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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
Chihuahua
Pedro
8 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Leaking Fluids
My dog went into surgery for his cherry eye today. The surgery consisted of the veterinarian removing the tear duct. When we went to pick him up, we were not given any information. We were also not given any antibiotics. His eye now looks like it is leaking fluid. I'm worried that they might have messed something up or not given us enough information. Please let me know if there is anything we should be doing or asking the vet to help take care of him. He is a very important member of our family and we hate to see him in pain.
July 26, 2017
1 Recommendations
If the gland was removed due to it not being able to be replaced into the membrane, artificial tears may be required to keep the eye lubricated and to prevent it from drying out; antibiotics are usually prescribed after any surgery, but you would need to speak with your Veterinarian about this. Ask your Veterinarian about the procedure and whether Pedro is going to require artificial tears or not. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
Our veterinarian is recommending drops to decrease swelling (which they have done) then to leave the cherry eye alone. She says that there is a high likelihood it would come back after surgery so surgery would be futile. Should I get a second opinion?
July 26, 2017
Amanda W.
Was this question and answer helpful?
Prince
4 yrs
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bleeding
My little dog that has a cherry eye was attacked by another one of our doges yesterday. The Cherry Eye was bleeding but I did get it to stop by putting slight pressure on it. The eye looks fine and there seems to be no issue. His ear at the base also has a tear but not deep. I cleaned that up with peroxide. The ear area is sore to the touch for obvious reasons. I can't afford a vet visit, is there anything I should watch for?
July 26, 2017
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. As a Veterinarian, I obviously recommend visiting your local Veterinarian and getting the cherry eye surgically repaired. If you are unable to visit your Veterinarian, I would recommend keeping the area clean and ensuring that there are no changes in the appearance of the gland. Since it was bleeding due to trauma by fighting, infection is always a concern; again a visit to your Veterinarian to check Prince over is recommended. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
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Chihuahua
Chiquita
3 Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swelling
How can I keep it from hurting and swelling
July 26, 2017
3 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Cherry eye is caused by a prolapse of the third eyelid in the corner of the eye nearest the nose. A visit to your Veterinarian to check the health of Chiquita’s cornea in the affected eye is required to ensure that there are no complications prior to treatment. Treatment can be carried out surgically or managed medically. Medically I would recommend a product which is a steroid antibiotic mix (contains Dexamethasone, Neomycin, Polymyxin B) which will reduce inflammation but the third eyelid will require surgery for correction. 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.
