Cherry eye happens when the tear-producing gland in a dog’s third eyelid slips out of place and forms a pink or red lump at the inner corner of the eye. Cherry eye is most common in young dogs and certain breeds, but any dog can develop it. Knowing what to look for and when to call your veterinarian can help protect your dog’s eye.
Understanding Cherry Eye in Dogs
A dog’s third eyelid is also called the nictitating membrane. It provides an extra protective layer for the eye and is beneficial when dogs are hunting or in a fight.
A tear-producing gland, called the nictitans gland, sits at the base of the third eyelid. Fibrous tissue normally holds this gland in place. When that support is weak, the gland can prolapse, or slip out and become visible. This is called cherry eye, and it may affect one eye or both eyes.
The exposed gland usually looks like a pink or red, fleshy lump at the inner corner of the eye. When this sensitive tissue is exposed, it’s at risk of drying out and suffering additional trauma. Your dog may develop more inflammation, swelling, or infection. If the gland stays out of place, they may also develop dry eye syndrome, also called keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
This condition is most commonly seen in dogs under the age of two, but can occur in older dogs especially with trauma. Some breeds appear to be more susceptible to cherry eye, including:
- Boston Terriers
- Bulldogs (English or French)
Cocker Spaniels
- Lhasa Apsos
- Pekingese
- Shih Tzus
- Other flat-faced breeds
There is no way to prevent or stop this condition from occurring. If you’re considering a breed that may be prone to the condition, ask the breeder whether either parent had cherry eye.
Cherry eyes can be uncomfortable and should be seen by your veterinarian. It’s important to have them evaluated by your veterinarian to prevent complications.
Breed and Age Risk Factors
| Risk Factor | Examples |
|---|---|
| Age | More common in dogs under 2 years old |
| Breed type | Brachycephalic or flat-faced breeds |
| Breeds reported by veterinary sources | Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, Lhasa Apsos, Pekingese, Shih Tzus, Great Danes, Mastiffs, and Newfoundlands |
| Family history | A possible hereditary component |
What Causes Cherry Eye in Dogs?
The exact cause of a cherry eye is unknown. It may be a result of one or a combination of factors, like:
- Breakdown of supporting structures
- Shallowness of the eye orbit
- Conformation of the eyelids
- Genetics
- Injury or trauma
- Eye infection
Susceptibility to this condition is hereditary. This means that it can be passed from the parents to the offspring. If you’re getting a breed prone to cherry eye, it’s important to ask the breeder if either parent had it.
What Does Cherry Eye Look Like in Dogs?
A cherry eye is located near the inner corner of the eye. It can look like a small pink bulge that may come and go. Generally, owners notice a pinkish-red, fleshy mass about the size of a cherry pit or a bit larger. The longer it is present, the more inflammation occurs, which causes the gland to become irritated and red.
Since it can be itchy, some dogs may paw or rub at their eyes. This can cause the gland to swell more. In some cases, your dog may be unable to completely close their eye due to the size of the gland.
Treatment of Cherry Eye in Dogs
Cherry eyes must be treated as soon as possible. Serious complications can occur if they are left untreated, like:
- Conjunctivitis
- Eye discharge
- Dry eye
Serious complications can occur with dry eye, such as infections and corneal ulcers. This can result in vision loss.
Surgery is the treatment of choice to secure the third eyelid gland behind the third eyelid. Once the gland is secured, inflammation will diminish and prevent another prolapse. Your veterinarian will explain the best surgical technique based on your dog’s condition.
It may be necessary for your veterinarian to prescribe topical antibiotics and/or anti-inflammatories before surgery. This will help treat any infections in the eye and gland as well as relieve some discomfort. In some cases, this can temporarily resolve the prolapse. If the gland is not actively prolapsed, your veterinarian will not be able to perform surgery. Therefore, they will wait until the gland is permanently prolapsed before proceeding.
Following surgery, routine monitoring of your dog’s tear production is important to ensure the gland continues to function properly.
When to Call Your Veterinarian
Contact your veterinarian when you first notice a pink or red lump near your dog’s eye. Cherry eye may not always cause severe pain at first, but the exposed gland can dry out and become irritated. Waiting can increase the risk of inflammation, infection, dry eye, and corneal damage.
Seek prompt veterinary care if your dog is rubbing their eye, has eye discharge, appears painful, or can’t close the eye completely. A veterinarian can confirm whether the lump is cherry eye or another eye problem and explain the next steps.
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