Prolapsed Gland of the Third Eyelid (Cherry Eye)

Description & Cause
Dogs have an extra eyelid in the corner of their eyes close to their nose. It can stretch across the eyeball to protect it during sleep. The third eyelid has a gland in its base which helps fight infection/inflammation and produces tears.

"Cherry eye" is the term often used to describe protrusion of the gland associated with the third eyelid membrane. This occurs due to weakness in the gland's normal attachments.


Symptoms/Clinical Signs
It appears as a red mass in the inner corner of the eye. It is sometimes mistaken for a tumor. After gland prolapse, the eye becomes chronically inflamed. Because the gland is responsible for about 30% of the eye's tear production, the eye can eventually suffer from dryness (keratoconjunctivitis sicca).


Diagnosis
The condition is clearly visable.


Treatment & Prognosis
Treatment for this condition involves surgically replacing the gland into its normal position and attaching it with sutures.


Inheritance
Cherry eyes have no known mode of inheritance, but since some breeds are more predisposed than others.