Key takeaways:
Cherry eye is a common condition in dogs. It’s when the gland in their third eyelid weakens and pops out of place.
Cherry eye is most common in certain breeds, including cocker spaniels, English bulldogs, and Lhasa apsos.
Surgery to move the gland back to its proper position is the standard treatment for cherry eye in dogs.
Cherry eye, a prolapsed gland of the third eyelid, is common in many dogs. The telltale sign is a pinkish-red bump on the inside lower eyelid, closest to the snout.
Untreated cherry eye can lead to complications in your pet’s eye health and vision. So it’s important to understand what to do.
We'll look at why certain dogs get cherry eye, how it’s treated, and which breeds are most likely to get it.
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What are the symptoms of cherry eye in dogs?
The primary symptom of cherry eye in dogs is a pinkish-red bump on the inside of a dog’s lower eyelid. The mass looks like a small cherry, hence the name cherry eye.
It can happen in both eyes at the same time or in one eye followed by the other eye within 3 months.
What causes cherry eye in dogs?
Cherry eye occurs when the tear gland in a dog’s third eyelid is unable to remain in place. Fibers, which keep the gland in its normal position, can weaken, allowing the gland to drop or protrude.
In smaller breeds, especially bulldogs, beagles, Boston terriers, and cocker spaniels, genetics play a role. These breeds don’t have strong enough fibers to hold the gland up.
What breeds are most at risk of cherry eye?
Cherry eye is most common in young dogs in the following breeds:
Beagles
Boston terriers
Bulldogs
Cocker spaniels
Lhasa apsos
Mastiffs
Pekingese
Shar-peis
Shih Tzus
St. Bernards
Vision loss in dogs: Is your dog starting to bump into things or startle easily? These are signs that your pup may be going blind.
Tear stains: Dogs with lighter coats and shorter noses are more likely to get pinkish-brown streaks below their eyes. They’re not painful, but there are products you can use to remove them.
Bitter pills: Many dogs don’t like to swallow medicine, so you’ve got to get crafty. Here are some smart ways to give your dog pills.
How do you treat cherry eye in dogs?
The best treatment for cherry eye is surgery to put the gland back in its proper position. Two surgical techniques are currently available.
Traditional tacking method
This surgery involves a permanently placed single stitch that draws the gland back up. Complications are rare, but sometimes the stitch doesn’t hold and a second or third surgery is needed.
Imbrication or pocketing
In this technique, a wedge of tissue is removed from above the gland. Tiny, dissolvable stitches are then inserted to close the gap and push the gland back to the correct position.
This surgery is more challenging because it’s hard to know how much tissue to remove. Plus, the gap may not tighten or the stitches may not hold, leading to recurring cherry eye.
Medications for cherry eye
In a small number of early and mild cases, topical antibiotics and steroid therapy may control inflammation and fluid buildup well enough for the gland to slide back into place.
How serious is cherry eye in dogs?
Cherry eye is a serious condition that can lead to many complications if not treated. Complications from cherry eye include:
Lack of tears and lubrication, which can lead to dry eye or keratoconjunctivitis sicca
Infections like conjunctivitis
Eye ulcers, which can cause permanent vision loss
Pain or discomfort
Trauma to the gland or cornea
Frequently asked questions
Sometimes the prolapsed gland will glide back into place after treatment with antibiotics and steroids. But typically, cherry eye requires surgery. Some dogs will need follow-up surgeries if it keeps happening.
Most veterinarians will recommend surgery as soon as cherry eye appears in both eyes.
Cherry eye surgery can cost from $300 to $2,500, depending on the dog’s breed, size, and severity of the condition. You’ll have to factor in additional expenses for presurgery blood work and postsurgery pain medication.
Left untreated, cherry eye can cause serious issues for your pet, such as ulcers, infections, and chronic eye dryness. It’s best to see a veterinarian right away if you notice a pinkish-red mass in your pup’s lower eyelid.
Sometimes the prolapsed gland will glide back into place after treatment with antibiotics and steroids. But typically, cherry eye requires surgery. Some dogs will need follow-up surgeries if it keeps happening.
Most veterinarians will recommend surgery as soon as cherry eye appears in both eyes.
Cherry eye surgery can cost from $300 to $2,500, depending on the dog’s breed, size, and severity of the condition. You’ll have to factor in additional expenses for presurgery blood work and postsurgery pain medication.
Left untreated, cherry eye can cause serious issues for your pet, such as ulcers, infections, and chronic eye dryness. It’s best to see a veterinarian right away if you notice a pinkish-red mass in your pup’s lower eyelid.
The bottom line
Cherry eye is a common condition in dogs. It occurs when a gland in their third eyelid drops out of place, creating a pinkish-red mass in their lower eyelid. Certain breeds are more prone to developing cherry eye, such as bulldogs, mastiffs, and Boston terriers.
If you notice a reddish bump in your dog’s eye, take your dog to the vet. The sooner you can schedule surgery, the better the outcome for your pet.
Why trust our experts?
References
Abrams, K. L. (2004). Cherry eye. Consultant on Call.
Blue Cross. (2023). Cherry eye in dogs.
Brooks, W. (2023). Cherry eye in dogs and cats. Veterinary Partner.
Haeussler, D. J., Jr., et al. (n.d.). Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca). American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.
Ledbetter, E. C. (2021). Diagnosing, treating, and managing causes of conjunctivitis in dogs and cats. Today’s Veterinary Practice.
Levitt, S., et al. (2023). Diagnostic ophthalmology. The Canadian Veterinary Journal.
O’Neill, D. G., et al. (2022). Breed and conformational predispositions for prolapsed nictitating membrane gland (PNMG) in dogs in the UK: A VetCompass study. PLoS One.
Plummer, C. E. (2016). Diagnosing acute blindness in dogs. Today’s Veterinary Practice.
Royal Veterinary College. (2022). New research unveils the extent of painful eye condition in dogs, and the breeds at most risk.
