Treatment for Cherry Eye

Dogs have three eyelids. The third eyelid provides an added layer of protection for your dog’s eyes and an important gland that supplies your dog’s tears. The ligaments that hold this gland in place can detach from the orbital bone. If this gland pops out of place and becomes visible above the eyelids, this is known as cherry eye. At Tierrasanta Veterinary Hospital in San Diego, we provide pet eye care treatment.

The Prognosis for Dogs with Cherry Eye

Cherry eye is not life-threatening to your dog and many dogs go on to live full lives and have healthy eyes. Cherry eye is not contagious so there is no risk to your other pets.

Treatment Options for Cherry Eye

Our veterinarian may first recommend some anti-inflammatory eye drops to reduce the swelling. If the condition persists and causes discomfort, then surgery is going to be the next step. Treatment will involve getting the gland back to the right location but if the two methods are unsuccessful then the gland might have to be removed.

The Tucking Method: This treatment is the most common one performed and requires a single stitch to draw the gland back where it should be positioned. There are some complications but these are uncommon. The eye’s surface may be scratched if the stitch unties, causing pain. Sometimes cherry eye can be combined with other eyelid issues that can make the repair procedure more difficult.

Imbrication Method: This is a new technique. With this technique, a part of the tissue is removed from over the gland. This method can be more challenging because it can be difficult to know how much tissue should be removed. Tiny stitches are used to close the gap and these stitches will eventually dissolve. Complications are more likely to occur with this method. These complications include swelling or inflammation as the stitches dissolve, failure for the stitches to hold, and additional discomfort.

Sometimes, both methods are used to treat cherry eye. Our veterinary clinic will help determine which is the best method for your pet. Removal of the eyelids used to be a popular treatment but now this is not the preferred treatment for most veterinarians.

Veterinary Care in San Diego, CA

For pet eye care and treatment in San Diego, call our team at Tierrasanta Veterinary Hospital today at 858-292-6116 to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian.