Cherry eye in dogs is also known as encantis and is a prolapse of the lacrimal gland of the third eyelid. It is more common in small dogs and can occur in one or both eyes.
In this article on our site we are going to explain in detail how this condition originates and what is the recommended treatment. It is convenient to resort to surgery and put ourselves in the hands of a veterinarian specialized in ophthalmology. Read on for all the information about cherry eye in dogs and go to the vet for a diagnosis.
What is cherry eye in dogs and why does it occur?
The third eyelid or nictitating membrane is an important structure in the dog's eye that humans do not have. It is located in the inner corner of the eye. Normally it is not visible, but, in certain circumstances, it extends, occupying the eye to a greater or lesser extent. We then say that it has prolapsed. It usually happens as a reaction to pain caused by an eye condition. Some dogs, however, are born with a portion of this membrane visible. In these cases it does not indicate or imply any problem beyond aesthetics and, therefore, there is no need to intervene.
Around the cartilage of the third eyelid there is a lacrimal gland that is responsible for producing approximately half of all the tears in the eye. In the condition that concerns us, the cherry eye or charm, there is a weakness in the inner surface of the third eyelid and this is what leads us to end up visualizing the inflamed lacrimal gland. It is a congenital defect most common in breeds such as the cocker spaniel, beagle, boston terrier or bulldog.
Cherry eye in dogs: symptoms
Cherry eye is a highly visible condition. The weakness produced in the third eyelid allows us to observe a cherry-like formation in the inner margin of the eye, that is, it is observed that the dog has a small fleshy ball in the eye. It is nothing more than the lacrimal gland of the third eyelid. This prolapse usually causes irritation of the ocular surface, which ends up causing a conjunctivitis that will not go away. This causes eye redness and discharge
How to remove cherry eye in dogs: treatment
The charm or cherry eye requires a surgical intervention to be solved. As conjunctivitis is often associated with this problem, the vet may prescribe cherry eye drops for dogs. But we have to be clear that these drops are not going to make the lump we see disappear. They are only prescribed to control conjunctivitis or during the postoperative period of cherry eye in dogs to avoid complications. Likewise, as long as the charm is not resolved, the conjunctivitis will not disappear. So, if we ask ourselves how to cure pterygium in the eyes of dogs, we see that the answer is through surgery.
Going back to the cherry eye operation in dogs, it was usual to remove the third eyelid or the lacrimal gland. But, given the importance of this gland for tear production, this type of procedure will have a decrease in tear production as a side effect. The consequence, in some cases, is the appearance of another disorder known as dry eye or dry keratoconjunctivitis To avoid this, it is possible to use another technique that, in Instead of removing the third eyelid, what it does is reposition it, putting the lacrimal gland back in its place. In this way, the defect is corrected without affecting tear production.
The price of cherry eye surgery in dogs varies depending on the professional we choose, so it is a good idea to compare several options. Thus, we can find average prices of about 130-200 euros per eye. Consultations and medications are not usually included in this amount.
Cherry eye in dogs: home treatment
It is common that when we hear about surgery to solve some pathology of our dog we think that it will be excessively expensive. At that point is when home alternatives to treatment are most sought after. In this case, unfortunately, there is absolutely no remedy that allows us to solve the cherry eye without going under the knife.
Leaving a dog untreated is not an option, since he would be suffering from recurrent conjunctivitis. For this reason, no matter how many cleanings we do with serum or chamomile, the enchantment will not disappear. It is also useless for us to try to reintroduce the gland on our own with massage or pressure. The gland will come out again if it has not been surgically repaired and, in addition, we can hurt the dog.
