Cherry Eye in Dogs: Symptoms, Surgery and Recovery

A red lump in the corner of a dog’s eye can signal a prolapsed tear gland. The condition, commonly called cherry eye, can interfere with tear production, so prompt veterinary assessment matters. Surgery generally aims to return the gland to its normal position and preserve its function.

Dogs have a third eyelid, a membrane at the inner corner of the eye that contains a tear gland. When the gland slips out of place, it may appear as a pink or red swelling. It can be small and intermittent or large enough to cover part of the eye, and may cause irritation or pain.

Why the gland matters

The third eyelid gland supplies a substantial share of the watery component of the tear film that keeps the eye lubricated. A prolapse can disrupt that contribution and lead to irritation, redness, discharge, or infection.

Dr. Dameski describes the underlying problem this way:

“Prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid, ‘cherry eye’, is caused by defects in the attachments between the third eyelid gland and periorbita.”

That function is why treatment usually focuses on repositioning the gland instead of removing it. In research cited by Dr. A. Elkasapy, the pocket technique preserved the gland’s duct system and resumed tear production, while excision eliminated about 40% of tear production:

“The pocket technique preserved the morphology and integrity of the duct system of the nictitating gland and also resumes tear production. On the other hand, surgical excision of third eyelid gland eliminated about 40% of the tear production.”

Causes, risk factors and lookalikes

The precise cause isn’t known. Genetics are suspected, and a weakened fibrous attachment near the inner lower edge of the eye may allow the gland to protrude. Cherry eye is more likely in dogs under two years old. No sex predisposition has been established, though one study reported a higher incidence among males than females (Mazzucchelli et al., 2012).

Breeds reported to be predisposed include English and French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers and other brachycephalic breeds, as well as Boerboels, Great Danes, Beagles and Bloodhounds.

Another condition, scrolled cartilage, can cause a similar swelling. In this case, cartilage in the third eyelid grows abnormally and bends or “scrolls.” It is less common and particularly associated with Great Danes. A dog can have scrolled cartilage and cherry eye at the same time, so a veterinarian needs to identify what’s causing the swelling.

Surgery and treatment choices

Surgical correction is the effective treatment for a prolapsed gland. Delaying care can lead to lasting damage to the eye or gland. A general-practice veterinarian may perform the procedure, or refer the dog to a veterinary ophthalmologist. The approach depends on the dog’s condition and the veterinarian’s assessment.

Dr. Oguntoye and colleagues call gland repositioning the standard approach in their article, Modified Morgan Pocket Technique of Cherry Eye Repair in 31 Dogs. Removing the gland is generally discouraged because it can leave the dog with chronic dry eye, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). Dogs with KCS may need artificial tear ointment several times daily to keep the eye moist.

Costs vary with the severity of the prolapse, the dog’s size, the technique and whether a specialist performs the surgery. The source gives a range of $500 to $2,500 per eye.

Postoperative care commonly includes medicated eye drops or ointment, and sometimes an oral anti-inflammatory and an Elizabethan collar or another restraint to prevent rubbing. Dr. Plummer describes the usual regimen as follows:

“The postoperative therapy after these procedures to reposition the gland of the nictitating membrane usually consists of topical antibiotics or antibiotics-corticosteroids three to four times daily until the prolapsed gland has reduced in size to about normal size, and supplemented several days with an oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, such as carprofen, and an Elizabethan collar or other restraint device.”

Follow the treating veterinarian’s instructions for medication and activity. The Petcube App includes tools for tracking symptoms, health and habits, as well as access to certified vets.

Recovery and when to seek care

After surgery, swelling generally eases and the third eyelid returns to a more normal appearance over the following few weeks. A prolapse can recur, particularly when surgery is delayed, the gland is severely inflamed, or abnormal cartilage hasn’t been corrected. If the gland protrudes again, contact your veterinarian promptly; additional treatment or surgery may be needed.

Because removing the gland can contribute to chronic dry eye, it is not usually considered a permanent fix. Only in rare cases might a veterinarian recommend removal.

Any new mass or change in your dog’s eye warrants veterinary attention. Early assessment and gland replacement can reduce the chance of a second prolapse and help preserve the tear film that protects the eye.