If the nictitating gland, located under the inner corner of the eye, protrudes outward, this is referred to as nictitating gland prolapse. It appears like a cherry and is therefore also known as cherry eye. Short-headed breeds are particularly affected.
The nictitating membrane is a third eyelid found in some animals. It is located in the inner corner of the eye as a triangular, transparent fold of conjunctiva between the cornea and the lower eyelid. The nictitating membrane can slide over the cornea, protecting the eye from external influences. The nictitating gland is located below the inner corner of the eye. It is held in place by the nictitating membrane cartilage and connective tissue. The nictitating gland produces 30 to 40 percent of the tear fluid. This is needed to keep the eye moist.
If the supporting tissue is too weak due to connective tissue weakness or incorrectly grown nictitating membrane cartilage, the nictitating gland protrudes in the inner corner of the eye.
Nictitating gland prolapse is particularly common in young dogs of brachycephalic (=short-headed) breeds. This is caused by the limited space in the head, which is inherited through breeding. Due to the short nose and shallow eye sockets, the eyeballs do not sit as deeply in the eye sockets. This makes it easier for the nictitating gland to protrude. Affected breeds include English and French Bulldogs, American Cocker Spaniels, King Charles Spaniels, Lhasa Apsos, Pekingese, Maltese, and Beagles.
Large dog breeds such as the Mastino Neapolitano, Cane Corso, Bordeaux Mastiff, Great Dane and St. Bernard are also frequently affected. In these breeds, the nictitating membrane cartilage is too long, allowing the nictitans gland to protrude more easily and fold outward.
Rare causes can include inflammation of the nictitating gland due to chronic irritation or nictitating gland tumors. These tend to occur in older animals.
In cats, nictitating gland prolapse is less common than in dogs. It also occurs mainly in brachycephalic breeds such as Persian cats, British and Exotic Shorthairs. It also occurs in connection with chronic sniffles.
A prolapsed nictitating gland can be recognized as a spherical, red bulge in the inner corner of the eye. Additional symptoms include reddened or watery eyes and frequent rubbing or squinting of the eye. As the condition progresses, a chronic dry eye may develop. Prolapsed nictitating glands often occur in both eyes.
After a general examination, your veterinarian will perform an eye examination. The diagnosis is easy to make due to the typical appearance of cherry eye.
In some cases, a prolapsed nictitating gland will disappear on its own. In some cases, your veterinarian can reposition the nictitating gland under local anesthesia.
However, if the nictitating gland protrudes repeatedly or permanently, you should have it surgically fixed. There are various surgical techniques for this. All are performed under general anesthesia.
In the past, the nictitating gland was simply removed. This method is no longer used. The resulting lack of tear production can lead to chronic dry eye and chronic eye inflammation.
After the surgery, your pet will be given antibiotic eye ointment for a while and painkillers if necessary. It must not scratch its eye under any circumstances. It must therefore wear a neck collar until it has healed completely. Your pet should rest and you should not expose it to heavy dirt or water for a while. The stitches are usually self-dissolving and therefore do not need to be removed.
The prognosis is good after surgical treatment. In some cases, the nictitating gland may prolapse again. This will then require another operation.
You cannot prevent a prolapsed nictitating gland. If you see a red bulge in the inner corner of your pet's eye, make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.
You love sports—and you love your dog. So why not combine the two? Even if you're looking for competition or new challenges, or want to take your sport to the extreme, you can do it with your canine partner.
This widespread viral infection is named after the Hungarian veterinary pathologist Aladar Aujeszky, who first described the disease in 1902. It is caused by the porcine herpesvirus and can affect dogs and cats, as well as cattle, sheep, and goats, and is almost always fatal. The disease, also known as pseudorabies, cannot be transmitted to humans. According to current legislation, pseudorabies is a notifiable animal disease and is controlled by the state.
Since the urethra narrows significantly towards the tip of the penis in male cats, it can very easily become blocked, a condition known as urethral obstruction. Affected animals are suddenly unable to urinate, resulting in painful and life-threatening urinary retention in the bladder. This is always a medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary treatment. Indoor cats are primarily affected, while outdoor cats are much less likely to develop the condition.
It can be so much fun to spend hours grooming our horse. Cleaning the tail, oiling the hooves, and so on... Many four-legged friends also enjoy a day of beauty. Of course, there is a wide range of products you can try out on your horse. There are entire beauty ranges for animals, and you can actually spend a lot of money in equestrian shops. But there are cheaper options. The simplest items from the drugstore can be wonderfully repurposed as horse care products. The same goes for equipment for ground work, fear training, or just for playing with your horse.
The British Shorthair is one of the most popular cat breeds in Europe. With its sturdy build, thick coat, and calm nature, the British Shorthair has a special charm. It is considered well-balanced, uncomplicated, reserved, and self-confident: an ideal cat for people with a more relaxed lifestyle.
Leech therapy has been known since ancient times. Leeches are now recognized as a medicinal remedy and are used in both human and veterinary medicine to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and thin the blood.
Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopy, is an allergic skin inflammation that causes severe itching—similar to neurodermatitis in humans. It is triggered by environmental allergens to which genetically predisposed animals react with an overactive immune system.
If your cat has a runny nose and is breathing noisily, there may be a harmless cause. However, sometimes this can also be a sign of an illness that requires urgent treatment
The first few weeks with a puppy are exciting—not just for you, but also for your young dog. Soon, the moment will come when you discover the world outside your home together for the first time. There are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your first walk is a pleasant and safe experience for both of you.
The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds. It is considered friendly, eager to learn, and active—traits that make it a valued family dog. However, in addition to its positive nature, the Labrador also has special requirements that you should be aware of before deciding to get one.
Arthroscopy, also known as joint endoscopy, involves examining a joint from the inside. It is a diagnostic and therapeutic treatment method used in orthopedics that does not require large incisions in the skin (i.e., it is minimally invasive).
A family with two or more children goes through turbulent times until the little ones grow up. When dogs, cats, or rabbits are also part of the family, managing family life can become quite challenging.
