What Causes Cherry Eye in Dogs?

In today's article, we will take a closer look at the cherry eye in dogs. This eye condition, found in only 1% of the canine population, affects the dog's third eyelid, which becomes prolapsed and protrudes out of the bottom of the dog's eye corner, exhibiting an unappealing cherry-like look. The eyelid gland gradually becomes inflamed and, if left untreated, can turn into conjunctivitis. At the same time, the uncomfortable feeling will cause your dog to try and scratch at it, increasing the risk of infection and even more severe accidents!

The cherry eye causes in dogs run a wide gamut, from allergic reactions and breed predispositions to dysbiosis in the gut microbiome, although a veterinary ophthalmologist can't always put their finger on the culprit. Fortunately, most cherry eye cases can be solved without invasive methods, although more severe cases might necessitate a surgical replacement of the third eyelid gland.

What you, as the dog parent, can do is recognize and monitor your dog's symptoms and implement the appropriate treatment plan. But also remember that the cherry eye will find it harder to develop against a strong gut microbiome, so ensure that your furry friend eats plenty of foods rich in helpful bacteria!

What is Cherry Eye in Dogs?

Cherry eye is the term commonly used for a specific medical condition, namely the prolapsed third eyelid gland. Unlike humans, dogs — and other animals, such as cats — exhibit a third eyelid (or nictitating membrane), composed of:

• Conjunctiva (i.e., a protective membrane);
• T-shaped cartilage as a connective tissue;
• A tear gland: this third tissue is hidden by the cartilage and cannot be seen outside the cherry eye context.

When facing this condition, the third eyelid becomes larger and gradually protrudes from the inside corner of the eye. In the end, the inflamed eyelid assumes the unsightly cherry look behind the condition's nickname.

Although unappealing, the cherry eye — at first — does not cause any discomfort to the dog. However, as the bulge becomes bigger, certain complications can occur.

Source: Veterian Key

Why Do Cherry Eyes Occur in the First Place?

Unfortunately, there's no clear-cut explanation behind the cherry eye in dogs. Although some experts point towards a genetic predisposition in certain breeds, while others inspect the link between the cherry eye and allergic reactions, there's neither an unmistakable cause behind it nor a surefire way to prevent it in the first place. All you can do is identify the issue before it becomes a real nuisance to your dog.

#1: Certain Breeds Show a Genetic Predisposition to Cherry Eyes

It is believed that the connective tissue is weaker in some dog breeds, which predisposes them to cherry eyes. The list is spearheaded by brachycephalic breeds (i.e., dog breeds with shorter skulls) such as Bulldogs (e.g., English Bulldog), Beagles, Boston Terriers, American Cocker Spaniels, and Shih Tzus.

Other dog breeds that make the list of cherry eye genetic predispositions are:

• Chinese Shar-Peis;
• Newfoundlands;
• Neapolitan Mastiffs;
• Great Danes;
• Lhasa Apso;
• Cane Corso;
• Bloodhounds;
• Pekingese.

#2: Younger Breeds Run a Higher Risk of Developing Cherry Eye

Even though there's no clear explanation for it, cherry eye is more often reported in dogs younger than 1-2 years of age. Furthermore, the younger they develop it, the higher the chances are that it will occur again, as 40% of dogs with an early cherry eye experience the same prolapsed tear gland in the other eye, too!

#3: Cherry Eye and Allergic Reactions

Third, your dog's cherry eye could be a symptom of various environmental factors. Seasonal allergies and household hazards are known to be behind allergic reactions in a dog's eyes. Are you a scented candle or air freshener enthusiast? Chances are, your dog's immune system is not. Or is your dog currently on medication?

We've previously talked at length about the effects of medication on the canine gut microbiome. That inflammation in your dog's third eyelid gland might be telling you that the gut is imbalanced and that they need a helping hand in restoring bacterial balance. If so, it becomes a matter of speaking to a canine nutritionist in order to achieve normal function in the gut.

Cherry Eye Symptoms

The first and primary symptom of the cherry eye you'll notice is that pink mass standing out at the corner of the eye, often called a ' cherry pit.' This oval mass, typically reddish in color, is often accompanied by dryness (due to a decreased tear production), swelling, and an ocular discharge in the event of a secondary infection.

A cherry eye can become painful if left untreated, prompting the dog to rub and scratch the bulge to relieve the discomfort. Avoiding such instances is imperative since any contact with the bulge can irritate the area and exacerbate the pain. Is your dog squinting? Chances are, they might already be dealing with pain and trying to soothe the affected eye!

Is Cherry Eye Contagious?

Fortunately, cherry eye is not a contagious disease, meaning that you and your other pets do not run the risk of ever contracting it from dogs. However, certain genetic material can cause a predisposition in future offspring, so consult yourself with a veterinarian to ascertain whether your chosen puppy might develop a prolapsed gland in the future or not.

Can I Prevent Cherry Eye?

There is no straightforward prevention strategy for cherry eye in dogs. But dog parents can inspect and identify the early signs of this condition, especially if the dog breed in question is predisposed to it. Keep a look out for tell-tale signs such as unexpected swelling, redness, and irritation. Predisposed breeds are also at an increased risk for other ophthalmological issues, such as dry eye, entropion (i.e., an eyelid rolling inward), and distichiasis (i.e., hair growth in unusual eyelid areas), so paying extra attention to these breeds' eyes will surely pay off.

Diagnosing Cherry Eye in Dogs

The healthiest way to approach a cherry eye is to see a vet immediately, before it becomes painful. The vet will examine the overall eye health and rule out any other ophthalmological issues, such as a dry eye (probably through a Schirmer tear test, which measures the dog's tear production) or corneal scratches. Then, with thorough observations and ample information, they will put together a concrete treatment plan for your dog's eye.

How to Treat Cherry Eye

The optimal way to treat cherry eye in dogs rests on the severity of the condition. For example, mild cases can resolve through noninvasive methods, such as:

• Applying warm compresses to the bulge;
• Getting plenty of rest;
• Gently massaging the affected gland towards repositioning it;
• Limiting the amount of inflammation in the body by strengthening your dog's gut microbiome;
• Allowing the prolapsed gland to resolve on its own.

More severe cases, however, call for a surgical repositioning or replacement of the third eyelid gland. The surgical treatment differs from one dog to another — your vet will carefully inspect the symptoms before deciding on the appropriate surgical technique. In most cases, minor surgery is enough to replace the prolapsed gland. In most severe cases, the vet could opt to remove the gland altogether. However, they will do their best to avoid this last-resort option in order to preserve the much-needed tear production intact.

You Can Easily Treat Your Dog's Cherry Eye!

Cherry eye is a potential reality for a small number of our canine companions, which, if caught early, can easily be treated. As long as you promptly identify the symptoms and enlist the help of a professional, your dog's 'cherry pit' will swiftly recede. Some cherry eye cases, however, can only be resolved through surgical techniques, but once again, they can be successfully treated with the proper surgical options. For more advice on dog nutrition, health, and training, make sure that you contact us and check out our blog!

Volhard Dog Nutrition and its expert nutritionists are now offering online consultations to help more dog parents discover why, what, and how to feed their dogs the healthiest of foods! Speaking to a Volhard nutritionist will help you understand the inseparable relationship between healthy food, a healthy body, and a healthy mind. If you're interested in contacting one of our Volhard nutritionists, don't hesitate to access our consultation page!

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