Pet Care Blog

Cherry Eye in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Aliyah Diamond
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
English bulldog with cherry eye

If your pup has a red bump in the corner of their eye, it could be a condition known as cherry eye. This condition can affect one or both eyes and most commonly appears in younger dogs. But should owners be worried if their pet has cherry eye? Is the condition treatable?

Keep reading to find out what causes cherry eye in dogs, how to recognize the symptoms, how to treat it, and more.

Table of Contents

Pro Tip: Pet insurance can help you cover the cost of treatment for your pet's eye condition, so long as it did not exist at the time of enrollment.

What is cherry eye in dogs?

Before we explain what cherry eye is, we should first mention that dogs and cats have an extra eyelid called the 'third eyelid' or the nictitating membrane, at the inside corner of their eyes closer to their nose.

Cherry eye occurs after the tear gland which is located in this third eyelid, and normally cannot be seen, becomes inflamed and pops out (prolapses) of its normal position. Besides providing extra protection for your dog's eye, this gland is also responsible for secreting tears. In fact, the tear gland in the third eyelid is responsible for about 40% of the overall tear production in dogs.

In dogs with cherry eye, this membrane becomes inflamed and pops out of place, looking like a red or pink bulge in the inner corner of the eye. The condition can affect one or both eyes but, according to Ghanna Animal Hospital, “40% of dogs that experience cherry eye in one eye will eventually have it in the other.”

Cherry eye may be painless and non-harmful to your dog, but can also cause irritation and dry eye so it is important to visit your veterinarian if you notice your dog might have a cherry eye, especially if it seems to be painful or irritating to them.

Rottweiler with cherry eyes

What causes cherry eye in dogs?

The condition develops when the ligament that holds the tear gland in place breaks or stretches.

Cherry eye can happen to any dog, but some breeds are more prone to developing the condition, including:

In general, teacup and toy dogs, as well as short-muzzle breeds (also known as brachycephalic breeds) are more prone to cherry eye. Most affected dogs will have their first cherry eye appear under two years old, although the condition can occur in one or both eyes at any age.

The condition is not contagious to people or other animals.

Symptoms of cherry eye in dogs

The main symptom of cherry eye in dogs is the swollen and protruding third eyelid resembling a cherry pit. This small, round, pink or red mass is located in the inside corner of the dog’s eye. In some cases, the eye itself will seem red, itchy, or swollen.

Dogs with cherry eye may produce a thick mucus discharge from the eye. This occurs if the tear gland can’t produce enough tears to keep the eye moist, or if your pup gets an infection in their eye as a result of the condition.

Other conditions, such as a foreign body, eye infections, or trauma to the eye, can also cause similar symptoms. For this reason, it’s always best to get in touch with your vet whenever you notice anything out of the ordinary about your pet’s eyes.

Diagnosing cherry eye in dogs

Cherry eye is diagnosed by examination of the dog’s eye. Besides visual examination, the vet might also perform diagnostic tests, such as a Schirmer's test which is a simple, non-invasive test to measure tear production and ensure that your pet doesn’t have dry eye.

The vet may also choose to perform fluorescein staining to check the surface of your dog’s eye for corneal scratches. Dogs with cherry eye may give themselves corneal scratches if their eye is itchy and they are scratching their face with their paws or objects around the house.

pitbull terrier mix with cherry eye

Treatment for cherry eye in dogs

Cherry eye is usually cured with surgery. In over 90% of cases, the prolapsed gland is returned into the correct position and stitched in place so it cannot pop out again. However, in more severe cases where the dog has had the condition for a long time or the tear gland is no longer functional, or when the surgical replacement procedure described above has been done previously and has failed, the gland might need to be removed.

Cherry eye surgery doesn’t guarantee 100% success and in some cases, a second surgical procedure might be needed. The chances for full recovery are highest if the procedure is performed as soon as the condition occurs before the gland becomes enlarged or inflamed. That’s why it is very important to visit your veterinarian as soon as you notice anything unusual about your pet’s eyes.

If left untreated, cherry eye can cause eye infections and chronic dry eye (also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS). In some cases, if your veterinarian has confirmed your dog’s eye is healthy and the cherry eye does not seem to bother them, surgery is not always necessary.

In these cases, surgery is usually recommended for cosmetic purposes to make the eye look “normal” again and your veterinarian may give you the option to not surgically intervene if they believe your dog’s eye is healthy and not at risk of developing any of the secondary issues discussed above.

Cherry eye surgery costs

In general, the cost of cherry eye surgery ranges from $300 to $800. You’ll also need to factor in additional treatment costs, such as ongoing medication, which typically falls between $25 and $75 depending on the necessary prescription.

However, the cost to treat cherry eye in dogs will depend on multiple factors, including how severely the eye is affected, the type of procedure, and the doctor performing it. Personal factors can also contribute to the cost of surgery. For instance, larger dogs require more anesthesia, which often results in an increase in price.

The “pocket” technique boasts the highest success rate but it’s also the most expensive option. Alternatively, removing the third eyelid membrane is less expensive but usually considered a last resort as it reduces tear production by 30%.

If the condition has affected both eyes, the price will be higher. In addition, if you decide your dog’s surgery to be performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist instead of a general practice vet, your bill will also be higher.

Pro Tip: Pet insurance can help cover the costs of medication and surgery for cherry eye. If your dog has a genetic predisposition to this condition, it is best to insure your pup while they’re still a puppy so this or any other health issue that they may develop is covered.

Recovery and prognosis

After the surgery, your pet will need to wear a cone, also known as an Elizabethan collar or e-collar, to prevent them from rubbing their eye and disrupting the stitches. Vets usually also prescribe eye drops or medicated eye ointments, as well as oral antibiotics to keep the eye moist, prevent infections, and ensure that the eye heals properly.

If the tear gland is surgically removed or if surgical treatment is not an option, your dog will likely need to use eye drops to keep the eye moist and healthy for the rest of their life.

When it comes to recovery after surgery, the prognosis is very good. There might be inflammation for a week or two before the eye regains its normal appearance. Allow your dog to rest for a few days after the procedure and avoid swimming or bathing for about two weeks.

Your vet will probably want to recheck your dog’s eye two weeks after the procedure and will likely recommend an ocular exam at every future check-up.

It should be noted that dogs who are genetically predisposed to cherry eye are more likely to have a relapse. In addition, about 20% of dogs who had this condition could also develop dry eye later in life.

How to prevent cherry eye

Unfortunately for your pet, there’s nothing you can do to prevent cherry eye. However, it is possible to prevent additional problems associated with this condition (such as infections and dry eye) by keeping the eye moist with adequate eye drops and treating any eye issues that may appear at the earliest opportunity.

Key Takeaways

  • Cherry eye, i.e. prolapse of the third eyelid gland, is an uncomfortable condition that can lead to other issues, such as infections and dry eye.
  • The condition can affect any dog but is especially common in toy and teacup breeds, as well as dogs with short muzzles. The list of breeds prone to cherry eye includes Pugs, Bulldogs, Bulldogs, Rottweilers, etc.
  • Most dogs with cherry eye require surgery in order to put the gland back in place. Be sure to get in touch with your veterinarian as soon as possible if you think your four-legged friend has any eye problems, including cherry eye.

Do you want to find the best pet insurance?

Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Ready?

Analyze My Pet

About Pawlicy Advisor

The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. By comparing personalized coverage and pricing differences we can save you a ton of money, up to 83% in some instances!

Pawlicy Advisor helping a pet parent and their dog find a great deal on insurance

Instantly Compare Pet Insurance Plans

Get Quotes

Guides

How Pet Insurance Works

How To Compare Plans

Determine If Pet Insurance Is Worth It

Determine If Wellness Plans Are Worth It

Vet Visit Costs

New Puppy Checklist

Comparison Charts

ASPCA vs. Pets Best

Pets Best vs. Embrace

Embrace vs. Pumpkin

Pumpkin vs. MetLife

More Comparison Charts

Find Your State

New Jersey

California

Florida

Oregon

Texas

New York

Colorado

Pennsylvania

More States

Dog Insurance

German Shepherd

Rottweiler

Akita

Boxer

English Bulldog

French Bulldog

Great Dane

Pug

Corgi

Chihuahua

Poodle

More Breeds

Aliyah Diamond

Aliyah Diamond
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

Aliyah Diamond has more than ten years of experience in animal hospitals - working with dozens of species from dogs and cats, to elephants and snow leopards. Her lifelong passion for helping animals currently has her earning her doctorate of veterinary medicine at Cornell University and helping Pawlicy Advisor educate pet parents.

More you might like

american pit bull terrier profile
9 minute read
Pit Bull Terrier Breed Guide
Basset Hound profile of sitting dog
5 minute read
Basset Hound Breed Guide
Pug patellar luxation
7 minute read
Luxating Patella in Dogs: Signs, Surgery Cost & More
Mystical dog
4 minute read
What Does Your Dog's Zodiac Sign Say About Their Personality?

7 minute read
Why Is My Pet Always So Itchy?
Longhaired Shih Tzu with bow
8 minute read
Shih Tzu Breed Guide

5 minute read
Can You Give Dogs Aspirin For Pain?
Dachshund puppy looking at camera
7 minute read
Dachshund Breed Guide
Female vet examines dog ear infection
7 minute read
Ear Infections in Dogs
American Bulldog standing in the driveway
5 minute read
American Bulldog Breed Guide
Orange cat with FIV lying outside
7 minute read
FIV in Cats
Dog cooling off with hose
7 minute read
How to Cool Down Dogs
Small dog lying on the floor inside
6 minute read
Hiccups in Dogs & Puppies
Dog steals clothes from laundry
6 minute read
Pica in Dogs
Woman kissing cat in mirror reflection
5 minute read
5 Ways to Practice Self-Care with Your Cat
dog drinking from water bottle
8 minute read
7 Key Signs of Heat Stroke in Dogs (& How to Prevent Them)
Mongrel dog overheating outdoors
7 minute read
How Hot Is Too Hot For Dogs?
Portrait of a long haired Chihuahua
6 minute read
Chihuahua Dog Breed Guide
Full profile of a Siberian Husky
6 minute read
Siberian Husky Breed Guide
Beagle dog panting
7 minute read
Beagle Dog Breed Guide
Rottweiler puppy laying in field
6 minute read
Rottweiler Dog Breed Guide
English Bulldog laying on the floor
9 minute read
English Bulldog Breed Guide
Spayed dog wearing cone with vet
5 minute read
How Much Does it Cost to Spay or Neuter a Dog?
Cat with glowing green eyes and matching collar
4 minute read
What Does Your Cat's Zodiac Sign Mean?
Vet scanning dog microchip
4 minute read
How Much Does It Cost to Microchip a Dog?
Two German Shepherds in grass field
6 minute read
German Shepherd Guide
Vet examining sick cat
5 minute read
Giardia in Cats
Orange cat sleeping
2 minute read
10 Cute Cat Pictures That Help Us Get Through Monday
Veterinarian smiling and holding dog
7 minute read
Primary Care Veterinarians
Cat laughing on couch
2 minute read
7 Hilarious Cat TikTok Accounts to Make You Laugh
Dog wants cat food
5 minute read
Can Dogs Eat Cat Food?
Cat heart murmur
5 minute read
Heart Murmur in Cats
Vets examining Boston Terrier dog
7 minute read
Kidney Failure in Dogs
Beagle dog laying on floor in pain
5 minute read
Pain Relief For Dogs
Pug tilting head
6 minute read
Top 10 Pet Care Myths
Boxer dog running
6 minute read
Boxer Breed Guide
White and black French Bulldog
6 minute read
French Bulldog Breed Guide
Spotted Great Dane in sunshine
6 minute read
Great Dane Breed Guide
Woman walking Pug dog
7 minute read
Pug Breed Guide
Boston Terrier with wrinkles laying on the floor
3 minute read
11 Photos of Dogs to Help You Make It Through Monday
Man giving high five to yellow Labrador Retriever
7 minute read
What Is Preventive Care?
Dachshund acting like a ventriloquist dummy
2 minute read
8 Hilarious Dog TikTok Accounts to Make You Laugh
French bulldog with upset stomach laying on ground
10 minute read
Remedies for Upset Stomach in Dogs
Cat with blue eyes and blue collar
5 minute read
Probiotics For Cats
Gray cat receiving pet and appearing to be sick
8 minute read
Constipation in Cats
Cat stepping out of litter box
7 minute read
Diarrhea in Cats
White Standard Poodle standing in yard
8 minute read
Poodle Dog Breed Guide
Dog on the beach
6 minute read
Summer Essentials for Dogs
Small dog in carrier receiving a shot
11 minute read
What Vaccines Do Dogs Need?
White dog looking at bowl of vegetables
11 minute read
What Vegetables Can Dogs Eat?
Back to Blog
A family with pets that are insured by Pawlicy Advisor
Pawlicy Advisor is the leading independent marketplace for finding the best coverage for your pet at the lowest rate.
Join 2,438,795+ insured dogs and cats across the US.
Get a Quote
Our pet insurance partners
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance Logo
Pets Best Pet Insurance Logo
Embrace Pet Insurance Logo
Pumpkin Pet Insurance Logo
MetLife Pet Insurance Logo
Prudent Pet Insurance Logo