Cherry Eye (Nictitans Gland Prolapse)

The Bulldog, Great Dane and the Mastiff are predisposed to this condition. It is also seen sporadically in other breeds such as the Weimaraner, Beagle and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. It is seen rarely in cats. It is usually a bilateral condition, with one side prolapsing a few weeks or months before the other when the animal is young. The gland contributes about 40% of the total tear-production of the eye and it is therefore imperative to aim to preserve the gland if possible. The gland is re-positioned using a mucosal pocket technique in most cases, creating a new envelope for the gland to sit within, but taking care to leave a few millimetres on either side to allow tears to drain freely. The unaffected side is often operated on pre-emptively.