Symptoms & Treatments for Dog Eyelid Protrusion: A Comp

Section 1: Symptoms

One or both eyes may exhibit a condition known as cherry eye, where the eyelids swell and a red, inflamed tissue prolapses from the eye. This occurs due to prolonged exposure, leading to congestion, swelling, and excessive tearing of the glands. If left untreated, the condition can worsen and the glands may eventually rupture. Animals often paw at the affected eye to relieve the discomfort. Cherry eye is common in various dog breeds, particularly in smaller breeds such as Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Cocker Spaniels, Pekingese, Beagles, and Boston Terriers. It is less frequently seen in cats.

Section 2: Treatment

In surgical procedures, general anesthesia is typically used, with local anesthesia applied to the affected eye. There are currently two surgical approaches: one involves cutting away the proliferative tissue, and the other involves implanting the growths. However, the most common method is excision. This surgery is generally lowrisk, but it may result in dry eye syndrome as a side effect, as part of the tear glands are removed during the procedure. The second method is more complex, requiring a longer surgery time and increased risk. Since the condition often affects one or both eyes, there is a possibility of recurrence even after surgery.

It is crucial for animals to fast for 68 hours before surgery and to refrain from drinking water for 2 hours prior. This is because, during normal digestion, the movement of the gastrointestinal tract helps to push food forward, allowing nutrients to be absorbed by the small intestine and water by the large intestine. After administering anesthetic agents, the animal's gastrointestinal motility slows down. Failing to fast can lead to food regurgitation into the trachea or lungs, causing breathing difficulties and aspiration pneumonia. It is important to avoid prolonged fasting, as excessive dehydration can be harmful to the animal's health.

Pet Doctor's Tip: For more information on cherry eye in dogs, you can read our article "How to Treat Cherry Eye in Dogs" by clicking here.