Correction of bilateral cherry eye using the Morgan and modified Morgan techniques in a two-year old Boerboel dog: a case report

Cherry eye is a reddish follicular mass protruding from the margins of the nictitating membrane, and is characterized by swollen nictitating gland, redness, and glandular expression. Protrusion and hyperplasia of the third eyelid superficial gland has been identified as one of the leading causes of keratoconjuctivitis sica. A two-year old, male Boerboel, 43 kg, was presented with a bright pinkish mass on the middle sides of both eyes, which were not responsive to anti-inflammatory therapy. The mass appeared at different times. The masses were neither haemorrhagic nor infected. However, there were mucoid discharges from both eyes. Diagnosis of bilateral third eyelid prolapse was made based on history, clinical signs and examination of the lesions. The dog was restrained on sternal recumbency and prepared aseptically for surgery. The dog was premedicated with atropine sulphate at 0.02 mg/kg IM and xylazine at 1.5 mg/kg IM, and thereafter, anaesthetized with ketamine at 10 mg/kg IM. Morgan’s technique was applied to the left eye, while the modified Morgan technique was applied on the right eye. Postoperatively, Elizabethan collar was placed on the dog. The dog was also placed on dexamethasone (Maxidex, norvatis, Switzerland) and ciprofloxacin eye drop (Ricin Ciprofloxacine, Ricin Pharmaceuticals, India) for 3 and 7 days respectively. The patient was followed up for four weeks postoperatively. Fourteen months later, the cherry eye reoccurred on the left eye. Cherry eye is common in brachycephalic dogs. The condition can occur in dogs less than 1 year of age and also in older dogs. The condition can be unilateral or bilateral. Surgical repositioning of the gland by Morgan’s technique is associated with up to 35% recurrence rate, while modified Morgan’s technique, which ensures better conjunctival pocket creation and enhance suture anchoring of the gland is associated with improved postsurgical outcome. It is therefore recommended that the modified Morgan’s method be used for cases of cherry eye to enhance postoperative outcomes and recurrence associated with Morgan’s technique.