Cherry eye is a condition that is only found in dogs. Its proper name is canine nictitans gland prolapse. This is a congenital eye defect, which means that it is present in the dog’s genes at birth. This means that it cannot be caused or prevented through any outside influences. It can, however, be corrected with surgery.
Why Does it Happen?
Dogs actually have a third eyelid. This third eyelid contains the dog’s tear ducts. Cherry eye occurs when the tear glands within the third eyelid become prolapsed. Once the prolapse occurs, the eye becomes inflamed, often causing a discharge. This can cause dryness within the affected eye or eyes.
Dogs Most Affected
Generally, cherry eye occurs during puppyhood. It is also most common in specific dog breeds. These breeds include but may not be limited to Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, Shin Tzus, Neapolitan Mastiffs, Beagles, Chihuahuas, Pekingese, and Basset Hounds. It has been found that breeds of dogs who suffer from cherry eye most frequently have a hereditary weakness in the connective tissue that surrounds the tear glands.
It’s Not Just a Dog’s World
Cherry eye most commonly occurs in dogs. However, there have been breeds of cats that have been diagnosed and treated for cherry eye as well. The two main breeds of cats that may be susceptible to the development of cherry eye include Burmese and Bombay cats.
What Does Cherry Eye Look Like?
Cherry eye appears in the inner corner of the eye. It is red and often somewhat round. This is where the name “cherry eye” came from. The condition is often mistaken for a tumor and dog owners can become frightened for the well-being of their beloved pet. However, cherry eye is not necessarily harmful. It can, however, be uncomfortable due to the dryness in the eye.
How to Treat Cherry Eye
The only treatment for cherry eye is surgery. Originally, cherry eye treatment meant simply removing the tear gland. This led to serious discomfort for the dog because the eye became extremely dry after the absence of the tear duct. However, advances in medicine have made it possible for dogs and cats to be treated for cherry eye in a much more comfortable manner.
Cherry Eye Surgery Costs
Cherry eye surgery can cost anywhere from about $300 to $500. However, it has been noted that some vets can charge upwards of about $800 to $1,000. Generally, this cost includes the necessary blood samples and tests that are needed before your dog can undergo treatment. This should also include the cost of any post-operative care, including the use of antibiotics.
It is important to remember that the cost of cherry eye surgery can vary greatly from one veterinarian to the next. If you have multiple vets in the area, you may want to consider checking around for pricing. However, be careful that you don’t base your decision solely on cost. This can lead to serious risks for your animal. Choose a clinic that offers a fair price but also comes highly recommended.
About the Surgery
Cherry eye surgery is now considered a routine surgery. The procedure is relatively simple and your dog will be placed under anesthesia. This will ensure that your pet is calm during the procedure and feels minimal pain. For most animals, recovery is quick and pain is somewhat minor, even after the procedure. However, it is important that you take care to follow all of the post-operative instructions provided to you by your vet. This will help to ward off the chance of infection and increase the chances of proper healing for your pet.
It is important to keep in mind that cherry eye surgery is usually successful. However, there is a chance that the condition could return. In this case, you would need to have your dog taken back in for further treatment. This is not a failure on the vet’s part. It is simply an indication to the weakness of your dog’s tear duct tissues.
In some cases, the tissues are so weak that the condition continues to return. This often calls for a complete removal of the tear duct. While this may be uncomfortable for your pet, it is important to keep in mind that cherry eye itself can be rather uncomfortable. If the condition continues to return, your vet will do what is the best interest of your pet. Complete removal of the tear duct is now a last resort, but it is necessary in some cases.
Often, the cost of cherry eye surgery is rather minimal. However, remember that it is important to find the right vet. This will help to ensure that your pet is in good hands and gets the very best treatment available.