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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
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Top
Cherry Eye Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Bulldog
Ruby
3 Months
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Eye
Red Skin,
Cherry Eye
Hi, my bulldog got an operation to remove her cherry eye 4 days ago. We visited our vet yesterday and we were told everything was healing fine. However this morning there is flat red skin around the tear duct, similar to cherry eye but not quite. Is this part of the healing process or is there an infection?
July 26, 2017
2 Recommendations
Most likely you are seeing the third eyelid covering the eye (it is from this that the cherry eye occurs), it isn’t unusual to see the third eyelid after surgery on the eye or infection or trauma of the eye. Keep an eye on it for the time being and your Veterinarian will check everything during your follow up visit. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
Thank you so much!
July 26, 2017
Ruby's Owner
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English Bulldog
King
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
No Symptoms
Hi 2 weeks ago my English bulldog got cherry eye surgery and neutered at the same time and yesterday was his check up and the vet said everything looked good. Today I got a call saying that I have to keep his e cone collar on for 3 more weeks. He had the plastic cone on for 2 weeks already and it was the worst 2 weeks because he didn't sleep and kept biting the cone and broke it so I had to get a new one and he kept chewing on it. Any suggestions if I should buy another e cone collar and keep it on him for 3 more weeks!!! I think it's ridiculous if the vet said everything was fine yesterday.
July 26, 2017
0 Recommendations
I understand that an ecollar can be frustrating for dog and owner, but if your Veterinarian has recommended that King keeps the ecollar on for another three weeks I would follow their instructions because King is under their duty of care. I haven’t examined King and therefore cannot comment, it is unusual for an ecollar to be used for this prolonged period of time; it would be best to ask your Veterinarian for the rationale for an additional three weeks of use. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
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pit mix
Sadie
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Blood In Eye
My pup had cherry eye surgery (in both eyes) 4 days ago. Her eyes were looking great, yesterday I began to see blood in the white of her eye in the left eye but not the right, and today there is more blood in the white of her eye. Should I be concerned? I'm planning on calling the vet tomorrow when they open but until then I'll try this.
July 26, 2017
0 Recommendations
Some blood in the eye may occur post surgery, but normally after the surgery not four days later. I would just keep a close eye on it and continue to give the medication as prescribed; any blood should disappear over the next few days, but if you notice an increase in bleeding visit an Emergency Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
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Poodle mix
Bear
3 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Cherry Eye
My puppy I think has cherry eye, his tear glad is not in the right place, but the dog isn't rubbing his eye or seemed to be bothered by it, both of his eyes seem normal in wetness, so it seems to be mostly cosmetic, what should I do here? Surgery?
July 26, 2017
0 Recommendations
Without examining Bear I cannot say whether this is something that will resolve itself or would require surgery; sometimes the third eyelid will partially cover an eye due to irritation, corneal ulceration or other problems. If the third eyelid looks like the image in the link below, surgery would be required; this would be something to discuss with your Veterinarian, but cherry eye is easier to replace surgically when performed sooner rather than later. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVMwww.merckvetmanual.com/eye-and-ear/ophthalmology/nasolacrimal-and-lacrimal-apparatus (see the first picture on the right hand side of the page)
July 26, 2017
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Chihuahua
Rouky
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Cherry Eye
Mass
Hi
Rouky, chihuahua mix, is a bit over a year and we realized that he probably has a cherry eye. It seems to be okay and not infected , his eye isnt dry, he does tear more from it and has regular discharges. Rouky isnt rubbing his eye at all. There is this red small mass at the corner of his left eye, it comes out more when he lies down but otherwise you cannot see it. I would like to do the best thing possible to prevent the symptom to get worst, and avoid him to be in any kind of pain , what would you suggest I can do at this early stage? Is surgery needed now? Will it be better if we do it now ?
The vet told us that it could be a cherry eye but wasnt sure until i read more about it online and it really seems to be it.
Thanks
July 26, 2017
0 Recommendations
If there is a red mass in the corner nearest the nose in a dog it is most likely going to be cherry eye (prolapsed third eyelid). Surgery now is the best course of action as prolonged cases can be more difficult to correct (due to inflammation or secondary infection) and may result in part of the gland being removed; if part of the gland has to be removed, Rouky may require eye drops for the rest of his life. Another cause may be a tumor, but they are uncommon and the cause is most probably cherry eye. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
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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.
