Facial gland hyperplasia in the third eye, commonly known as "cherry eye". A few years ago, most domestic small animal doctors performed direct removal surgery, but many sequelae occurred, especially dry eye syndrome. What are the causes and how are they solved now? It is necessary for pet owners to understand.

Predisposing factors:

Most dogs are mainly fed high-protein and high-energy animal feeds, such as beef and beef liver. They are also fed braised duck meat, dried braised duck, lard residue, etc.

Susceptible species

American Cocker Spaniel, English Bulldog, Beagle, Boston Terrier, Pekingese, Shih Tzu, Pug and other dog breeds with protruding eyes.

Clinical symptoms

In the early stage, the third eyelid is swollen due to infection, and the conjunctiva is flushed and tearing. Gradually, a small tooth-like mass appears at the inner corner of the dog's lower eyelid, which is pink. In some cases, it occurs in both eyes at the same time, which is pink. The tumor increases in a short period of time, usually growing to the size of a pea within 3-7 days. It usually occurs in one eye and soon after in the other eye, and sometimes it occurs in only one eye. Some sick dogs often scratch their eyes with their front paws, which may cause mechanical damage to the cornea or aggravate eye inflammation. Purulent secretions may be seen in the later stages. At this time, the use of antibiotic eye drops may temporarily have some effect on eye inflammation, but it cannot fundamentally solve the problem. Eye inflammation often reoccurs after a few days.

Treatment programs

1. The traditional surgical method is to remove the hyperplastic eyelid glands, but the third eyelid gland is an important gland that secretes tears, accounting for 30-50% of the total tear volume. Therefore, removal of the gland will result in loss of tears, which may lead to dry eye syndrome as the animal ages.

2. The current correct treatment method is to perform third eyelid gland embedding surgery. Through the embedding surgery, the proliferated glands can be restored to retain their gland function and avoid the occurrence of iatrogenic dry eye disease.