Dog Third Eyelid Hyperplasia：Causes, Treatment, and Related Symptoms

Overview
Hyperplasia of the third eyelid refers to an eye disease in which the glands located on the spherical surface of the nictitating membrane are hyperplastic, turning outward-over the free edge of the nictitating membrane, and emerging from the inner corner of the eye, commonly known as "cherry eye".

Causes of Dog Third Eyelid Hyperplasia

The congenital causes may be due to congenital defects or hypoplasia of the attachment between the gland base and the periorbital tissue or between the gland and the cartilage connective tissue. It is generally believed that the tube or orifice of the nictitating membrane gland is enlarged due to obstruction of inflammatory products or small foreign bodies, which are thin and protrute from the free edge of the nictitating membrane to the corner of the eye.

Main symptoms of Dog Third Eyelid Hyperplasia

At the beginning of the disease, the conjunctiva of the affected eye was mildly flushed and watery. Due to the discomfort, some affected dogs scratched the affected eye with their forelimbs.  Its surface is smooth, wet and tough. In the early stage, because the prolapsed glands are small, most of them can retract themselves in the eyelid.

Diagnostic criteria of Dog Third Eyelid Hyperplasia

The diagnosis can be made based on typical clinical symptoms.
 

Methods of treatment of Dog Third Eyelid Hyperplasia

Surgical resection is the main treatment method, and care should be taken not to damage the conjunctiva and the nictitating membrane during the resection. Wash the affected eye with antibiotic eye drops, such as Olinki Eye, or Saint Luwei antimicrobial eye drops. Then clamp the hyperplastic glands with forceps and gently pull the cartilage outside the eye.