Eye Surgeries
What is Cherry Eye?
When the gland of the third eyelid pops out of position, it protrudes from behind the eyelid as a reddish mass. This prolapsed lacrimal (tear) gland condition is commonly referred to as "cherry eye". The problem is seen primarily in young dogs, including the Cocker Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Shih-Tzu, Poodle, Beagle, and Bulldog. It's also seen sometimes in certain cat breeds including the Burmese.
Despite its appearance, cherry eye itself is not a painful condition. However, the longer the tear gland is exposed, the more likely it will come irritated and inflamed. If the patient rubs at the eye, it could cause the gland to bleed or become infected. Furthermore, the function of the tear gland could become compromised if the gland is exposed for long periods of time.
WHAT IS ENTROPION?
Entropion is an inward rolling of the eyelid. Although the exact genetic pattern is usually not known, the condition is considered to be breed-related in several breeds, including the Shar Pei, Chow Chow, Bulldog, Retrievers, and Rottweiler.
Our Surgical Services
Surgery
Cherry Eye
To correct cherry eye, surgical REPLACEMENT of the gland is necessary. Surgery is not just for cosmetics! The gland of the third eyelid plays an important role in maintaining normal tear production, responsible for 40-50% of the tears. Dogs that have had the tear gland removed are predisposed to developing Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (dry eye) later in life. Dry Eye is uncomfortable for the patient, and requires the owner to administer topical medications several times a day for the remainder of the patient's life. To avoid this condition, it is preferable to reposition the gland so it can continue to function normally.
The procedures used to correct cherry eye is called a "pocket technique". Although the gland cannot be put back into its original position in the third eyelid, a new pocket is made near the original position. Another commonly used procedure tacks the gland down to the orbital rim. Unfortunately, no surgical procedure is 100% effective, and occasionally additional surgery is needed. Post-surgical inflammation may take 1-2 weeks to resolve.
Entropion
The treatment for entropion is surgery to remove some skin and muscle along the eyelid margin to obtain normal alignment of the eyelids.
The surgery can be performed after the age of 4-6 months depending on the patient's particular problems associated with the entropion, such as corneal ulceration caused by irritating lashes or hair. Usually only one surgery is required but since the problem occurs in growing patients, additional correction is occasionally needed when the patient is an adult.
