What is cherry eye?
Cherry eye refers to prolapse of the nictitans gland and is seen more commonly in dogs compared to cats. It can occur in any breed, however brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, mastiffs and Great Danes are over-represented. Either one or both eyes can be affected and the condition is most commonly seen in young dogs.
Clinical signs
- Red or pink swelling at the inner corner of the affected eye
- Rubbing at the face – the gland may become sore and bleed if traumatised
- Ocular discharge
What causes cherry eye?
The nictitans gland is a normal part of anatomy and it sits deep behind the nictitans membrane (third eyelid). It is an important ocular structure as it is responsible for a third of total tear production. Prolapse occurs due to laxity of the ligament which holds it in place.
How is it treated?
Surgical replacement of the prolapsed gland is advised rather than removal due to its important role in tear production. Approximately 40% of cases will develop dry eye following removal of the gland, and as breeds predisposed to cherry eye are also predisposed to dry eye the nictitans gland is required to maintain optimal tear production.
Surgical techniques include:
Pocket technique – this is the most common technique used and involves creating a surgical pocket in the soft tissue behind the nictitans membrane, placing the gland into this pocket and suturing it closed with absorbable suture material.
Anchoring techniques – in more complex cases the gland can be secured back in position by anchoring it to other structures within the orbit including the muscles attached to the eye or to the orbital bone. These may be used alone or in combination with the pocket technique.
Will surgery be successful?
Several surgical techniques exist because not one is 100% successful in every case. Preference of the surgeon and the complexity of the case will affect the method chosen which will be discussed prior to surgery.
Approximately 10% of cases will re-prolapse and require further surgery. The recurrence rate appears to be higher in English Bulldogs.
In young animals presenting initially with only one eye affected, there is a 50% chance that the second eye will also become affected at a later stage
