Tierrasanta Veterinary Hospital Offers Treatment For Cherry Eye

Some canines develop a condition called "cherry eye,” which causes a reddish protrusion on the lower lid. It is not painful but can be upsetting for owners to see. Your veterinarian can provide a number of treatments to help manage this condition. At Tierrasanta Veterinary Hospital in San Diego, CA, we offer treatment for canine cherry eye and other pet eye problems.

What Is Cherry Eye?

That pink or red protrusion at the corner of your dog’s eye is the result of weakness in the tissue that holds the nictitating membrane that holds the tear-producing gland in place. Normally, this membrane lies flat within the eye socket, but when the tissue weakens or is damaged, it becomes prominent on the eye surface, giving the eye an injured appearance. Cherry eye can come and go or be a constant issue.

A large prolapse may make it difficult for the animal to close the eye normally. The condition can also cause dry eyes in dogs. The vet will carefully examine the eye tissue to determine if prolapse of the nictitating membrane is the cause of the problem.

Causes of Cherry Eye

Some breeds of dog, such as Cocker Spaniels and Bulldogs seem prone to cherry eye. There appears to be a genetic component to whether the tissue that holds the membrane in place is sufficiently strong to prevent prolapse. Cherry eye can also be caused by trauma to the eye. The problem can be temporary or permanent. Your vet can help determine the cause of the prolapse and what type of treatment is best for your pet’s needs.

Treatment of Cherry Eye in Canines

Treatment of cherry eye in dogs depends on the severity of the problem. For some dogs, conservative treatment such as warm compresses and gentle massage can help the membrane return to its normal position on the eye. However, more severe cases may require surgical intervention. Veterinarians have developed several procedures to tighten the membrane so that it holds the tear gland in place. Recovery is generally fast with good outcomes in this type of surgery.

Make Tierrasanta Veterinary Hospital Your Veterinarian in San Diego

Dr. Schexneider and the team at Tierrasanta Veterinary Hospital use their knowledge and experience to provide the highest quality care for their patients in San Diego, CA, and surrounding areas. Our animal hospital offers many services for pets, including vaccinations, preventative care, surgery, dental care, microchipping, and boarding. Call Tierrasanta Veterinary Hospital today at (858) 292-6116 for an appointment to learn more about the treatment of cherry eye in dogs.