Did you know that our dogs don’t just have two eyelids, they have three? Number 3 is the so-called nictitating skin.
Among other things, you can see this when it has become inflamed.
how you that Cherry Eye in dogs can identify the causes and treatments available here, the following guide will tell you.
What is Cherry Eye in Dogs?
Cherry eye in dogs is an inflammation of the nictitating membrane, which is located in the inner corner of the eye.
You may not see this third eyelid very often, but you may have noticed it before. For example, when your dog has just woken up.
This is pink tissue that can be seen in the inner corner of the eye. The nictitating membrane contains a gland that produces tear fluid.
This in turn is important in order to provide the cornea of the eye with moisture, among other things.
If the nictitating membrane is now inflamed, this is it gland is exposed and its shape is then reminiscent of a cherry. Hence the name Cherry Eye.
What Are the Causes of Cherry Eye in Dogs?
Probably the most common cause of a cherry eye in dogs is in the genesso inflammation is breed specific.
The following breeds are particularly susceptible here:
These breeds have very short noses. This anatomical fact also leads to flatter eye sockets, which also favor a cherry eye predisposition.
The Great Dane, the Bull Mastiff and the Shar Pei can also bring an increased risk of cherry eye disease.
The reason here is not that the eye sockets are too flat, but that the cartilage underneath is too long.
In large dog breeds, this can lead to the nictitating membrane being pushed outwards and the gland with it as well.
The cause of the cherry eye is much less common in external stimuli, such as dust grains or dirt particles.
In addition, cherry eye can occur in older dogs, where the tissue and cartilage that surrounds the eyes and nictitating membrane are no longer quite as strong.
In addition, dry eyes and tumor diseases that occur here can promote the development of a cherry eye in dogs.
Recognizing the cherry eye in dogs correctly
A cherry eye in dogs is usually very easy to recognize, namely when the Nickhaut begins to look like a small pink or already reddish ball.
Furthermore, a beginning cherry eye can be recognized by the fact that the conjunctiva and the eyelids are red and the eyes are swollen.
Since a reddened conjunctiva can also be a case of conjunctivitis/conjunctivitis, you should take your dog to the veterinarian.
Another sign of a (beginning) cherry eye in dogs is an increased production of tear fluid.
However, this can just as well be a first symptom of conjunctivitis or another eye disease in the dog.
Treatment and Therapy of Cherry Eye in Dogs
A cherry eye in the dog should identified by the vet as soon as possible and treated accordingly become.
Most dogs don’t feel any pain at first. But that can change, because it is an inflammation.
This must be stopped early. Also because the dog’s eyes are among the most sensitive areas and further infections can also follow here.
Eye drops are usually administered to the dog, which increase the moisture content of the eye again and thus regulate it.
In the case of inflammation, these eye drops or eye gels can also contain an antibiotic agent, especially if there is a secondary infection.
Antibiotics may also be given in tablet form. Here you should also make sure to give your fur nose a probiotic.
Other anti-inflammatory agents may also be included in the eye medications.
IMPORTANT
Your veterinarian always decides which medication is right for your dog, never you yourself. This is the only way to avoid further consequential damage.
In some cases, surgery on the affected eye may be necessary. This corrects the position of the nictitating membrane, which also stops the cherry eye.
The vet will also put a neck brace on your dog to prevent him from scratching the wound again.
Whether such an operation is really successful in the short and long term depends on several factors.
This includes the anatomical conditions – i.e. eye socket, tissue and cartilage – as well as the development stage of the cherry eye.
The Cherry Eye, on the other hand, will probably not really disappear. If your dog has struggled with it once, it’s likely to come up again.
It is also suspected that the surgical procedure in dogs causes dry eyes, which is unfortunately also a favorable cause of cherry eye in dogs.
How To Properly Prevent Cherry Eye In Dogs?
If the genes are to blame for the Cherry Eye, you can, strictly speaking not doing much to prevent this.
Of course, you should check your dog’s eyes regularly and make sure that neither dirt nor eyelashes get into their eyes.
Only in older dogs that suffer from dry eyes can you possibly prevent cherry eye, for example with special eye drops.
These are usually a saline solution, which can also be enriched with hyaluronic acid.
If and when you should use these drops, you should clarify with the treating veterinarian.
The neck brace that a dog has to wear after an operation can be a further preventive measure – at least when the cherry eye is slowly becoming noticeable.
Although you cannot do without eye drops & Co., you can prevent your furry friend from further damaging the eye and causing additional infections.
Has your dog ever struggled with a cherry eye? Then we would be happy if you tell us in the comments what helped your dog here.