Cherry eye in dogs is a common eye problem that many pet owners notice as a sudden pink bulge in the inner corner of their dog’s eye. It can look scary, but in most dogs, it is treatable with the right care. In this guide, you’ll learn what causes cherry eye, how to diagnose it, the best treatment options.
What Is Cherry Eye?
Cherry eye happens when the third eyelid gland, also called the nictitating membrane gland, slips out of place. This is known as a prolapsed third eyelid gland. Dogs have a third eyelid inside the lower eyelid. It moves diagonally across the eye and helps protect the eye’s surface. The third eyelid gland is crucial for producing a significant portion of the eye’s moisture, which keeps the eye lubricated and functioning properly.
When the small ligament that holds the gland in place weakens, the gland prolapses. You then see a red or pink mass in the corner of the eye. It may affect one or both eyes. This condition is called “cherry eye” because the exposed gland looks like a small cherry.
What Causes Cherry Eye?
Cherry eye in dogs happens when the third eyelid gland (also called the tear gland) slips out of its normal position. This gland plays a major role in dog’s tear production and helps keep the eye lubricated by supporting the tear film.
1. Weak Supporting Tissue (Primary Cause)
The most common cause is a weak or stretched small ligament that holds the gland in place. When this tissue weakens, the gland prolapses and moves outward. Once displaced, the exposed gland becomes swollen and visible as a pink bulge in the inner corner of the eye. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, this structural weakness is often hereditary. That is why cherry eye appears more frequently in young dogs and certain dog breeds.
2. Breed Predisposition
Certain breeds are more likely to develop dogs cherry eye due to inherited tissue weakness. High-risk breeds include:
These certain breeds often develop the condition before two years of age. In many cases, if one eye is affected, the other eye may develop the same issue later.
3. Inflammation and Irritation
Although genetics are the main cause, inflammation can worsen the condition. Triggers include:
Allergies
Dust or debris
Rough play
Excessive rubbing
When the gland becomes irritated, swelling increases. This makes the prolapsed gland more noticeable and harder to return to its normal position.
4. Cartilage Abnormalities
In some dogs, especially brachycephalic breeds, the cartilage of the third eyelid may be abnormally shaped. A condition called scrolled cartilage can push the gland outward.
5. Secondary Risk: Why Early Care Matters
If the gland stays exposed too long, it may become inflamed or infected. Over time, damage to the gland can reduce tear production. This may lead to keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye), a chronic condition that affects long-term eye health.
What Are the Clinical Signs of Cherry Eye?
The most obvious sign is a pink bulge in the corner of the eye. It may appear suddenly.
Other clinical signs include:
Redness
Watery discharge
Squinting
Pawing at the eye
Mild swelling
If the exposed gland becomes irritated, your dog may rub their face on furniture or the floor. This rubbing can cause corneal scratches, which are painful.
In severe cases, you may notice:
Thick discharge
Cloudy eye
Eye held shut
If you see these signs, contact your primary veterinarian quickly. Early treatment protects long-term eye health.
Diagnosis for Cherry Eye in Dogs
To diagnose cherry eye, your vet will examine the affected eye. In most cases, the pink bulge makes the diagnosis clear. However, your vet may run simple tests to check overall eye health:
Fluorescein stain test to check for corneal ulcers
Schirmer tear test to measure tear production
The Schirmer tear test helps measure tear production and detect early keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye). If the case is complex or keeps coming back (re prolapse), your vet may refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist.
Treatment for Cherry Eye in Dogs
The best treatment for cherry eye in dogs is usually surgery. While eye drops may reduce inflammation, they rarely fix the problem long term.
Why surgery is recommended
The third eyelid gland secretes tears. Removing it can reduce a dog’s tear production and increase the risk of dry eye. The ACVO strongly recommends preserving the gland rather than surgical removal.
Cherry Eye Surgery
Cherry eye surgery involves surgical replacement of the gland into its normal position. There are several surgical techniques, but most aim to create a pocket in the tissue to hold the gland in place. This is called a surgical correction or repositioning.
Recovery for Cherry Eye in Dogs
Recovery after cherry eye surgery is usually smooth when post-operative care is followed closely. Most dogs return home the same day and recover within a few weeks.
Immediate Post-Surgery (First 3–5 Days)
Keep the Elizabethan collar on at all times to prevent rubbing.
Give prescribed eye drops to reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
Expect mild swelling or light discharge — this is normal.
Limit running, jumping, and rough play.
Weeks 1–2: Protect the Surgical Site
Provide a quiet resting space with a supportive dog bed or dog mat can create a comfortable recovery space, discourage face rubbing against rough surfaces and reduce pressure on the affected eye.
Monitor for signs of complications:
Increasing redness
Thick discharge
Eye kept closed
Swelling that worsens instead of improves
If these appear, contact your primary veterinarian immediately.
Activity Management
Keep exercise calm and controlled.
Use a dog crate if needed to prevent jumping or rough activity when unsupervised.
Offer gentle mental stimulation instead of active play. Soft dog toys can help keep your dog calm without encouraging running or wrestling.
Hydration
Ensure constant access to clean water. During short outdoor walks, a portable dog water bottle can help maintain hydration while keeping activity minimal.
Preventing Re-Prolapse
Do not remove the cone early, even if the eye looks better.
Follow all medication instructions exactly.
Attend scheduled follow-up visits.
In most dogs, surgical replacement is successful. However, a small percentage may experience re prolapse and require a second surgery.
What Successful Recovery Looks Like
Swelling gradually decreases
The gland remains in its normal position
No excessive discharge
Normal blinking and comfort
With proper care, most dogs return to normal activities within a few weeks and maintain healthy tear production long term.
How to Prevent Cherry Eye
There is no guaranteed way to prevent cherry eye because it is linked to genetics and certain breeds.
However, you can reduce risk of irritation:
Keep eyes clean
Manage allergies
Avoid face rubbing
Trim hair around the eye
If your dog frequently rubs their face on furniture, provide a soft resting area to reduce friction on the lower eyelid and corner of the eye.
Is Cherry Eye Painful for My Dog?
Cherry eye itself is often more irritating than painful. But if left untreated, the exposed gland can swell and become inflamed. If the eye’s surface becomes scratched, your dog may experience real pain.
Signs of pain include:
Squinting
Avoiding light
Pawing at the eye
Behavioral changes
FAQs
How do you treat cherry eye in dogs?
The most effective way to treat cherry eye is surgical replacement of the prolapsed gland. Eye drops alone rarely fix it permanently. Surgery helps restore the gland to its normal position and protect tear production.
Can cherry eye in dogs fix itself?
Sometimes the gland may temporarily go back in. However, in most dogs, it comes back out. Cherry eye usually does not fix itself permanently.
How much does it cost to fix a cherry eye on a dog?
Costs vary depending on your location and whether a specialist performs the surgery. In the United States, treatment often ranges from $300 to $1,500. Factors include anesthesia, surgical technique, medications, and follow-up visits.
What happens if cherry eye is left untreated?
If left untreated, the exposed gland can become damaged. This may reduce tear production and increase the risk of chronic dry eye. Long-term dry eye can lead to infections, discomfort, and vision problems.
Conclusion
Cherry eye in dogs is common, especially in young dogs and certain breeds like Cocker Spaniels and Boston Terriers. While it may look alarming, most dogs recover well with proper treatment.
