Surgical Correction of Unilateral Cherry Eye in a Beagle Dog: A Case Report

Cherry eye is a disorder of the nictitating membrane, also called the third eyelid, present in the eyes of dogs. Several surgical techniques have been described for the management of cherry eye. Consequently, surgical repositioning of the prolapsed gland, rather than removal, is currently regarded as the gold standard for treatment. Among the various repositioning methods, Morgan’s Pocket Technique is widely preferred as it allows stable repositioning of the gland while preserving its physiological function. In this study, A 6 month-old Beagle dog was presented with a history of a swollen mass at the medial canthus of the right eye for 3 months. Clinical examination revealed a protruding reddish mass, congestion of conjunctival blood vessels, excessive lacrimation and frequent blinking of the affected eye. Based on the clinical history and ophthalmic examination, the condition was diagnosed as prolapse of the third eyelid gland. Surgical correction was done using Morgan’s Pocket Technique. Preservation of the third eyelid gland function, which has a role in tear production, was the main objective for this surgical approach. The dog showed complete recovery without postoperative complications during the follow-up period. Based on the outcome of this case, it is concluded that Morgan’s Pocket Technique is a safe and effective method for the surgical correction of cherry eye in dogs with excellent preservation of gland function and minimal risk of recurrence.