Cherry Eye in Dogs

Cherry eye is the common name given to the prolapsed gland of the third eyelid. It can look like a little red cherry sitting in the eye, hence its nickname.

Did you know that your dog has three eyelids? The third eyelid, or nictitating membrane, is the small pink lid that comes from the inside corner of the eye. It is not always visible and will emerge to protect the cornea, the surface of the eye. The gland within this little eyelid is responsible for making a very important part of your dog's tears, which keeps the eye moist and healthy. When a dog has cherry eye, this gland pops out from its usual hiding place and gets stuck against the margin of the lid, disrupting tear production.

Currently, the cause is unknown but it is thought that a failing ligament is to blame, maybe triggered by inflammation, however sometimes it can involve kinking of the cartilage within the eyelid itself. It happens spontaneously and there is nothing pet parents can do to prevent it.

Cherry Eye is common in some dog breeds such as basset hounds, shih tzu, bulldogs, and mastiffs. It usually occurs in young dogs under one years old.

Cherry eye is fairly easy to recognise but it can be surprising. Your dog may seem normal but a moment later you notice a fleshy, raised mass in the corner of their eye.

It may be pink, like the color of the conjunctiva, or it may be quite red and inflamed. You may also notice a thick white or green discharge, especially if it has been out for a while.

Cherry eye can happen in one eye, or in both simultaneously. It’s not painful but can be uncomfortable, and some dogs can become quite irritated with the prolapse, as they can see it from the corner of their eye! They may try and scratch or rub their face on the ground, or the furniture, to try and remove it. This can result in further inflammation or scratches to the surface of the eye itself.

Any changes to your dog's eye should be examined by your veterinarian as soon as possible, as many conditions of the eye can quickly become serious.

For veterinarians, cherry eye in dogs is very easy to recognize. Your vet will examine your pup's eye closely with special instruments. They may perform several tests to ensure there are no other problems present.

Once the cherry eye has been confirmed, a discussion can be had about the best course of treatment for your pup.

Cherry eye in dogs is treatable and surgery is almost always required to replace the prolapsed third eyelid gland. Cherry eye is notoriously difficult to treat conservatively. Attempts to replace the gland without surgery usually fail and can cause further irritation to the eye in the process. If there are concurrent issues found in your dog's eye they may be treated with eye drops or oral medications.

To perform the surgery, your dog will need to have a general anesthetic and in some cases, you may be referred to the veterinary ophthalmologist or eye specialist.

In some cases, if the gland has been prolapsed for a very long time, or there are other issues with the third eyelid, your vet may recommend removal of the entire eyelid. This is usually only recommended in complicated cases, as removal of the gland can cause long-term issues with your dog’s tears.

In some early cases of cherry eye, the gland may spontaneously pop back into place and you may rejoice, the eye is healed! This can also occur if the inflammation is treated with topical medications. Unfortunately, in both cases, the resolution is usually short-lived and the gland will eventually re-prolapse.

If no treatment is pursued, there’s a high chance your dog may develop chronic dry eye and other serious complicating factors that can be painful and affect your dog's vision.

With early recognition and surgical interventions, the prognosis for cherry eye in dogs is good. A small number of cases may recur and require follow-up surgery. Remember, it’s common for cherry eye to occur in both eyes, so once one eye is resolved you may need to start the process again if the other eye becomes affected. If your dog's cherry eye is chronic or complicated, then removal of the gland may be required. This will result in dry eye, a chronic condition that requires lifelong management and medications,

Cherry eye in dogs is a common condition in certain breeds that can occur suddenly, mostly in young animals less than one year of age. Cherry eye is best treated with surgery and carries a good prognosis with early intervention. Without treatment, the prolapsed gland can lead to chronic dry eye and other serious complications. If you are concerned about your dog's eyes, chat with a friendly Jollyes Pet Clinic veterinarian, and head to our advice section for more great dog care guides.