What is Cherry Eye in Dogs? Causes, Treatment, & Cost

Updated October 3, 2025

Cherry eye, commonly known as Prolapsed Nictitating Membrane or Third Eyelid Gland disease in dogs, occurs when the tear gland protrudes out of its normal position within the third eyelid. It creates an unsightly red or pink mass near one corner of the eye that resembles that of a cherry. 

Although alarming to witness, cherry eye is typically not life-threatening; however, it requires prompt medical care to minimize complications and discomfort for your pet.

What Are the Symptoms of Cherry Eye?

Cherry Eye can be identified by a visible bulge or mass in the corner of your dog’s eye that protrudes and typically exhibits bright red or pink colors. Other possible symptoms include: 

• Eye Irritation: Signs of eye irritation in dogs include excessive blinking, rubbing, or scratching at the affected eye, as well as increased tear production.
• Discharge: An affected eye may produce either a thick mucus-like discharge or have an appearance similar to a watery discharge.
• Swelling and Inflammation: Protrusions may appear swollen and inflamed around their edges. 

What Causes Cherry Eye in Dogs?

Cherry eye in dogs is generally caused by a weakness or dysfunction of the connective tissue supporting the tear gland in the third eyelid. Although its exact cause remains unknown, several factors could contribute to its development:

• Genetic Predisposition: Certain dog breeds are genetically predisposed to developing cherry eyes, such as Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, Bloodhounds, Lhasa Apsos, Shih Tzus, and Boston Terriers, among others.
• Congenital Defects: Cherry eye may appear shortly after birth due to a congenital defect in the tear gland’s attachment. 
• Weakened Connective Tissue: When connective tissue surrounding a tear gland weakens, its contents may slip out of place, leading to cherry eye.

Consequences of Untreated Cherry Eye

Cherry eye can have serious repercussions for your pet. Exposed tear glands and surrounding tissues may become dry and inflamed, potentially leading to secondary infections in the eyes. 

Persistent inflammation can also interfere with tear production and disrupt the natural lubrication systems within the eye, leading to dry eyes. If left untreated, this can lead to chronic corneal ulcers, impaired vision, or even permanent damage.

What to Expect at the Vet

If you bring your dog in for an exam, your veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination of the eyes to confirm the diagnosis and rule out any other potential issues. This might include:

• A vision and reflex check to see how well the eye responds.
• Measuring eye pressure to rule out glaucoma or other problems.
• A fluorescein dye test, where a safe dye is applied to highlight scratches or ulcers on the eye.
• A Schirmer tear test, which uses a small strip of paper placed on the eyelid to measure tear production.

A Condition That Can Come and Go

Sometimes, the third eyelid gland slips out and then pops back into place on its own. While this may seem reassuring, it usually doesn’t last. The longer the gland stays out, the more it can irritate the eye, cause inflammation, or even damage the cartilage of the eyelid. That’s why it’s best to have it checked as soon as you notice changes.

Could It Be Something Else?

Cherry eye can sometimes be confused with another condition called cartilage eversion (or third eyelid scrolling). This happens when the cartilage in the third eyelid bends, creating a similar-looking bump. In rare cases, a dog may have both cherry eye and cartilage eversion simultaneously, especially in larger breeds.

Your veterinarian will carefully distinguish between these conditions to ensure your dog receives the correct treatment.

 

How to Treat Cherry Eye in Dogs

When treating cherry eye in dogs, surgical intervention is the primary solution. One effective surgical technique is the mucosal pocket technique: this involves creating a small incision on one or both eyelids to form a pocket for prolapsed tear glands and suturing them back into place, ultimately returning them to their regular positions and alleviating cherry eye.

The mucosal pocket technique is widely accepted to be effective. It has minimal risks of complications when performed by an experienced veterinarian, though all surgeries do carry inherent risks, including infection, bleeding, or the possibility of recurrence. Before proceeding with surgery, discuss all options thoroughly with your veterinarian to ensure you understand all potential ramifications.

The cost of mucosal pocket technique surgery can depend on several variables, including the experience of your veterinarian, location, and the severity of the condition. Additional procedures or medications required afterward can also contribute to the overall cost. On average, it ranges between $500-1,500 per eye. 

Do Not Wait for Dry Eye to Occur

Timely treatment of cherry eye is vital to prevent complications, including dry eye or secondary infections, from becoming severe or costly interventions. The delay could result in chronic discomfort for your dog as well as more complex and costly treatments being necessary in the future. If you suspect your pup has a cherry eye, seek professional veterinary assistance immediately so you can ensure timely and appropriate treatment is administered.

 

Pre and Post-Surgical Considerations

Before and after cherry eye surgery, your veterinarian may suggest specific pre-and-post-operative care for optimal comfort and recovery for your pet. A popular suggestion is the use of prescribed eye drops/ointments, which help maintain eye moisture while decreasing inflammation and preventing secondary infections. Your veterinarian will provide instructions regarding the frequency, duration, and any additional post-operative care requirements to help your pet recover. 

When to See a Veterinary Ophthalmologist

As stated in the AKC’s article: ‘Dr. Ford recommends seeing your regular veterinarian first. “Most veterinarians who do this procedure do a really good job, but there are some breeds that can give you challenges, like Cocker Spaniels, Bulldogs, and Great Danes,” she says. The vet may refer your dog to a veterinary ophthalmologist in the following cases:

• The gland has been prolapsed for months or years without surgery
• The gland is not staying down despite massaging it back into place
• The gland keeps prolapsing after surgery
• The vet is not comfortable doing the surgery
• The third eyelid cartilage is bent
• The vet is less familiar with the breed

Can Pet Insurance Cover Cherry Eye Surgery Costs?

Pet insurance can be an invaluable resource for covering the costs associated with veterinary care, including cherry eye surgery. The Illness & Injury Plan from Odie covers a wide range of conditions, including cherry eye in dogs. For an average of $45/month, you can get covered and reimbursed for surgeries related to your pet’s cherry eye. 

How Can You Prevent Cherry Eye?

Cherry eye may not always be entirely avoidable, but there are steps you can take to help reduce your pet’s risk. 

Regular visits with your veterinarian will help keep your dog in peak health and wellness, including eye examinations that may detect early signs of cherry eye or other eye conditions.

What to Expect After Cherry Eye Surgery

After cherry eye surgery, it is normal for your dog’s eye to appear red and swollen. Your veterinarian may prescribe painkillers or advise using a cold compress to ease discomfort and decrease swelling. Following any post-operative care instructions provided by your veterinarian (for example, administering prescribed eye drops and refraining from activities that strain surgical sites) is also key to ensuring a full recovery and prompt healing. 

How Long Will My Dog Experience Pain After Undergoing Cherry Eye Surgery?

Your dog may experience some discomfort or sensitivity for several days following the procedure, and your veterinarian will provide any necessary pain medications to keep your pup comfortable throughout his or her recovery process. If you notice prolonged or severe discomfort, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Will My Dog’s Eye Go Back To Normal After Cherry Eye Surgery?

Cherry eye surgery is typically successful, and the affected eye returns to its normal appearance. However, a small risk of recurrence or complications remains. As a result, regular check-in appointments with your veterinarian will ensure optimal recovery while simultaneously identifying any potential problems that may arise.

Does Cherry Eye Surgery Hurt?

Cherry eye surgery should always be conducted under general anesthesia to ensure your dog remains pain-free during and post-surgery, and their veterinarian will prescribe appropriate pain medication to manage post-operative discomfort. Ensure that veterinary professionals prioritize your pet’s comfort and well-being during every stage of this surgical process.

At What Age Can My Puppy Undergo Cherry Eye Surgery?

Cherry eye can affect dogs of any age. For optimal results, it is generally recommended that puppies reach a certain level of maturity before considering surgery. This is because tear gland development changes over time as puppies get bigger. Most veterinarians suggest waiting until your puppy reaches six months before performing surgery, but this timing will depend on your dog’s circumstances. 

Get a quote for affordable pet insurance today, or contact your vet for additional coverage options!

You can also read more about surgery costs for your dogs here.

What Does Odie Pet Insurance Cover?

Pet insurance covers various veterinary expenses, providing financial protection and peace of mind for pet owners. Here are the details of the coverage options offered by Odie Pet Insurance:

Illness & Injury Plan

The Illness & Injury Plan is an all-inclusive insurance plan designed to cover a wide range of medical needs for your pet. This plan includes comprehensive coverage for various illnesses, injuries, and veterinary services. Some of the covered items include:

• Veterinary exams and consultations
• Diagnostics (e.g., X-rays, lab tests)
• Prescribed medications
• Surgeries and hospitalization
• Rehabilitation, acupuncture, or chiropractic treatments
• Medically necessary supplies
• Euthanasia and cremation

The Wellness Plan

The Wellness Plan is a monthly membership that focuses on preventive care and covers routine veterinary services.

• Provides reimbursements for routine care items such as wellness visits (exams and vaccines), testing and parasite prevention, dental cleanings and at-home dental care, vitamins, supplements, and more
• Through Odie’s partnership with Petivity, a leader in smart pet products and proactive care, Wellness Plan members can also receive reimbursements for Petivity devices and health kits, as well as eligible Purina food and supplements.
• Total reimbursement up to $700 per year.