Question: My dog Skippy’s eye was weeping and now there is a red swelling in the corner of the eye. It seems to be bulging out from under the bottom eyelid and is partially covering his eye. What does this indicate and how can I treat it?
Answer: Your dog is showing signs of having ‘Cherry Eye’, but a vet can confirm this.
When the gland of the third eyelid pops out of position, it protrudes from behind the eyelid as a reddish mass. This prolapsed tear gland condition is commonly referred to as ‘Cherry Eye’.
The problem is seen primarily in young dogs but also occasionally in certain breeds of cat.
‘Cherry Eye’ can occur in one or both eyes simultaneously and a dog which has contracted ‘Cherry Eye’ in one eye will often go on to have the condition repeated in the other eye too.
‘Cherry Eye’ is not contagious to other animals or people.
It can often develop very quickly, sometimes literally overnight, and can look very alarming to the owner. The bright red protrusion is often mistaken for a tumour; the inflamed gland is neither cancerous nor malignant.
‘Cherry Eye’ itself is not a painful condition. However, the longer the tear gland is exposed, the more likely it will become irritated and inflamed.
If the dog rubs at the eye, it can cause the gland to bleed or become infected.
Furthermore, the function of the tear gland could become compromised if the gland is exposed for long periods of time. Depending on the extent of the protrusion, the condition can be treated with medication and manual massage to encourage the gland to return to its correct location.
This non-invasive form of treatment is not always effective for all dogs. However, there is a relatively high level of recurrence in dogs that are treated in this way. The other option for correction and generally the most widely recommended long-term treatment method is surgery.
The gland of the third eyelid plays an important role in maintaining normal tear production, responsible for 40 per cent to 50pc of the tears.
Dogs who have had the tear gland removed are predisposed to developing dry eye later in life.
Dry eye is uncomfortable and requires the owner to administer topical medications several times a day. To avoid this condition, it is preferable to reposition the gland so it can continue to function normally.
BSPCA’S DOG OF THE WEEK IS BRUNO
Breed: Mixed
Sex: Male
Age: 3 years
Neutered: Yes
Bruno is our incredibly friendly and cool little guy. He has been at the shelter for well over a year, making the most of his time by interacting with visitors as much as possible. Sadly, he always has to watch them leave with no luck of adoption. This amazing doggy will be a great best friend, whose whole world will be brightened up if given the chance to finally leave the shelter with someone. He watches people with love in his eyes as he hopes to one day be taken home. Bruno has been neutered, tick-treated and is fully vaccinated.
BSPCA’S CAT OF THE WEEK IS CORA
Breed: DLH
Sex: Female
Age: 2.1 years
Neutered: Yes
Cora is a very sweet and affectionate little kitty with a very soft personality. She is extremely gentle and very friendly with people and animals. This little lady was found wondering the streets of Hamad Town and has sadly been at the shelter for over a year now. She definitely deserves to finally go to a nicer home where she can be in a comfortable and loving environment with her calm nature. Cora is also a very quiet cat that loves to spend her time relaxing on peoples’ laps. Cora is neutered and fully vaccinated.
If you are interested in adopting Bruno, Cora or any of the other cats, kittens, dogs and puppies, visit the Animal Welfare Centre in Askar. From the Alba roundabout, take the road sign-posted Askar and Durrat Al Bahrain and at the third signal, take a right on to the truck road and after nearly 800m you will see the shelter on the right side, just before the flyover. Or, log onto the website www.bspca.org for directions. The shelter is open from 9am to 5pm on Sundays to Thursdays, and 9am to 1pm on Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays. The shelter accepts animals 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Dr Hansel Geo is a veterinary consultant and surgeon for the BSPCA and Charis Vets. Please send questions to bspca@batelco.com.bh
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