[apbtgurl26]

I'm still learning here... What exactly is cherry eye, and what causes it? Thanks!

 

[apbtgurl26]

It does look like cherry eye, poor girl. She's still a cutie though! Keep us updated, and I'll have my fingers crossed that it won't require surgery.

I'm still learning here... What exactly is cherry eye, and what causes it? Thanks!

The medical term for 'cherry eye' is nictitans gland prolapse, or prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid. Unlike people, dogs have a 'third eyelid' that contains a tear gland and is located in the corner of each eye. Under normal circumstances, this gland is not visible and aids in the production of tears. For some reason, which is not completely understood, the gland of the third eyelid prolapses or comes out of its normal position and swells creating the condition known as cherry eye.

The exact cause of cherry eye is not known, but it is strongly suspected that it is due to a weakness of the connective tissue that attaches the gland to the surrounding structures of the eye. The weakness of the connective tissue allows the gland to prolapse. Once the gland prolapses and is exposed to the dry air and irritants, it can become infected and/or begin to swell. The gland often becomes irritated, red, and swollen. There is sometimes a mucous discharge and if the animals rub or scratch at it, they can traumatize the gland further or possibly create an ulcer on the surface of the eye.

Taken from: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1606&articleid=409

If you wanted to read up on it.

Thanks for the info Tasha!
That's horrible, though. And it can only be fixed with surgery?