What is cherry eye?
Updated By PetymFacts checked against official sources on
Quick answer
Cherry eye is when the tear gland inside a dog's third eyelid slips out of place and shows as a smooth, red, cherry-like lump in the inner corner of the eye. It is common in young Bulldogs, Beagles, Shih Tzus and Pugs, and needs a vet, usually for surgery to put the gland back.
Also called prolapsed third eyelid gland, prolapse of the nictitans gland, third eyelid prolapse, red lump in dog's eye.
Key facts
- Cherry eye is the gland inside the third eyelid prolapsing, or popping out, from the corner of the eye as a red, swollen lump. PDSA
- It usually appears before two years of age, in one or both eyes, and often runs in families. PDSA
- The gland makes up to half of the watery part of the tear film, so removing it can cause dry eye. VCA Animal Hospitals
- Surgery to stitch the gland back into place is the most common treatment. PDSA
- About 5 to 20% of dogs need a second operation because the gland slips out again. VCA Animal Hospitals
- Burmese and Persian cats can also be affected. VCA Animal Hospitals
Why does cherry eye happen, and which dogs get it?
The gland is held in place by a small attachment that is thought to be weak in some breeds, so the gland can flip up and out.
Dogs have a third eyelid in the inner corner of each eye, with a tear gland tucked behind it. When the gland's attachment gives way, the gland pops up over the edge of the third eyelid. Exposed to air and rubbing, it swells and turns red. The dog may paw at the eye, and the eye may become inflamed or produce discharge.
PDSA names Bulldogs and Mastiffs as especially prone, along with Beagles, Shih Tzus, Pekingese and other flat-faced breeds; VCA adds Cocker Spaniels, Great Danes, Newfoundlands and Pugs. Several of these are popular in Indian cities. Because it tends to run in families, ask a breeder whether the parents had it, and PDSA advises not breeding from any dog that has had cherry eye, even after surgery.
How is cherry eye treated?
Usual
Surgery to replace the gland
The standard treatment: the vet tucks the gland back and stitches it in place, keeping its tear production. Difficult cases may be referred to an eye specialist. PDSA
Small cases
Drops and monitoring
For a very small prolapse that is not bothering the dog, a vet may use anti-inflammatory and lubricating drops and watch it. PDSA
Rarely
Removing the gland
Now much less common, because losing the gland can cause dry eye that affects vision. Vets keep this for severe or long-standing cases. VCA Animal Hospitals
What does aftercare involve?
Most cases are cured, but the first weeks after surgery need care, and the other eye needs watching.
- Keep the buster collar (cone) on until your vet says it can come off, so the dog cannot rub the stitches. PDSA
- Give eye drops or ointment exactly as prescribed, and keep the eye clean and free of dust.
- Watch the other eye: a dog with cherry eye in one eye may develop it in the second. PDSA
- Look out for the lump coming back, and tell your vet; some dogs need a second operation. VCA Animal Hospitals
- Ask your vet to check tear production over the years, as affected dogs have a higher risk of dry eye. PDSA
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Questions owners ask
Is cherry eye an emergency?
- It is not usually an emergency, but contact your vet soon. The exposed gland can swell, the dog may rub the eye, and conjunctivitis or discharge can follow. See a vet urgently if the eye itself looks cloudy, the dog keeps the eye shut or is in obvious pain.
Can I push my dog's cherry eye back in?
- Do not try without your vet's advice. The gland is delicate and the eye is easily injured, and even if it goes back, the weak attachment means it usually pops out again. A vet can examine the eye, treat inflammation, and replace the gland surgically so it stays in place.
Why don't vets just remove the gland?
- Because it makes up to half of the watery part of the tears. Removing it can leave the dog with dry eye, a painful condition that needs lifelong treatment and can affect vision. That is why replacing the gland is now the usual treatment, and removal is kept for severe cases.
Will cherry eye come back after surgery?
- Most dogs are cured, but about 5 to 20% need a second operation because the gland slips out again. Some dogs also develop cherry eye in the other eye later. Keep the cone on as advised after surgery, and tell your vet if you see the lump return.
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Sources
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