Cherry eye, dry eye
Beagle Cherry Eye and Dry Eye
Overview
There are a few eye issues and diseases that Beagles are prone to. This article will discuss cherry eye (a disorder involving the nictitating membrane which is a dog's transparent third eyelid) and dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) which can be connected to cherry eye in some cases.
It is important to know about these two eye-related conditions because despite these seemingly casual terms, there can be severe complications if early treatment is not provided.
Cherry Eye with Beagles
Cherry eye refers to when a dog’s third eyelid (a disorder involving the nictitating membrane; the transparent third lid that closes across the eye, rather than up and down) slips out of place and bulges out. It is important to have this treated as soon as possible since the longer the gland remains out of place, the more swelling will occur, potentially leading to other, more serious problems.
Signs:
A pink or red bump that significantly protrudes out over the sclera (the white part of the eye). In addition to this, there may also be excessive blinking or squinting, bloodshot eyes, discharge, swelling around the eye, and/or vision impairment.
Causes:
It is thought to develops due to a weakening of connective tissues. It very rarely happens to both eyes at the same time; however, once it happens to one eye, it is common for it to occur in the other eye within a few months.
Diagnosis:
Fairly straightforward; the veterinarian is able to clearly see the issue.
Treatment:
This must be treated by a veterinarian, and is resolved with a relatively simple surgery. While the appointment is being scheduled, topical antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication will be prescribed. During surgery, a small section of the nictitating membrane will be removed and stitches will secure the remaining tissue back into its proper place. Since its very common for the other eye to develop the same issue soon afterward, many veterinarians will recommend securing the other eye’s nictitating membrane in place as well, to prevent it from slipping out.
Prognosis:
In regard to this issue, the prognosis is very good, eyes will most often return to normal. This said, some veterinarians believe that the surgery to resolve cherry eye (the removal of the nictitating membrane) can result in an increased risk of developing keratoconjunctivitis sicca, which is covered next.
Dry Eye with Beagles
Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca, KCS) can be a very painful condition, in which the transparent film that naturally protects the eye (tear film) develops an abrasion. Though the Beagle is not overly prone to this, it is the surgery often done in response to cherry eye (a disorder involving the nictitating membrane, as discussed previously) that may then cause an increased risk of this eye issue. In some cases, a Beagle can develop dry eye with no connection to any issues with cherry eye.
Signs:
Excessive blinking, bloodshot eyes (sometimes to the point of completely covering the sclera - the white part of the eye), thick yellow discharge or pus from the eye, prominent third eyelid showing (nictitating membrane; the transparent third lid that closes across the eye, rather than up and down), inflammation around the eyelids, and/or vision impairment. If not treated, scarring can occur, which can lead to complete loss of vision in the eye.
Causes:
The most common causes include breed predisposition, dehydration, excessive dry air, or poor nutrition. Other less common causes include a connection to surgical correction of cherry eye, reaction to certain medications, canine distemper, canine diabetes, tear duct blockage, and some neurogenic diseases.
Diagnosis:
A Schirmer tear test will be performed; this measures the level of tear production. A low level points to dry eye. A test using fluorescein stain and a Wood’s light can check for abrasions or ulcerations. Testing may be done to check for bacterial growth.
Treatment:
This must be treated by a veterinarian. This will include artificial-tear medication, eye drops for lubrication, medication to reduce pain and inflammation, and in some cases, antibiotics. The Schirmer tear test will be performed again 4 weeks later, and then at 6 weeks, to check for improvement. Some dogs may need artificial-tear drops indefinitely. In rare cases, surgery may be performed to reposition the salivary duct; however, this carries risks, including overproduction of basal tears.
Prognosis:
Very good, if caught early. If caught late, once scarring has developed, this can lead to partial or total vision loss.
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