Abstract
Prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid (cherry eye) is one of the most common canine-related ophthalmic conditions presented to veterinary clinics and hospitals. In most poor resource settings, veterinarians embark on excision of the gland due to possible lack of skill, necessary ophthalmic tools and a misconception of the post-operative complications associated with excision of the gland. Currently, repositioning of the prolapsed gland is the gold standard for management. The Morgan’s Pocket Technique (MPT) is one of the preferred methods for repositioning the gland. This paper presents some modifications of the MPT, which involved making two elliptical incisions above and below the point of rent or laxity on the gland’s conjunctival tissue following proper visualisation of the gland using a magnifying loop, and creating a pocket for proper situation of the gland. The anaesthetic protocol adopted for the procedures as well as vital instruments and gadgets have also been highlighted. The medical records of 31 dogs (44 eyes) managed for cherry eye at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Ibadan, Nigeria from May 2013 to April 2021 were reviewed. Cherry eye was most prevalent in brachycephalic dogs with Boerboel having the highest presentation of 45.2% among others. Seventeen out of the 31 dogs were male, representing 54.8% while the rest were female. Majority of the dogs (93.5%) were below 2 years. The condition was unilateral in 18 dogs (58.1%), while 13 (41.9%) were bilateral. Before modification of the MPT in July 2018, surgery was repeated for 5 out of 23 eyes (21.7%). Following modification, no recurrences were recorded. The authors therefore recommend the modification of the MPT as well as paying attention to suture size, pattern and placement to prevent recurrence and complications.

Key words: anaesthesia, cherry eye, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, Morgan’s Pocket Technique, ophthalmic instruments