The Neapolitan Mastiff Site

The most common eye ailment of the Neapolitan Mastiff is Cherry Eye, the gland of the third eyelid swells and pops out and looks like a cherry thus the name Cherry Eye. Most Vet's will insist on tacking down the gland - THIS DOES NOT WORK ON THE NEO. It must be removed if it does not recede on its own. See below.

Most Neo's get Cherry Eye by 8 months of age, a high percentage get cherry eye in both eyes. Ideally, both will develop at the same time. When you begin to see a cherry develop, try treating with an anti-inflammatory ointment - in some cases it will recede on its own. If your Neapolitan has not received a rabies vaccine yet, this is a good time to do it. The Cherry eye seems to pop after a stressful experience, such as plane rides or vaccines - some research indicates it is a autoimmune response. I do not support the belief as reported on other Neo sites that Cherry eye is due to the puppy wearing a choke chain (unless someone is abusing the dog).

After you wait at least week to ensure complete prolapsed - no sense in going in to have some removed and the more comes out later - and your puppy has received all its vaccines. You will need to have the gland removed.

Cherry Eye removal is a simple, quick surgery - the above puppy had her Cherry eye removed - from the time the anesthetic was administered to the time we reversed the anesthetic was 7 minutes. The actual removal took less than 2 minutes. She came home with me directly after the surgery. Cherry removal is to be done at a liscensed Veterinary practice - it is NOT a procedure to attempt alone.

As with all surgical procedures, risks are present !

You may run into an argument with your vet when it comes time to remove the gland. Many vets feel that removal causes dry eye, and they are convinced that tacking will work with the Neapolitan Mastiff as it does with other breeds. It doesn't - all I can suggest to help you with this argument is to offer you this page to print out and also Dr. Allen's page on Cherry Eye (http://www.ironstone.net/veterinary.htm). Also remind your vet that you do not want to risk putting your Neo under twice if he is mistaken, and be sure to get his word that when the cherry eye pops back up the removal is free ;)

Post surgery you will administer an antibiotic ointment for 7 days 2x daily. Most vets prescribe Terrymycin you may be able to purchase it much cheaper yourself.

Over the years I have noticed an interesting correlation to the Rabies Vaccine and Cherry Eye, I have decreased the incident of Cherry Eye after a Rabies Vaccine by pre treating the eye with an anti-inflammatory for at least 3 days prior vaccine. Most cherry eyes seem to pop after a stressful experience, such as plane rides or vaccines. It is not a life threatening situation, simply treat it.

Optimmune is an excellent antibiotic ointment, it is prescription only and very expensive. A recipe given to me by Kathy Lee of Bravado Mastino is extremly similiar to Optimmune. You will need to have your Vet mix it for you.

Eye ointment recipe
2 caps 100mg Sandimmune or cyclosporine QS to 100ml w/cornoil final pt. 2% concentration Be Accurate - for cornea ulcerations, infections, entropria, clouding

Neapolitan Mastiff Health Issues is created and managed by Cinciripini's Mastino-Lisa Cinciripini. No information contained on this website is meant to replace Veterinarian Advise or Care. All information submitted by other breeders and Cinciripini's are opinions and thoughts. Information provided may not be reproduced, copied or retransmitted without the express written permission of the Lisa Cinciripini, Cinciripini's Mastino at http://www.cmastino.com or email directly at Lisa@cmastino.com