Epidemiological Study and Surgical Outcomes of Cherry Eye in Dogs in Tehran Province

Background: Cherry eye or third eyelid lacrimal gland prolapse is a common ocular disorder in dogs characterized by a reddish mass in the medial canthus. The disease is caused by congenital weakness or acquired laxity of the connective tissues supporting the gland and may be affected by trauma or aging. The aim of the study was to evaluate the epidemiology, predisposing factors, and treatment outcomes of cherry eye in dogs referred to veterinary clinics throughout Tehran province. Methods: This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted between ۲۰۲۴ and ۲۰۲۵. Data were collected from ۷۲ dogs diagnosed with cherry eye, referred to ۱۵ veterinary clinics across Tehran Province. Recorded information included age, sex, breed, laterality (unilateral or bilateral), cause of occurrence, hereditary factors, treatment method, recovery time, and treatment success rate. Results: The mean age of affected dogs was ۲.۱ ± ۰.۹ years, with the highest number of cases observed between ۱ and ۳ years of age. Of the ۷۲ dogs, ۴۴ were male (۶۱%) and ۲۸ were female (۳۹%) (p = ۰.۲۷). The condition was unilateral in ۷۶% of cases and bilateral in ۲۴%. The origin of the disease was reported as congenital in ۸۲% of cases and hereditary in ۸۳%. The mean recovery time was ۱۴.۸ ± ۴.۳ days. The Morgan pocket technique was performed in ۴۷ dogs (۶۶%), with a ۹۰% success rate (p = ۰.۰۱). The breeds most frequently affected were Spitz, Pekingese, Terrier, and Alabai (p = ۰.۰۴). Conclusion: The pocket technique is the most effective treatment for cherry eye in dogs, as it preserves the tear gland and reduces the risk of postoperative complications. Genetic and Breed related factors play a significant role in the development of this condition, and it is recommended that these factors be considered in breeding programs.

کلیدواژه ها:

Cherry eye ، Surgery ، Dog ، Pouch Technique ، Third Eyelid