Cherry Eye

[Muze]

We just adopted a Chihuahua/Toy Fox Terrier mix a couple of weeks ago from a rescue down here. He is between 4-6 months old since he still has all his puppy teeth. He also has a cherry eye in one eye only (so far). The surgery will be covered through his adoption fee, but I am really not liking what I've read about the possible complications. The vet is leaning towards removal of the gland, and I REALLY don't think I want that done.

I've heard about tacking surgeries and manual massaging. Anyone here have experience with either of these options? Or does anyone have any alternative suggestions? Money is not the issue here at all. Either surgery would be covered by the fee. I just want what's best for him.

I appreciate any and all feedback.

[Ophidiophile]

Is the cherry eye really bothering him? How severe is it?

From what I've gathered, its usually more of a cosmetic issue than a health issue...but some of them can be bad. I suggest you seek a second opinion, if you're not comfortable with your vet jumping to removing the gland. It may not be necessary.

Also, has your pup been fixed? ...If not, I'd wait and see if they could do both at one time.

[Lynnea]

We had a Bulldog a number of years back who had cherry eye as a pup--actually both eyes. The first one was taken care of by the breeder. Then after we purchased him, it developed in the other eye. We had the surgery to remove the inner eyelid, and he was fine. He lived to the age of 11 never having any eye issues after that.

Good luck!

[Muze]

Thanks for the responses. I hadn't checked back on this thread 'til today. He had the tacking surgery on the 6th. The vet did not hold out any hope because he said the gland was too large, blah, blah. Anyway, recheck was on the 13th and the vet kept patting himself on the back about how great his eye looked. Keeping my fingers crossed that it worked long term.
I had been told by some that it is cosmetic so I was thinking about just letting it be, but I didn't like the idea that it could get scratched, etc.

[pitbulls4me]

My dog had cherry eye and it was left unattended for a few months and it actually caused it to rupture from a small ulcer formed on the eye. She had the tacking surgery on her remaining eye and we haven't had any issues in the 4 years since the surgery. I wish you luck and hope you dont have any future issues!

[Muze]

My dog had cherry eye and it was left unattended for a few months and it actually caused it to rupture from a small ulcer formed on the eye. She had the tacking surgery on her remaining eye and we haven't had any issues in the 4 years since the surgery. I wish you luck and hope you dont have any future issues!

That's what I wa afraid of. Thanks for the ray of hope. His eye really does look much better.

[Muze]

Just FYI for anyone considering this surgery (tack down): His eye looks great! I can't even tell he had anything wrong with it. The vet told me it was the most difficult one he'd performed. If anything changes I'll keep everyone posted.

[SinisterSerpents]

My youngest boston had cherry eye when he was a pup. They done the quick surgey and no complications at all. Never came into the other eye...knock on wood...... I honestly didn't know there were that many complications to the surgery. You couldn't even tell he had anything done and he didn't act sore or anything.