HEALTH ISSUES

DISCLAIMER
The information presented within my web site
is for educational purposes only.

If you suspect that your lhasa
has any symptoms or any medical problems,
the diagnosis and treatment of
should be done by
QUALIFIED VET.

Cherry Eye is the swelling of a gland.

This eyelid gland is commonly known as the
"Gland of the Third Eyelid",
or can be referred to as the
"Haw".
The correct name is
"Glands Nictitans"



Within the folds of the eyelids
there is very thin tissue.
It is this tissue that is
referred to as the third eyelid.

The gland can be found
on the inner lower surface
of the eyelid which faces the cornea.

This gland is one of the tear producing glands
and is responsible for quite a significant
percentage of the amount of the secretion
to the tear film.

The other tear producing gland is the
"Main Orbital Lacrimal Gland",
which can be found above the eye,
beneath a small area of the skull bone.

These glands are common
in most domestic animals.

The tear glands are normally out of sight.

These glands are held in position
by a small ligament
which are behind the third eyelid.

When these tear glands swell,
which is due to them being disturbed
from their normal positions, i.e. by infection or by accidental knock or nip from a litter mate,
they will not circulate blood properly and swell.

The swelling forces the gland from its normal
position beneath the eyelid.

The gland then becomes visible
as a reddened mass and it looks like a red cherry.

As soon as the gland is visible seek
veterinary or ophthalmology specialist's attention.

The longer the gland is exposed
and not working properly,
the higher the risk of permanent damage,
even after surgery has been performed.



Veterinary Surgeons & Ophthalmology Specialists
used to always remove the gland.

After extensive research is has been proven
that by surgically removing the gland.

The main Orbital Lacrimal Gland cannot supply adequate tear production,
thus causing greater risk of developing
other eye problems.

Research has also shown
that by leaving the prolapsed gland
out of its normal position
once again causes higher risk
of developing other eye problems
later in our apso's life.

Veterinary Surgeons& Ophthalmology specialists
have two different methods of dealing with
Cherry Eye

The first method is referred to as
the “tucking method”.

This is probably the most common surgical method
carried out today.

The surgeon inserts a single stitch
which is permanent.
Pulling the prolapsed gland
back into its normal position where it belongs.

The second method is quite a new
surgical technique,
which is more comprehensive.

The surgeon has to remove tissue directly
from over the prolapsed gland.

Tiny self dissolving stitches, are then inserted,
pulling the gland back in place.



Expect their to be post-operative swelling
after surgery
The eye should return to normal appearance after a week or so.

If the eye becomes unusual in appearance,
or your apso seems in pain
seek attention immediately.

Cherry Eye can reoccur even after surgery

If a Cherry Eye recurs seek
Veterinary Ophthalmology Specialists attention.

Cherry eye has not been proven
to be hereditary in the apso to date.

Permission given to KERIS to use Cherry Eye Photographs
Kindly by
Dennis Hacker, D.V.M., DIPLOMATE, A.C.V.O. (Veterinary Ophthalmologist)
© Keris-Lhasa 2004/05

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