What are the symptoms of third eyelid growth in dogs? Can surgery cure it?

Dogs cannot communicate with humans, but their eyes and expressions can express their thoughts. If a dog's eyes are sick, not only will the dog be uncomfortable, but its owner may not understand the dog's intentions. This article mainly introduces the etiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of canine third eyelid hypertrophy.

Third eyelid hypertrophy refers to the hyperplasia and enlargement of the glands located on the episcleral surface. It is an eye disease that protrudes outward beyond the free edge of the eyelid and moves away from the inner corner of the eye, usually referred to as "cherry eye."

The third eyelid is located in the inner corner of the eye and hidden behind the eyelid. ordinarily, only a small edge can be seen with the naked eye. The main function of the third eyelid is to protect the cornea physiologically, secrete tears, and distribute them over the surface of the eyeball, as well as cleanse the cornea surface of impurities.

What causes third eyelid hypertrophy in dogs?

Congenital causes may be due to先天性缺陷或发育不全，由腺体基部与眶周组织之间或腺体与软骨之间的结缔组织引起的。It is usually believed that the gland duct or orifice is obstructed by inflammatory products or small foreign objects, causing the gland to expand, becoming thinner than the free edge of the nasal membrane and protruding from the eye corner.

What are the symptoms of dog third eyelid hypertrophy?

At the beginning of the disease, the conjunctiva is mildly red and tear production increases. Due to discomfort, the dog will often scratch its eyes with its paws. As the condition progresses, a bean-sized to pea-sized pink protrusion can be found at the edge of the third eyelid in the inner corner of the eye, gradually increasing in size to a peanut-sized bulge. The surface is smooth, wet, and tough. In the early stage, because the gland is small, it can retract into the eyelid.

Later, due to the expansion of the gland, it cannot retract, and some cornea is covered, affecting vision. The color changes from initial pink to purple.

The secretion of the eye changes from initial serous to purulent, such as hemorrhage caused by coughing, secondary bacterial infection, leading to local inflammation, secondary conjunctivitis, and keratitis.

What should be done about dog third eyelid hypertrophy?

Surgery is the most effective treatment. During the resection process, care should be taken not to damage the conjunctiva and the nictitating membrane. Clean the eye with antibiotic drops, use antibacterial eye drops, and apply a bandage to hold the hypertrophic gland, gently pulling the eye outward to observe the cartilage.

Clamp the hypertrophic tissue and cartilage with hemostatic forceps and lock the forceps. Use a pair of scissors to remove the biological enhancement of the hemostatic forceps. Then cauterize the wound to stop the bleeding. Release the hemostatic agent and apply erythromycin ointment to the eye corner.

Continue to use antibiotic drops for 3-4 days after surgery, applying five times a day.

After removing the third eyelid, the eye is exposed, susceptible to injury, and uncomfortable due to dryness. The embedded technique can reduce the incidence of later dry eye syndrome.