Cherry eye in Shih Tzus is a relatively common condition where the gland beneath the third eyelid becomes displaced, causing a red, fleshy mass to protrude from the corner of the eye.
This condition can be caused by a weak or poorly developed gland, which can be a result of genetics or a congenital issue.
Shih Tzus are more prone to cherry eye due to their brachycephalic skull structure and the shallow orbit of their eyes.
Cherry eye can be painful and may cause discomfort for your Shih Tzu, especially if it becomes inflamed or infected.
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What Is Cherry Eye?
Cherry eye is a condition that affects the third eyelid in dogs, also known as the nictitating membrane. This membrane moves across the eye diagonally and contains a small T-shaped cartilage.
The third eyelid has a small tear gland that produces approximately 30% of a dog's tears. The remaining 70% comes from the lacrimal gland, which is located above the upper eyelid.
Cherry eye occurs when the connective tissue around the gland weakens, leading the gland to fall and protrude out of its normal location. This results in a pink or reddish mass in the corner of the eye.
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What Is
Cherry eye is a common condition that affects the eyelids of dogs. It occurs when the gland of the nictitating membrane, also known as the third eyelid, becomes displaced and bulges out of the eye.
The nictitating membrane is a thin, translucent lid that helps to keep the eye moist and clean. It's usually not visible, but in dogs with cherry eye, it becomes inflamed and protrudes from the eye.
Cherry eye can be caused by a weak or underdeveloped gland of the nictitating membrane, which can be hereditary.
What's in Dogs
Cherry eye can affect one or both of a dog's eyes.
The third eyelid in dogs, also known as the nictitating membrane, is a crucial part of their eye anatomy. It moves across the eye diagonally and contains a small T-shaped cartilage.
The third eyelid has a small tear gland that produces approximately 30% of a dog's tears, which is a vital function for their eye health.
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Cherry eye tends to be more common in younger dogs and can occur in any breed, even those with long noses.
Some breeds are more prone to cherry eye, including the Basset Hound, Beagle, Boxer, Bulldog, Cane Corso, Cocker Spaniel, Coton de Tulear, French Bulldog, Great Dane, Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, Pekingese, Rottweiler, Shar Pei, and Shih Tzu.
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Causes and Risk Factors
Cherry eye is largely related to genetics, especially in breeds with shorter noses, such as the Shih Tzu.
The condition is more common in young dogs, typically under one year old, and can be a congenital issue, meaning puppies are born with the tendency to develop it.
A 2022 study found that purebred and brachycephalic dogs, like the Shih Tzu, had higher odds of cherry eye than mixed breed dogs and those with medium-sized skulls.
The gland can prolapse on its own, or it may be related to allergies, which are more common in younger dogs as they adjust to their new environments.
In some cases, cherry eye may be secondary to trauma, but this is not a common cause.
The exact mechanism behind cherry eye is still unknown, but it's believed to be multifactorial, meaning it's not just one factor at play.
As a breed, Shih Tzus are prone to cherry eye due to their genetic makeup and physical characteristics.
The condition can be inherited, which is why it's more common in certain breeds, including the Shih Tzu.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms of cherry eye in Shih Tzus are often hard to miss, as a bulbous, red mass comes out of the eye, accompanied by watery and irritated eyes.
Dogs with cherry eye may also have a secondary infection, leading to thick, green discharge and blood-shot eyes that they squint closed.
They may even paw at their eye or rub their face on the ground because they are so uncomfortable.
Other symptoms may include red, itchy, watery, goopy, or dry eyes, squinting, pawing at the eye area, or rubbing the eye on the floor or furniture.
Cherry eye can be diagnosed just by observing your Shih Tzu's eye, and your vet may recommend additional tests to look for complications and check the overall health of the affected eye.
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Signs & Symptoms
Cherry eye is a pretty obvious condition to spot, especially since the bulbous, red mass coming out of the eye is impossible to ignore. The appearance of tissue that was not there before is a clear sign of cherry eye.
Dogs with cherry eye may have watery and irritated eyes, and some may even have a secondary infection, which can cause thick, green discharge and blood-shot eyes that they squint closed. They may also paw at their eye or rub their face on the ground because they're so uncomfortable.
If you notice a pink or red "lump" toward the inner corner of your pet's lower eyelid, it could be a cherry eye. This is a clear sign that you should contact your vet to confirm and see what sort of treatment is recommended.
Other eye symptoms or irritation may include red, itchy, watery, goopy, or dry eyes, squinting, pawing at the eye area, or rubbing the eye on the floor or furniture. If left untreated, these eye conditions can get worse quickly, so it's best to contact your vet as soon as you notice anything out of the ordinary.
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How Is Diagnosed?
Diagnosing cherry eye is often a straightforward process. Your vet may be able to diagnose it just by observing your cat's or dog's eye.
A diagnosis of cherry eye can be made simply by taking a closer look at your pet's eye.
Does Cause Pain?
Cherry eye itself is not a painful condition, but dogs with the condition often experience ocular discomfort or pain due to associated issues.
An associated infection can cause pain, and the occurrence of a 'dry eye' can also lead to discomfort.
Dry eye feels scratchy and uncomfortable, and it's a common issue when the nictitating membrane is no longer functional.
The third eyelid itself can become irritated, dry, and swollen if the cherry eye is left untreated for too long.
Treatment Options
Treatment options for cherry eye in Shih Tzus vary depending on the severity of the condition and the dog's age.
Surgical repair is often the most effective treatment, especially for larger cherry eyes.
The mucosal pocket technique is a common surgical method where a small pocket is created on the inner aspect of the third eyelid, allowing the gland to relocate and then stitching the area shut with dissolving sutures.
However, some breeds like the American Bulldog, Boxer, and Mastiff are more prone to cherry eye recurrence, requiring a different technique or a combination of methods in approximately 5% to 10% of cases.
Non-surgical treatment may be attempted first in very young dogs or those with minor protrusions of the eyelid, using eye drops containing antibiotics and anti-inflammatories.
In some cases, gentle massage by the owner at home may also be recommended to help replace the eyelid back into its normal position.
However, in older dogs, if the gland has been prolapsed for months or years, surgical correction is often necessary to prevent further complications.
Prevention and Care
Cherry eye in Shih Tzus can be prevented by keeping their tear ducts clean, which is essential to reduce the risk of prolapse.
Regularly cleaning your Shih Tzu's tear ducts can help prevent cherry eye.
A healthy weight is crucial to reduce the risk of cherry eye, as excess weight can cause the gland to become swollen.
Proper nutrition can help maintain a healthy weight in Shih Tzus.
A humid environment can exacerbate cherry eye, so keeping your home well-ventilated and using a dehumidifier can help.
Regular veterinary check-ups can help detect any potential issues before they become serious.
The earlier cherry eye is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment.
If your Shih Tzu has cherry eye, it's essential to keep an eye on the condition and seek veterinary attention if it worsens.
Your veterinarian may recommend a treatment plan that includes surgery or medication.
Surgery can be an effective treatment for cherry eye, but it's a serious decision that requires careful consideration.
In some cases, cherry eye can recur after surgery, so regular follow-up appointments with your veterinarian are crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cherry eye in dogs heal itself?
Cherry eye in dogs can sometimes resolve on its own, but often requires medical intervention. In most cases, the gland will not correct itself without treatment.
Is a cherry eye painful to dogs?
No, a cherry eye is not painful to dogs, but it can cause irritation and discomfort if left untreated.
How much does it cost to fix cherry eye in a dog?
Surgery to repair cherry eye in a dog can cost between $300 to $1,900, depending on the number of eyes affected
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