Cherry Eye in Dogs: What It Is, How It's Treated and When to Worry

If you have noticed pink tissue bulging from the inner corner of your dog’s eye, they may have developed cherry eye. It looks dramatic, and many owners assume something has gone badly wrong, so it helps to know what you are most likely looking at. In cherry eye, a tear-producing gland has slipped out of position and now looks a little like a cherry. Your vet will need to confirm it, as a few other problems can look similar, but it is usually very treatable.

Key takeaways

• Cherry eye is when a tear-producing gland in the third eyelid becomes swollen and ‘pops’ out of place.
• Cherry eye is usually an inherited condition, and it is far more common in flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds.
• For most dogs, surgery is the treatment of choice, and the gland should be replaced rather than removed.
• Affected dogs should generally be neutered, so that the condition is not passed on to their offspring.
  

What Is Cherry Eye in Dogs?

Cherry eye is a prolapse of the third eyelid gland. This pink lump is visible in the corner of the eye, closest to the nose.

The Third Eyelid and Its Tear Gland

Several glands produce tears for the eye, but the large gland in the third eyelid is thought to be the most important, contributing a significant share of the tear film. Once it pops out of place it can no longer do its job properly, which is why the eye starts to dry out.

What Cherry Eye Looks Like

Cherry eye has a distinctive appearance. It looks similar to when the third eyelid comes across the eye, but there is an additional red bulge.

What Causes Cherry Eye?

For most dogs, cherry eye appears in the first year of life and comes down to anatomy. There is an inherited weakness in the fibrous tissue that normally anchors the gland in place, so it slips out of position.

Breeds Prone to Cherry Eye

Flat-faced breeds are most at risk, including the French Bulldog, English Bulldog, Boston Terrier and Shih Tzu. We also see it regularly in the Cocker Spaniel, the Beagle and the Saint Bernard. These are the same breeds that tend to be prone to other eye problems, so it is worth knowing what is normal for your dog’s eyes.

Age and Other Risk Factors

Most affected dogs develop cherry eye before their first birthday, with the average age of onset at around seven months.

Breed is the single biggest risk factor, and dogs related to others that have had cherry eye are at the greatest risk of all. This is why affected dogs should not be bred from.

Is Cherry Eye Painful or Dangerous?

Cherry eye is uncomfortable rather than acutely painful, because of the local inflammation. There is a greater risk of an eye infection and, without a properly working tear gland, the eye can dry out and develop ulcers. Dogs tend to become more bothered over time, rubbing and scratching at the eye, which makes everything worse.

Can Cherry Eye Go Away on Its Own?

In a small number of dogs the gland slips back into place on its own, which is most likely when the prolapse is small and has only just appeared. Even then, it commonly pops out again, so it still needs a vet’s assessment rather than a wait-and-see approach.

Cherry Eye Treatment for Dogs

Very small prolapses are sometimes managed with anti-inflammatory or antibiotic drops and lubricants. For most dogs, surgery will be recommended.

Surgery to Replace the Gland

Under a general anaesthetic, the gland is tucked back into a pocket of tissue and secured in position. It is possible for it to prolapse again, in which case a second operation may be needed.

Why the Gland Should Not Be Removed

Vets used to remove the gland entirely. We now know this leaves the dog short of tear production and prone to dry eye, a lifelong condition that needs daily medication. Replacing the gland is the standard of care.

Recovery After Cherry Eye Surgery

Your dog will need to be kept quiet for a week or so after surgery. It is essential that they cannot rub or scratch at the healing eye, which means wearing a buster collar at all times, including overnight. Most patients go home with eye drops and pain relief for the recovery period.

Owners should monitor the eye for any sign of post-operative complications, such as a return of the cherry eye or pus discharge.

Can Cherry Eye Come Back?

Yes, some dogs need a second surgery if the gland prolapses again. The risk is highest with larger prolapses, and when the gland had been out of place for a long time before surgery, which is a good reason not to delay treatment. Reported recurrence rates vary, but sit at roughly 5 to 10 per cent.

What to Do If You Notice Cherry Eye Tonight

Try not to panic if you spot this late in the evening. Cherry eye is not a life-threatening emergency, and in most cases it is fine to wait and see your vet when the clinic opens. In the meantime, you can gently bathe the eye with a cotton pad and cooled, boiled water, and use a buster collar so your dog cannot make it worse overnight.

Cherry Eye vs Other Eye Problems in Dogs

Cherry eye can look like other problems, including severe conjunctivitis, a foreign body trapped under the eyelid, a swelling of the eyelid itself or an eyelid tumour. See your vet whenever your dog’s eye looks different, so the cause can be confirmed rather than guessed at.

When Cherry Eye Is an Emergency

See your vet as an emergency if your dog is in a lot of pain, their eye is very swollen or bloodshot, or if they seem to be having trouble seeing.

Get Emergency Veterinary Advice for Your Dog

You can contact an emergency vet in London at any time, day or night, including the small hours when you are weighing up whether this can wait. The team will talk through how to keep your dog comfortable and arrange an appointment. That appointment can be at your home if you would rather not travel, and if getting to a clinic is difficult, a vet can come to you. You can read more on choosing between a home visit and a 24 hour clinic.

Cherry Eye in Dogs: FAQs

Can I push my dog's cherry eye back in myself?

It is a natural instinct, but no. Pushing the gland back yourself risks damaging delicate tissue and introducing infection, and it is likely to cause your dog pain. See your vet about any suspected cherry eye so it can be replaced properly.

How much does cherry eye surgery cost in the UK?

The cost varies with the location of the clinic, the size of the dog, and whether one or both eyes are affected. As a rough guide, expect somewhere between £600 and £2,000. If that feels out of reach, it is worth asking your practice about payment options or whether you qualify for help from a charity, rather than leaving the eye untreated.

What happens if cherry eye is left untreated?

Left untreated, there is a risk of the eye drying out and developing chronic infections and ulcers. There is a possibility the eye will develop scars and that your dog may even lose their vision.

Can cherry eye happen in both eyes?

Yes. If one eye is affected, the other often follows within a few months. Published figures suggest this happens in roughly half of cases.

Is cherry eye an emergency?

Cherry eye is usually not an emergency, and it should be okay for patients to be seen once their clinic is open. However, call an out of hours vet if you are concerned your dog is in pain or if their eyeball is bulging.