ADVICE

Scrolled cartilage, or cartilage eversion

This condition is less common than cherry eye and affects young giant breed dogs, usually during the rapid growth phase. The third eyelid has a T-shaped cartilage within it to provide some rigidity. One small area of the T grows abnormally fast, so that the cartilage becomes bent, everted or scrolled. This results in the whole third eyelid becoming scrolled, so that it appears as a pink to reddish mass in the corner of the eye. A scrolled cartilage can appear very similar to a cherry eye and examination under general anaesthesia may be necessary to distinguish the different conditions.

What are the treatment options for scrolled cartilage?

As with cherry eye, there is no medical treatment to correct the abnormal cartilage and an operation is required. The operation is straightforward as the abnormal part of the cartilage is identified, dissected free and completely removed. Recurrence is highly unlikely in the same eye.

What is involved?

Your pet will need a general anaesthetic for the operation and will usually stay in the hospital for the day. All sutures placed will be dissolvable, so suture removal will not be necessary. A Buster collar may be required to prevent self-trauma to the eye region for the first few days after surgery.

Aftercare

Antibiotic and/or anti-inflammatory eye drops or ointment will be prescribed for seven to 10 days. Oral medication will also usually be prescribed for five to 10 days.

Rest is advised for the first five to seven days. Swimming or bathing of the head area should be avoided for the first 14 days. The third eyelid may appear more prominent for several days, but this resolves in most cases.

Recurrence

Scrolled cartilage can affect one or both eyes, although usually there is a delay between the first and second eye being affected.