Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
New surgery to fix prolapsed third eyelid gland in dogs
By Plummer, C E et al.·Published in Veterinary ophthalmology·2008·Department of Small and Large Animal Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Intranictitans tacking for replacement of prolapsed gland of the third eyelid in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with a prolapsed third eyelid gland (often seen as a red, swollen mass in the corner of the eye) underwent a new surgical procedure to fix the gland in place. The surgery involved using a special suture to anchor the gland without restricting the eyelid's movement. Over several weeks, the glands returned to a normal size and appearance, and all but one remained in place for up to 33 months. This technique not only improved the look of the eye but also allowed the eyelid to function properly, protecting the eye as it should.
People also search for: dog third eyelid gland surgery · prolapsed nictitating membrane treatment · dog eye swelling fix
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a new procedure for fixation of prolapsed nictitans glands to the cartilage of the nictitans that will not interfere with the mobility of the nictitating membrane. METHODS: A prospective clinical trial utilizing a nonabsorbable suture to anchor the prolapsed gland to the cartilage of the third eyelid was undertaken. Fifteen eyes of 10 dogs were included in the study. A 4-0 nylon suture was passed from the anterior surface of the third eyelid through the base of the cartilage to the posterior aspect and then tunneled circumferentially beneath the conjunctiva over and around the prolapsed gland. The suture was then passed through the cartilage again to the anterior face of the third eyelid. The gland was replaced into its normal position as the suture was slowly tightened and then tied on the anterior aspect of the nictitans. RESULTS: Over a period of several weeks, the glands reduced in size and took on a normal appearance. All glands but one remained in place for the length of follow-up, which ranged from 2 weeks to 33 months. CONCLUSIONS: This procedure results in acceptable cosmetic effects with the return of the gland to its normal position posterior to the nictitating membrane. The advantage of this technique over traditional tacking to the orbital rim is that the third eyelid retains its normal mobility and, thus, its protective functions. The procedure once mastered is very quick and can be performed in less time than many of the traditional replacement techniques.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18638348/