What is nictitating gland dislocation?
Nictitating gland dislocation is a condition also known as nictitating membrane gland prolapse or protrusion.
Dogs have a third eyelid located inside the lower eyelid, also called the nictitating membrane which serves as an extra protective layer for the eye. Inside this eyelid is a gland that produces a significant portion of the tear film. It is called the accessory lacrimal gland.
It happens that this gland prolapses, that is to say that it comes out of its anatomical compartment and we then speak of dislocation of the nictitating gland.
What are the symptoms of nictitating gland dislocation in dogs?
In case of prolapse of the nictitating membrane gland, a red, smooth and swollen mass is observed on the lower eyelid, at the inner angle of the eye.
The Anglo-Saxons call this condition "cherry eye" (or "cherry eye" ) as this size can make you think of the appearance of a cherry.
It usually has a sudden onset and mainly affects young dogs under 2 years old. One eye or both eyes may be affected. The dislocation appears intermittently at first but in the majority of cases it then becomes chronic and permanent.
The exposure of the gland to the open air causes irritation so that the condition is often accompanied by conjunctivitis.
Some dogs are known to be racially predisposed to this condition such as the American Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Great Dane, Cane Corso, and brachycephalic dogs (breeds of dog with a short skull and muzzle "flattened" ).
How is this condition treated?
The treatment consists of surgical removal or replacement of the third eyelid gland. Replacement is often preferred to removal to avoid the risk of developing keratoconjunctivitis sicca. These procedures are performed under general anesthesia of the animal.
Treatment should be as early as possible to minimize permanent damage to the eye or gland.
In most cases, the gland returns to normal function a few weeks after the operation. But, in 5 to 20% of cases, the condition may recur and require further surgery.