A special green stain can be used to highlight the ulcer on the cornea. Clinical signs of corneal ulcer include squinting, redness, cloudiness, tearing, and lethargy. When the epithelium is damaged, infections can occur and result in complete perforation of the eye if left untreated. The normal cornea is covered by a layer of tissue called the epithelium, sort of like “skin” over the deeper eye layers. Similar to a cut or scrape on your skin, an ulcer is an unprotected wound on the surface of the eye. Dry Eye Syndrome is uncomfortable for the patient, and requires the owner to administer topical medications several times a day for the remainder of the patient’s life. We now know that dogs that have had the tear gland removed are predisposed to developing Dry Eye Syndrome later in life. The gland of the third eyelid plays an important role in maintaining normal tear production. This treatment is superior to a somewhat older technique of surgically REMOVING the gland. To correct cherry eye, surgical REPLACEMENT of the gland is necessary. When the gland is prolapsed, the small tear ducts do not function normally (think of a “kinked” garden hose). This tear gland makes 30-50% of the tear film. However, the longer the tear gland is exposed, the more likely it will come irritated and inflamed. The problem is seen primarily in young dogs, and often in certain breeds such as the Cocker Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Shih-Tzu, Poodle, and Bulldog.ĭespite its appearance, cherry eye itself is not a painful condition. This prolapsed tear gland condition is commonly referred to as “cherry eye”. When the tear gland of the third eyelid pops out of position, it protrudes from behind the eyelid as a reddish mass.
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