What Is Cherry Eye in Dogs?
Cherry eye in dogs is a condition where the tear gland of the third eyelid (nictitating membrane) prolapses — meaning it pops out of its normal position and becomes visible as a red or pink fleshy mass in the corner of the eye. The term “cherry eye” comes from the appearance of this prolapsed gland, which resembles a small cherry.
Dogs have three eyelids: upper, lower, and a third eyelid in the inner corner of the eye. This third eyelid contains a tear gland that produces roughly 30–50% of the dog’s total tear film. When the connective tissue anchoring this gland weakens or fails, the gland slips out of place and swells due to inflammation.
Cherry eye is most commonly seen in young dogs under two years of age, though it can occur at any age. It can affect one or both eyes, and dogs that develop cherry eye in one eye have a higher chance of developing it in the other eye as well.
Which Dog Breeds Are Most Prone to Cherry Eye?
Certain dog breeds are genetically predisposed to cherry eye due to anatomical factors, particularly a shallow eye socket or excessive loose skin around the face. Breeds most commonly affected include:
- Bulldogs (English and French) — one of the highest-risk breeds
- Beagles — frequently diagnosed in puppies aged 4–12 months
- Cocker Spaniels — especially American Cocker Spaniels
- Shih Tzus and Lhasa Apsos — brachycephalic breeds with shallow orbits
- Boston Terriers — prone due to their flat facial structure
- Basset Hounds — loose eyelid skin increases prolapse risk
- Bloodhounds and Neapolitan Mastiffs — giant breeds with heavy facial skin
- Shar-Peis — the breed’s wrinkles contribute to gland instability
Because the condition often has a genetic component, responsible breeders screen their breeding dogs for eye conditions. If you’re purchasing a puppy from one of these high-risk breeds, ask about the family’s eye health history.
Symptoms and How to Recognise Cherry Eye
Cherry eye is usually straightforward to identify because the prolapsed gland is visible. Key signs to watch for include:
- A red or pink mass in the inner corner of one or both eyes
- Eye discharge — watery, mucus-like, or yellow/green if infection is present
- Pawing at the eye — discomfort causes dogs to rub their face
- Excessive tearing (epiphora) or, conversely, dry eye symptoms
- Squinting or keeping the eye partially closed
- Redness and swelling around the eye area
In some cases, a cherry eye may temporarily disappear on its own — especially in puppies — only to return later. This is because the weakened tissue occasionally allows the gland to slip back into position. Do not assume the problem has resolved without a veterinary examination.
Left untreated, the exposed gland becomes increasingly inflamed, which can impair its ability to produce tears. This can eventually lead to keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), commonly known as “dry eye,” a painful and chronic condition that requires lifelong management.
Treatment Options for Cherry Eye
Veterinary treatment is always recommended for cherry eye. The two main approaches are surgical repositioning or, in rare historical practice, surgical removal — though removal is now largely discouraged by veterinary ophthalmologists.
Surgical Repositioning (Pocket Technique or Imbrication): The preferred treatment today involves tucking the gland back into its normal position and securing it with sutures. The most common technique, the pocket technique, creates a small pocket of conjunctival tissue around the gland to hold it in place. Success rates are high — typically 80–95% — though recurrence is possible and a second surgery may be needed.
Why Not Remove the Gland? Removing the prolapsed tear gland was once routine but is now discouraged because this gland produces a significant portion of the dog’s tear film. Dogs that have had the gland removed face a substantially higher lifetime risk of developing dry eye, which requires daily eye drops, is uncomfortable, and can damage the cornea over time.
Medical Management: Anti-inflammatory eye drops may reduce swelling temporarily and can be used before surgery or in very mild early cases, but they do not fix the underlying structural problem. Surgery is generally the definitive solution.
Cost: Cherry eye surgery typically costs between $300–$800 per eye depending on your location and whether a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist or a general vet performs the procedure. Pet insurance can often cover cherry eye surgery if the policy was in place before the diagnosis.
Aftercare and Long-Term Management
After surgery, your dog will likely need to wear an Elizabethan collar (cone) to prevent rubbing the eye. Your veterinarian will prescribe antibiotic and/or anti-inflammatory eye drops for one to two weeks post-operatively.
Monitor the eye closely during recovery. Signs to watch for include persistent redness, swelling, or discharge that worsens rather than improves. Follow-up appointments are important to confirm the gland has remained in place.
Dogs that have had cherry eye in one eye should have the other eye monitored carefully. Some veterinarians recommend prophylactic treatment of the second eye at the time of the first surgery, especially in high-risk breeds, though opinions on this vary.
Long-term, schedule annual eye exams with your vet as part of your dog’s routine care. Early detection of any recurrence or signs of dry eye allows for prompt treatment and the best possible outcome for your dog’s vision and comfort.