Vet Eye Care

What is cherry eye?

Cats and dogs have an extra eyelid in comparison to us, and we call this simply the third eyelid. 

A gland is loosely attached to the third eyelid which is involved in tear production. In certain dog species, this gland can bulge out from behind the eye lid and become inflamed. 

While this may look shocking, it is not painful for your dog. However, the longer it is exposed, the more likely it is to become irritated, which can lead to further problems.

If the gland becomes uncomfortable, dogs may scratch or rub at the area, which can lead to bleeding or infection.

While it will typically happen in one eye first, if a dog is susceptible they may see the same condition in their other eye later in life.

Species commonly affected include poodles, beagles, cocker spaniels, pugs, bloodhounds, English and French bulldogs, Boston terriers, shih tzu, lhasa apsos and other brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, as well as Burmese and Persian cats.

How do we treat cherry eye

Surgery is required to treat the condition, and we have different options available to us. 

We may attempt to replace the gland, allowing it to continue functioning, or if we are concerned about cancer in the area we may recommend removal.

Removing the gland may lead to your pet suffering from dry eyes later in life and requires lifelong medical treatment. 

Attempts to replace the gland are often not 100% successful and may lead to a relapse later in life, which may require further surgery.

We will always suggest a course of treatment based on your pet’s specific case.

For pet owners:

Book an appointment with Dr Becky Crossfield here or call 01928 641 641 to discuss your case. 

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is caused by fluid in the eye becoming trapped, leading pressure to increase and ultimately, if not treated, to blindness. 

Other animals may suffer from glaucoma but we generally see it most commonly in dogs.

There are numerous causes of glaucoma, and as other diseases and illness can affect drainage in the eye, it can develop as a secondary illness. Other causes include:

• inflammation in the eye 
• cataracts
• Breeds including basset hounds, great danes, samoyeds, Siberian huskies, cocker spaniels, springer spaniels, golden retrievers and Labradors can be born with eye problems that increase the risk of glaucoma

The illness becomes easier to spot as it becomes more serious. 

When pressure is slightly raised the white of the eye can look red, which can be confused with other illnesses such as conjunctivitis. 

Sometimes pressure can reduce after an initial spike, making it seem as though the eye is responding to treatment. 

As pressure builds, pain will increase, leading to your dog seeming depressed and lethargic. 

Towards the end of the disease the eye will develop a blue colour and begin to swell. Not long after this, blindness can settle in, which can become permanent without treatment.

How do we treat it?

Visual cues are initially what we use to recognise a problem, but for an accurate diagnosis we use a tonometer, which measures pressure in the eye.

If glaucoma is detected we must treat it as an emergency to try to prevent blindness. It often requires lifelong treatment and medication to control pressure in the eye, as some issues cannot be cured. 

A variety of surgical procedures can be used, generally with good prospects of success, but lifelong medication will also be required. 

In the long term it is sometimes necessary to remove the eye if it becomes permanently blind and none of the treatments control the pain. 

Most dogs cope exceptionally well with one eye and are generally much happier when the source of the pain is removed.

For pet owners:

Book an appointment with Dr Becky Crossfield here or call 01928 641 641 to discuss your case.