THIRD EYELID GLAND PROTRUSION
Dogs and cats have 3 eyelids: upper lid, lower lid, and one that is attached inside the other lids at the inside corner of the eye socket. This third eyelid serves to protect the eye from injury by closing over the eye to give a second covering of the eye.
On the inside of this third eyelid, there is a small lymph node and small gland that produces tears. The tears produced aid in lubrication of the eye.
A condition exists where this small gland becomes inflamed and swollen. Once swollen, the tissue of this gland then protrudes out over the free edge of the third eyelid. This condition is sometimes called “cherry eye,” because the reddened, swollen tissue resembles a cherry.
The exact cause of this condition is not known. It is common in certain breeds so a genetic predisposition is probably involved. Cocker spaniels and bulldogs are most commonly affected. An infection or allergic reactions may sometimes trigger cherry eye but the pet already had the tendency to get the disease. There is a tendency for the condition to occur in the other eye at some future date.
TREATMENT of this condition may be medical or surgical. Often times the condition is first treated topically with anti-inflammatory medications in an effort to avoid surgery. If medical therapy is not effective, then surgery to either remove part of the gland or replace the gland into its normal position is recommended. Sometimes more than one surgery is required. The gland is replaced back in it’s proper place inside the third eyelid and sutured there. Often the surgeon will try to anchor the sutures to the outer lining of the bone of the eye socket to give a stronger hold. Even so the suture can break or pull loose. A less desirable option is to remove the gland. Since it produces about 1/3 of the normal amount of tears and tear production tends to decrease with age, an older pet whose 3rd eyelid gland has been removed may not produce enough tears to keep the eyes moist.
After surgery, you may need to use a restraint collar if the pet scratches at the eye to prevent additional damage to the eye. Again if one eye needs surgery there’s a good chance the other eye will have problems as well.
