- Home
- Dog Conditions
- Cherry Eye in Dogs
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.
Cherry Eye Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $250 - $2,500
Average Cost
$600
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
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
Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?
Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.
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.
Cherry eye can be expensive to treat. If your dog is at risk of developing cherry eye, start searching for pet insurance today. Wag! Wellness lets pet parents compare insurance plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Embrace. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!
Cherry Eye Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $250 - $2,500
Average Cost
$600
Top
Cherry Eye Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Jug
Pesto
8 Months
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Cherry Eye
High Energy
My dog just went in for surgery for his cherry eye yesterday, and he's in very high spirits, perhaps too high spirits... myself and my family are so worried that by running around and jumping up on the sofa (with his cone on) that he's going to do some kind of damage to his eyes, is this possible? Will being too energetic reverse the surgery?
Oct. 19, 2017
1 Recommendations
After any surgery it is best to keep a dog calm and quiet to prevent any injury to the eye or himself in general. If he bumps his face on the side of the surgery it would cause severe pain and may result in another surgery being required if the gland prolapses again. If you are unable to control him, it may be best to keep him in a small room or cage rest at least for two or three days. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Oct. 19, 2017
Was this question and answer helpful?
Shih-Tzu
Curry
2 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Green/Grey/Clear Discharge
My dog recently had both cherry eyes removed. One is healing well and the other is irritated. It is sensitive to light, it bothers him to open it, and there is a lot of clear/green/greyish discharge. How can I clean it so it doesn't crust shut? Is this normal? How long will it last? Surgery was just yesterday.
Oct. 12, 2017
1 Recommendations
One day post surgery is still early days, I would be very gentle cleaning around the eyes and I wouldn’t recommend flushing the eye without consulting with your Veterinarian. You can clean around the eyes gently with chlorhexidine wipes but don’t touch the eye itself and don’t apply any pressure to the eye whilst cleaning. I would recommend discussing this with your Veterinarian as Curry is under their duty of care. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Oct. 12, 2017
Was this question and answer helpful?
Shih-Tzu
Cooper
6 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My puppy had cherry eye surgery two weeks ago and we have been putting an antibacterial ointment in corner of his eye morning and night. His eye gets crusted over with green gunk and needs cleaned. It is worse in the morning. I called the vet and they felt it was the ointment? I notice the white in his eye is still quite red compared to his other eye? Is this normal? Should I insist on him being seen again?
Oct. 10, 2017
0 Recommendations
I wouldn’t say that the discharge is from the ointment, some residue may be left over but it wouldn’t be green; I would think it may still be from infection or irritation, I would speak with your Veterinarian again and Cooper may require systemic antibiotics to assist with the topical treatment as two weeks is a long term post surgery to still be having red eyes. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Oct. 10, 2017
Was this question and answer helpful?
English Bulldog
lollie lol
7 Days
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My dog had cherry eye surgery and 3 weeks later the gland has popped out again. The vet would like to preform a 2nd surgery. Is there a risk in having back to back surgery? And is it safe? Will another surgery work or are we going to be disappointed with the end result again?
Oct. 4, 2017
0 Recommendations
The surgery is successful around 95% of the time meaning that in 5% of cases recurrence of the cherry eye will result in another surgery. Your Veterinarian will repeat the procedure to put the gland back in place; we (as Veterinarians) will always try to save the gland as removal of the gland may result in drying of the eye and other complications (ulcers etc…). Speak with your Veterinarian about the surgery and how they feel another surgery will go in this case. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Oct. 4, 2017
Was this question and answer helpful?
Chihuahua
Shanell
2 Months
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
How much will probably cost a surgery for cherry eye?
I got her like 5 days ago and the first night she stayed the day before she had in her eye . i searched how to get rid of it and i saw by rubbing a warm cloth and massage her eye i did that and it made it wayy worse . it got bigger with in one day and started to have yellow discharge i try to clean it so she can see and its bleeding lightly. And its bothering her she rubs it alot . i havemt had the chance to take her to a vet yet .. Bt im guessing it got infected . i feel so guilty that i made ot worse . i dont know cz some people say it may have been an alergic reaction .some of them say its the cherry eye whatevver .. This is my first dog .im so unaware about all these things 😞 i would like to know if thers any antibiotics i could buy or do something instead of making my puppie have surgery
Sept. 21, 2017
2 Recommendations
The internet has made a Veterinarian’s (and your Physician’s) job a lot worse; forums with so call ‘experts’ give advice to pet owners with little to no medical training, the little training is worse than no training at all - there is a reason Veterinarians and other medical professionals are under crippling debt. If Shanell has cherry eye, she will most likely 99% require surgery; in the meantime, rinsing the eye with contact lens solution and applying an over the counter ophthalmic antibiotic solution may help short term, but surgery would be the end goal. The cheapest cherry eye surgery I’ve found is in Richmond, VA but there are many other low cost and charity clinics across the country; a simple Google search will help. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
www.helpinghandsvetva.com/procedures-pricing/
www.aaha.org/pet_owner/lifestyle/cant-afford-critical-veterinary-care-many-nonprofits-can-help!.aspx
www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html
Sept. 21, 2017
Was this question and answer helpful?
Cherry Eye Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $250 - $2,500
Average Cost
$600
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
