Cherry eye in dogs is a prolapsed tear gland in the third eyelid. If you notice a red bump in the corner of your dog's eye that wasn't there before, it might be cherry eye. Kristina Vygantas, DVM at NorthStar VETS and Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists sheds some light on this canine ocular condition, including signs and symptoms of cherry eye in dogs, as well as treatment options and prognosis. Here's what pet parents should know about cherry eye in dogs.
What is Cherry Eye in Dogs?
Cherry eye in dogs occurs when the third eyelid's tear gland pops out of position, causing a red protrusion in the corner of the eye.
Unlike their human counterparts, dogs have not two but three eyelids for each eye. This third eyelid, called the nictitating membrane, is found inside the lower eyelid and provides an added layer of protection for your pup's eyes. It also contains an important gland that produces a significant amount of your dog's tears.
Sometimes, the ligament that holds this gland in place stretches or detaches entirely from the orbital bone. When this happens, the gland can pop out of place (known as a prolapse) and become visible above the eyelid. This causes a condition called cherry eye.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bulldog-cherry-eye-171273335-2000-ede517de4b644438bf488e01c273358b.jpg "What's That Red Bump In My Dog's Eye? It Might be Cherry Eye (1)")
Symptoms of Cherry Eye
Early cherry eye in dogs is fairly easy to spot, Vygantas says. "The telltale sign of cherry eye or prolapse of the tear gland of the third eyelid is a fleshy pink swelling at the corner of the eye," she explains. This bulge is typically in the corner nearest the nose and similar in shape and color to a cherry pit, hence the nickname. The condition can occur in one or both eyes.
The good news is early-stage cherry eye in dogs isn't painful. In fact, your pup probably won't even know something is wrong. But over time, it can make your dog prone to dry eye and infections, so it shouldn't be ignored.
The tear gland in that third eyelid is responsible for about 33 to 66 percent of your dog's overall tear production. When prolapse occurs, the tear duct doesn't function normally. For healthy eyes and overall comfort, it's critical that this gland is preserved and reattached to its proper place.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/large-dog-cherry-eye-2000-789dc9d853ae4664b906c8f0172c0dd3.jpg "What's That Red Bump In My Dog's Eye? It Might be Cherry Eye (2)")
Dog Eye Discharge: The Low-Down on Eye Boogers
What Causes Cherry Eye in Dogs?
Cherry eye can happen to any dog, but a few factors make some dogs prone to cherry eye. "Certain breeds such as English bulldogs, co*cker spaniels, and cane corsos have a genetic predisposition to this condition, usually within the first year of life," explains Vygantas. Other dog breeds that are prone to cherry eye include:
- Basset hounds
- Beagles
- Boxers
- Boston terriers
- French bulldogs
- Rottweilers
- Saint Bernards
- Pugs
- Mastiffs
- Terrier breeds
In general, breeds with shorter muzzles (many of whom have brachycephalic syndrome) as well as toy breeds and teacup dogs tend to be more likely to experience cherry eye than their longer-nosed, full-sized counterparts. And young dogs—puppies under a year old—are most susceptible.
What to Do If You Suspect Cherry Eye
If you think your dog has cherry eye, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. While not a medical emergency, the condition can cause health concerns over time.
Left untreated, cherry eye can result in damage to the tear duct and cause chronic dry eye. The gland may also become more swollen over time and restrict blood flow. As swelling makes your dog more uncomfortable, he'll be tempted to scratch or paw at the eye, increasing the likelihood of damage and infection.
Cherry Eye Treatment
At the initial visit, your veterinarian might prescribe dog-safe eye drops for cherry eye to reduce inflammation. These drops can also provide much-needed moisture for comfort and eye health. But eye drops are not a cure for cherry eye.
Usually, the vet-recommended treatment for cherry eye in dogs is surgery to preserve the eyelid. "Surgical repositioning of the gland, not excision, is the recommended treatment since it preserves the important function of tear production," Vygantas explains. Your vet should be able to preserve and correctly reposition the tear gland with a simple procedure.
While it might be tempting to try to avoid surgery, when it comes to cherry eye, ointment and topical treatments won't address the root problem and your pup will likely need surgery later anyway. According to Vygantas, once the gland is out of position, it's unlikely to resolve itself without surgery.
Still, even minor surgery can be stress-inducing for a pet owner. But rest assured: cherry eye surgery recovery is typically short and sweet. Most dogs are back to normal within a couple of weeks. In the meantime, your pup will have follow-up appointments with the vet to check the surgical site. During recovery, they'll also need an e-collar (aka the cone of shame) to keep the eye safe from scratching, pawing, and infection.
Canine Eye Care: 5 Things to Know About Dog Eye Infections
Prognosis for Dogs with Cherry Eye
Cherry eye is not life-threatening, and the vast majority of dogs go on to live full lives with healthy eyes. If you're wondering if you should get a dog who has cherry eye—either from a rescue or a breeder—there are a few considerations to keep in mind.
First, it's important to remember cherry eye is not contagious, so it poses no risk to you or other pets. However, surgical treatment of cherry eye can be expensive. Costs range from several hundred to thousands of dollars depending on the breed, your location, and your veterinarian's rates for surgical procedures. And, since as many as 45 percent of dogs that experience cherry eye in one eye will eventually have it in the other, you could very well end up doubling your expenses.
The good news is, the simple cherry eye surgery should solve the problem for good. "Greater than 90 percent of the surgically repositioned tear glands stay in place. The most common complication of this surgery is the breakdown of the suture line and subsequent re-prolapse of the gland," Vygantas explains. If the suture does fail, another surgery is likely necessary.
Still, Vygantas stresses that the condition is not an indicator of poor health or of other underlying conditions. If your pup has cherry eye, there's no reason she can't enjoy a long, happy, healthy life post-treatment.
Can You Prevent Cherry Eye?
Unfortunately, there's no way to keep your dog from developing cherry eye. But there are ways to give your pup the best chance at good health. Feed her a good diet and provide lots of exercise to maintain a healthy weight. Schedule an appointment with your vet to make sure she stays up-to-date on all preventative care and vaccinations, and reach out to your vet if you have any concerns about your pup's eye health.
Why Are My Dog's Eyes Cloudy?
