic animals. A gland called
the “third eyelid gland” or the “nictitating membrane gland” or “haw” is
located on the inner surface of the third eyelid. This gland produces 30-60% of
the tears in the dog and cat. The gland
is normally hidden behind the third eyelid, kept in position by a small
ligament. A prolapsed gland or “cherry
eye” is thought to be associated with a laxity or weakness of this
ligament. The main orbital lacrimal
gland, located beneath a portion of the skull bone above the eye, produces the
rest of the tears. The amount of tears produced by each of these glands is
variable. The longer the third eyelid
gland is in an abnormal position, the greater the risk the gland will be
damaged and not fully functional when it is tacked back into place. “ Cherry eyes”
are commonly seen in predisposed breeds, such as the Cocker Spaniel, Bulldog,
Beagle, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, and Bloodhound, but can occur in other breeds as
well.
HOW
IS A CHERRY EYE REPAIRED?
In
the past, the entire gland was surgically removed, but now we know that when
this is done, the dog runs a greater risk of developing “dry eye” (“KCS” or
keratoconjunctivitis sicca) later in life.
Dry eye is a serious condition that can be difficult to treat, and
requires life long medication, which can be expensive. The preferred method of
treating a cherry eye is to surgically tack it back into place so that it
remains functional. The chance of developing dry eye is lessened by tacking the
gland back into its normal position.
The success rate of this procedure is about 90% when done by an experienced
veterinary ophthalmologist. This means that 10 out of 100 glands will pop back
out and require further surgery.
WHAT
HAPPENS THE DAY OF SURGERY?
Your
pet will be given pain control and sedative medications before surgery to help
him/her remain calm. An IV catheter is then placed in his/her leg to administer
fluids during and after surgery. For surgery, a breathing tube will be placed
in his/ her windpipe to administer gas anesthetic. Heart rhythm, blood
pressure, blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels will all be closely monitored
for the entire surgery (which usually lasts about 20 minutes to half an hour).
HOW
WILL MY PET LOOK AFTER SURGERY?
After
surgery, the third eyelid may look red and swollen for a few days, this is
normal. To provide support, the third eyelid will be temporarily stitched to
the side of the eye. This will make the third eyelid stay up, partially
covering the eye. This is only temporary and will go back into normal position
with time. You may also notice some bloody +/or blood tinged discharge from the
eye for the first few days following surgery. This can be gently cleaned away
with a moist Kleenex.
WHAT
WILL I NEED TO DO AT HOME?
When
using eye drops, be sure to hold the lids open so the medication is placed
directly into the eye. Wait 5 minutes
between different drops so as not to flush out the previous medication before
it has been absorbed. If you are required to use ointment, always apply it
AFTER all the drops have been given.
Keep
the head collar on, even at night.
Wipe
away any discharge from the eye with a clean moist Kleenex or face cloth.
Keep
your pet quiet.
Call
us if you have any questions or concerns!
Book
the recheck appointment as requested by the doctor. It is important to monitor
the healing process.
IMPORTANT!
It
is important to know that despite surgery, dry eye may develop later in life if
damage occurs to all of the lacrimal glands. This damage is usually associated
with an immune system dysfunction and its occurance cannot be predicted or
prevented.