Top Veterinary Articles of the Week: Cherry Eye, Ticks versus Skin Tags, and more ...

Cherry Eye in Dogs – Prolapse of the Third Eyelid Gland

Dr. Christopher Byers/CriticalCareDVM

Cherry eye. Photo A Vet in Training

There are a lot of articles about cherry eye out there, and I featured some of them. What I like about Dr. Byers' articles is how well he explains each topic.

Simply put, cherry eye is a third eyelid out of place. Nobody really knows what makes that happen, but some breeds are more predisposed to this problem. An interesting point Dr. Byers brings up is that when this affects only one eye, the other is likely to follow.

Diagnosis is pretty straightforward, and the go-to treatment is surgery to put things back to where they ought to be. There are two types of surgeries. Removal is rarely recommended because it leads to dry eye and other disturbances of the eye.


Seven Things You Can Do to Enhance Your Dog’s Longevity

Dr. Nancy Kay/Spot Speaks

Before you get all excited, I have to warn you that you might be disappointed. Not because these things don't work but because it's something everybody should be doing all along; something people would rather replace with some sort of a miracle snap of the fingers.

While miracles might make it on a prescription pad at some point in the future, for now, it's day-to-day work and care that is the gold standard. These things are not a secret, but they are not something you can do without putting some effort into it.

Here are the things that will enhance your dog's longevity and quality of life:

  1. optimal body condition score/weight
  2. quality diet
  3. exercise
  4. staying on top of pain and existing conditions
  5. prevention
  6. due diligence
  7. regular wellness exams
Surprised? I didn't think so. And yet, these things go a long way for long and happy life for your dog. Read Dr. Kay's breakdown of each of the points and why they are important.


The Breathtaking Adventures of Ticks -
Plain and Simple (Part 1)

Else-Vet

I only recently discovered this channel and I really admire the fun way they introduce and explain various subjects. Enjoy.




Is it a Tick? How to Tell if it’s a Tick on Your Dog or Cat, and how to Remove it!

Dr. Karen Louis/Vetchick.com

You might think this is funny, but I can tell you there are plenty of people posting photos of various bumps on their dogs asking the very same question. "Is this a tick?"

I can also tell you that if we feel something suspicious, I do have to grab my glasses, a flashlight and get down on the ground to get a good look.

I imagine this is particularly difficult to determine for people who never found a tick on their dog before, God bless them and the region they live in.

Dr. Karen breaks it down quite beautifully.

  1. Ticks have legs
  2. Live ticks move
  3. Ticks are floppy

It still does involve glasses (when applicable) and good light to see all that. You don't want to pluck out a skin tag or a nipple, and you do want to know how to remove a tick properly.


Facts About Skin Tags on Dogs and Their Removal

Adrienne Janet Farricelli/PetHelpful

Tick or tag? Photo PetHelpful

Since we are on the topic of skin tags versus ticks, you don't want to miss out on this article. It breaks down ticks, versus skin tags, versus warts.

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