Nicking gland prolapse
The nictitating gland prolapse is a prolapse of the superficial nictitating gland ( glandula palpebrae tertiae superficialis ), which occurs particularly in domestic dogs. The disease occurs mainly in young animals of short-headed ( brachycephalic ) dog breeds such as the American Cocker Spaniel , English Bulldog and Lhasa Apso in connection with hypertrophy . In older dogs, the disease is very rare and usually the result of dry conjunctivitis and corneal inflammation ( keratoconjunctivitis sicca ) or lymphosarcoma . Even if the gland is enlarged, a nictitating gland prolapse can occur. However, the exact cause has not yet been clearly clarified.
A nictitating gland prolapse shows itself in a spherical, reddened protrusion reminiscent of a cherry, which protrudes over the free edge of the nictitating membrane. In the English-speaking world, the disease is therefore also known as cherry eye . In the case of a nictitating gland prolapse, the dog usually sees restricted and the eyes water. In the further course, however, there may be a reduced production of tear fluid and thus a dehydration of the eye in the long term.
Simple surgical removal of the prolapsed gland is not recommended. Since the nictitating gland together with the other additional lacrimal glands contributes about 40% to tear production, there is a risk of dry conjunctivitis if removed. This is why Moore's shirring technique is mainly used . Here, two 1 cm long incisions are made on the inside of the nictitating membrane above and below the nictitating membrane, parallel to the edge of the nictitating membrane, and these are sewn together. This gathering brings the nictitating gland back into its normal position. The eye is then treated with an antibiotic eye ointment for a few days .
literature
- KC Barnett: Diseases of the nicitating membrane of the dog. In: J. Small Anim. Pract. 19 (1978), pp. 101-108.
- Ingo Walde and Barbara Nell: Diseases of the nictitating membrane. In: Peter F. Suter and Hans G. Nobody (eds.): Internship at the dog clinic. Paul-Parey-Verlag, 10th edition 2006, pp. 415-420, ISBN 3-8304-4141-X
- ↑ CP Moore (1983): Alternative technique for prolapsed gland of the third eyelid (replacement technique). In: MJ Bojrab (Ed.): Current techniques in small animal surgery. 2nd ed., Lea & Febiger Philadelphia, pp. 52-53
