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Cherry Eye in Dogs
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 12/19/2015Updated: 01/13/2022
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
What is Cherry Eye?
Cherry eye occurs when the tear gland of the third eyelid begins to protrude and becomes a reddish mass. Though it may look like more of a cosmetic condition than a medical one, the prolapsed lacrimal (tear) gland can become painful, irritated and inflamed. Predisposition to the condition can be seen in the Boxer, Cocker Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Beagle, Bulldog, Shih-Tzu, Boston Terrier, Saint Bernard and Poodle breeds.
Normally, connective tissue holds the lacrimal gland of your pet’s eye in place. Weakness in the tissue or inflammation in the ocular mucous membranes are two instances that can cause the gland to protrude. For most, it is a genetic defect. Cherry eye can lead to the compromising of the function of the third eyelid. Prolapsed lacrimal glands will most often be seen in dogs under the age of two, but it can occur at any age. It is very important to bring your dog to the clinic if you see indications of a problem within the eye.
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Symptoms of Cherry Eye in Dogs
The most obvious symptom of cherry eye is the red, swollen mass in the corner of the dog’s eye which may appear suddenly. Cherry eye can progress quickly. Your canine companion may rub or paw at his eye which can lead to an infection or bleeding. If you notice a red bulge appearing in your dog’s eye, a veterinary visit is a must.
- Swollen tear gland and third eyelid
- There will be the appearance of an oval mass
- The bulge will be reddish in color
- The bulge can become irritated and painful if rubbed
- Your dog may squint if pain is present
- The eye can become dry due to lack of lubrication
- There may be swelling around the eye
- There could be a pus-filled discharge if there is a secondary infection
Causes of Cherry Eye in Dogs
Why canines suffer from cherry eye is not well understood. What is known is that the third eyelid plays an important part in tear production. If the cherry eye is not repaired, your dog could develop dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), which requires the administration of medicated ointment or drops several times daily for life.
- Weakness of the connective tissue attachment between the third eyelid membrane and tissues around the eye
- Inflammation in the mucous membrane of the eye
- Secondary infection of the third eyelid is possible with cherry eye because of exposure to environmental elements and the loss of protective moisture found in the eye
- Abnormal swelling and thickening prevent the third eyelid from returning to its normal position
- Brachycephalic breeds (with wide, flat faces) have an eye structure that may require stronger tissues; therefore, we could say they are genetically predisposed to problems with the third eyelid
Diagnosis of Cherry Eye in Dogs
You may notice that the cherry eye appearance of your dog’s eye may change in severity; at times, it could appear to be improving. However, this is a temporary improvement, and the prolapsing of the eyelid will eventually become a persistent problem. Do not delay in taking your furry companion to the clinic because the bulge can easily become injured or infected. Not dealing with the issue of prolapsed third eyelid will eventually lead to the risk of chronic conjunctivitis, persistent ocular discharge and 'dry eye'.
The veterinarian will do a thorough ocular examination, inspecting all aspects of the eye, to verify if there is a foreign object present and to check for pus related to additional infection. If your dog is a senior, testing may be done to rule out cancer. In general, though, a prolapsed third eyelid is a straightforward diagnosis.
Treatment of Cherry Eye in Dogs
Prompt treatment of cherry eye will bring the most successful resolution. If the prolapse is apparent for only a day or two, there is a chance that anti-inflammatories (to reduce swelling), and antibiotics may be enough to clear up the issue.
However, relapse is common and in many cases, medical treatment must involve surgical intervention. The most important part of the surgery will be to retain the tear gland. (In the past, the prolapsed lacrimal gland was often removed. Current veterinarian practice avoids this procedure.)
Two procedures are considered. The veterinarian will most likely refer you to an ophthalmologist for the surgery, as they specialize in ocular care. Of course, any infection or irritation will be attended to first, through ointments and antibiotics, before the surgery is scheduled.
- Suturing the gland in place is one technique. The gland is tacked to the orbital rim
- The pocket technique is surgery whereby a new pocket is made for the tear gland. The gland is protected by the tunnel put in place, and is tucked into the pocket, and then sutured
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Recovery of Cherry Eye in Dogs
The prognosis for recovery of surgery for prolapsed lacrimal gland is very good. You may see one to two weeks of inflammation before the eye begins to regain its normal appearance, but 7 to 10 days of ointment application and 5 to 10 days of oral antibiotics will assure that the eye heals properly, and infection is avoided.
As with any type of surgery, allow your furry family member to rest in a quiet area for several days. Short leash walks are permitted, but swimming and bathing are prohibited for at least two weeks.
Your dog will be required to wear an Elizabethan collar for a week or two, depending on how fast the eye appears to be healing, and how much your dog is attempting to rub the eye.
The veterinarian will want to check the eye after two weeks, and it is quite possible that an ocular exam will be recommended at every check up in the future. It should be noted that dogs predisposed to the condition are more apt to have a relapse. As well, even with surgery, 20% of canines who had had the cherry eye repaired could develop dry eye in later years. Many dogs develop cherry eye in the other eye going forward.
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Cherry Eye Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $250 - $2,500
Average Cost
$600
Top
Cherry Eye Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
American Spaniel
Bailey
4 and half months
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
Have a new puppy. Shortly after I had him he got cherry eyes on both eyes. He is over 4 months. How old should he be to get surgery? This all started cause he was itchy from having ear mites that wasn’t discovered right away. Read in an article should be done right away, other articles says should wait till he gets neutered.
Nov. 5, 2017
1 Recommendations
I would recommend getting the surgery done right away, there are varying opinions and reasoning to do it together with neutering but I prefer to correct the cherry eye immediately to prevent any complications and to ensure that the surgery has a better chance of success. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Nov. 5, 2017
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Havanese
Diablo
2 Years 10 months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My Havanese has one cherry eye. We took him to the vet and were told it's really cosmetic and it was fine to leave it so we did. He has drainage in both eyes daily and now after reading other questions I'm wondering if surgery is necessary. It doesn't seem to bother him and he has had it since he was 8 months old--it's part of who he is in our eyes. I certainly don't want him to have issues down the road but the thought of surgery on my baby is not pleasant. What are your thoughts?
Nov. 4, 2017
0 Recommendations
If Diablo has true cherry eye it would be best to have it look at by another Veterinarian for their opinion as we generally prefer to correct cherry eye to prevent complications or issues as a dog ages. I would personally correct any cherry eyes that occur but I would get a second opinion to judge the severity of Diablo’s cherry eye. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Nov. 5, 2017
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Cockapoo
Cruzer
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My cockapoo is having cherry eye surgery tomorrow. He has it in one eye. Should I ask the doctor to suture both eyes? Is this common to do it preventively in one eye?
Nov. 4, 2017
0 Recommendations
Generally a Veterinarian will check the healthy eye and may recommend getting that one secured as well; I would recommend doing so just because Cruzer will be under a general anaesthetic anyway and you may as well be proactive with prevention (two birds, one stone). Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Nov. 4, 2017
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chihuahua mix
Simba
2 Months
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Cherry Eye
Hi, this is my first puppy. He Got one red cherry eye. Just want to know what is the average cost for cherry eye surgery. At what age I can get his eye surgery. If there any low cost surgery opinion.
Nov. 1, 2017
2 Recommendations
The average cost of cherry eye surgery in the USA is around $400, however this will vary according to location and whether you visit a Specialist; low cost options are available with some charity clinics which may be as low as $200-$250 (see link below for an example). Surgery may be performed at any age and it is better to perform the surgery sooner rather than later so the surgery has a better chance of success and lower the risk of complications. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
www.helpinghandsvetva.com/procedures-pricing/
Nov. 1, 2017
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Shih-Tzu
Jasper
7 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Having Trouble Falling Asleep
My dog had cherry eye surgery today and he’s having trouble with the cone. Can he have it off at times when I’m supervising? Does he have to wear to sleep? He probably does but it’s hard for him to fall asleep.
Oct. 26, 2017
0 Recommendations
I understand that the cone can be frustrating for Jasper, but it is in his best interest; even with you supervising him, he just has to land a good scratch to the area to cause problems. So, for me keep the cone on as directed by your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Oct. 26, 2017
My dog had this surgery about a month ago. He recently started having bloody eye boogers. Should I go see a vet?
June 23, 2018
Lisa O.
My sharpei mix is three months old and has had cherry eye for two weeks. Since we were out of town when it first occurred we went to an out of town vet (on the recommendation of our regular vet) who gave him antibiotics because there was a mucus discharge. The discharge cleared up. Once we returned home, his regular vet gave him steroid drops but that isn’t working. The cherry eye bulge is very large and red but he doesn’t appear to be in pain and he can see I think. His vet thinks he may need surgery and is consulting an eye doctor. How soon can he have surgery if that’s the appropriate course of action?its been 17 days sincerely this presented.
July 16, 2018
Sharlene B.
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Cherry Eye Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $250 - $2,500
Average Cost
$600
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
