| Cherry eye is a common condition which effects a number of breeds of dogs. Although some vets will quickly say it is a congenital condition it is rather common in many breeds and happens sporatically. In our experience, a mother (or father for that matter)who has had cherry eye is no more likely to produce offspring with the condition. There is no sign of inheritance. That is it occurs in certain breeds quite regularly. Such as bulldogs, boxers, beagles, all spaniel breeds, newfies, hounds, etc. We actually tell our customers that there is a 50/50% chance their cocker spaniel may develop the condition so no one is caught unaware. It is very uncommon in cockapoos and is seen quite rarely. "Cherry eye" is a tear producing gland which swells and protrudes from the inside corner of the dogs eye. Some will resede and "go back under " the haw lots will not and will require minor surgery to correct. It is our experience that infection or stress generally causes the condition. A puppy who pulls hard at the leash or plays roughly with other pups (especially playing in dirt) is also at risk for popping a "cherry eye". Pus usually accompanies the appearance of a red cherry like growth at the inside corner of the eye. It is our recommendation that you see the vet immediately for infective treating ointment. If only one eye is affected it is wise to wait treatment to see it the other eye develops the same condition. Generally the pup or dog will rub the eye and spred the infection to the other eye. It is also cost effective to wait to see if treatment can be done on both eyes at the same time. It is not something that needs to be surgically correctly immediately, drops can be used until surgery can be done or if you want to wait out to see if the 2nd eye becomes affected. There are two type of surgical correction. The first type involves the vet simply cutting off the exposed tissue and the 2nd the vet sews the gland back under the haw. It has been our experience that the 2nd operation sometimes fails when the pup/dog rubs its eye. We opt for the older type of operation. A vet may say that the older operation sets the dog up for dry eye in it's older years. This has not been our experience, generally a few cocker spaniels develop old age dry eye anyway, whether or not they have had cherry eyes. Human mosturizing eye drops bought over the counter applied 2X a day treat this condition. Because of the infective nature of this condition we do not cover "Cherry Eye" under warrantee. RAINBOW KENNEL |
