What Exactly Is Cherry Eye?
If you have noticed a fleshy red or pink lump appearing in the inner corner of your dog's eye, you are likely looking at what veterinarians call cherry eye. Medically known as prolapse of the third eyelid gland, it occurs when the gland associated with your dog's nictitating membrane — commonly called the third eyelid — pops out of its normal position and becomes visible.
Dogs, unlike humans, have three eyelids. The third eyelid sits in the inner corner of the eye and contains a gland responsible for producing roughly 30 to 50 per cent of the total tear film. When the connective tissue holding this gland in place weakens or fails, the gland prolipses outward, creating that characteristic cherry-like appearance.
Cherry eye is not considered a life-threatening condition, but it warrants prompt attention. Left untreated, the exposed gland can become inflamed, infected, or permanently damaged — which has lasting consequences for your dog's tear production and overall eye health.
Which Dogs Are Most Affected?
While cherry eye can technically occur in any dog, certain breeds are genetically predisposed due to the structure of their skulls and eyelids. Brachycephalic breeds — those with flat faces — are among the most commonly affected. These include Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Other breeds with a notable predisposition include Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Beagles, and Lhasa Apsos. The condition tends to present in younger dogs, often before the age of two, though it can appear at any point in a dog's life.
If cherry eye appears in one eye, there is a reasonably significant chance it will eventually develop in the other eye as well. Some studies suggest that up to 40 per cent of affected dogs will develop bilateral cherry eye over time.
Is Surgery Always Necessary?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions by owners dealing with cherry eye for the first time, and the answer is nuanced. In some cases, particularly when the prolapse is caught very early, gentle massage of the area may temporarily reposition the gland. Your vet may demonstrate this technique, applying light pressure to encourage the gland back into place while the eye is lubricated.
However, this approach does not address the underlying weakness in the connective tissue, meaning the gland is highly likely to prolapse again. Repeated prolapses increase the risk of damage to the gland itself, so manual repositioning is generally considered a short-term measure rather than a solution.
Surgical intervention is the most reliable long-term treatment. There are several surgical approaches your vet may recommend depending on the severity of the prolapse and the individual dog's anatomy.
Surgical Options Explained
The most widely used and recommended technique is called the pocket or tuck procedure. Rather than removing the gland — which was the approach used historically — this method repositions and anchors the gland back into its correct anatomical position. Because the gland is preserved, tear production is maintained, significantly reducing the long-term risk of dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca).
Gland removal used to be standard practice, but it has largely fallen out of favour precisely because of its association with chronic dry eye in later life. Dry eye is a painful condition requiring lifelong management, so preserving the gland whenever possible is in your dog's best interest.
In certain cases where the gland is severely damaged or the pocket procedure has failed, excision may still be necessary. Your veterinary ophthalmologist will assess the best course of action based on your dog's specific situation.
What Happens If Cherry Eye Is Left Untreated?
Some owners, especially when faced with surgical costs, wonder whether cherry eye can simply be left alone. While a dog can technically live with an untreated cherry eye, doing so comes with real risks. The exposed gland is vulnerable to repeated trauma, chronic inflammation, and infection. Over time, the gland can become permanently damaged and lose function.
Beyond the gland itself, a protruding third eyelid can cause irritation to the cornea, leading to corneal damage if left unaddressed. Dogs with untreated cherry eye often rub at the affected eye, which compounds the risk of secondary injury.
The financial consideration is understandable, but early surgical intervention tends to be simpler and more successful than attempting correction after significant damage has occurred.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery from cherry eye surgery is generally straightforward. Most dogs are sent home the same day with a course of anti-inflammatory eye drops and antibiotics to prevent infection. An Elizabethan collar — the cone most dogs despise — is typically worn for one to two weeks to prevent the dog from rubbing at the eye.
Follow-up appointments are important to ensure the gland has remained in position and that healing is progressing well. Surgical success rates for the pocket procedure are high, though a small percentage of cases may require a second procedure if the gland prolapses again.
Monitoring Both Eyes Going Forward
Once your dog has experienced cherry eye in one eye, it is worth monitoring the other eye closely. Let your vet know immediately if you notice any redness, swelling, or tissue appearing in the inner corner of the second eye. Early treatment consistently yields better outcomes, and prompt action can make surgical correction simpler and more effective.
Regular veterinary eye examinations are recommended for breeds that are predisposed to this condition, even before any visible signs appear. Staying proactive about your dog's eye health is the best way to protect their vision and comfort for the long term.