Cherry eye is one of the most recognizable and concerning eye conditions that can affect our canine companions. This distinctive red, fleshy protrusion from the corner of a dog’s eye can be alarming for pet owners to witness, but understanding what is cherry eye in dogs is crucial for proper care and treatment. This condition, medically known as prolapsed nictitans gland or third eyelid gland prolapse, occurs when the tear-producing gland behind the third eyelid becomes displaced and visible.
While cherry eye may look painful and serious, it’s actually a relatively common condition that affects dogs of all ages, though certain breeds are more predisposed to developing it. The condition gets its name from the cherry-like appearance of the protruding gland, which can range from pink to deep red in color. Early recognition and proper treatment are essential for preventing complications and ensuring your dog’s comfort and long-term eye health.
Understanding Cherry Eye in Dogs
Cherry eye occurs when the gland of the third eyelid, also called the nictitating membrane, becomes prolapsed or displaced from its normal position. Dogs possess a third eyelid that humans don’t have, located in the inner corner of each eye. This additional eyelid contains a tear-producing gland that contributes approximately 30-40% of the eye’s tear production, making it crucial for maintaining proper eye lubrication and health.
The third eyelid gland is normally held in place by connective tissue, but when this tissue becomes weak or damaged, the gland can pop out of position, creating the characteristic cherry-like appearance. This displacement doesn’t just affect the eye’s appearance; it also impacts the gland’s ability to function properly, potentially leading to decreased tear production and secondary complications.
The condition can affect one or both eyes, though it often starts in one eye and may eventually develop in the other. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, cherry eye is most commonly seen in young dogs under two years of age, though it can occur at any stage of life.
Causes and Risk Factors
The primary cause of cherry eye is a weakness or defect in the connective tissue that anchors the third eyelid gland in place. This weakness is often congenital, meaning dogs are born with the predisposition, though the condition may not manifest until later in life. Environmental factors, trauma, or inflammation can trigger the prolapse in susceptible dogs.
Certain dog breeds are significantly more prone to developing cherry eye due to their genetic makeup and facial structure. Brachycephalic breeds (those with flat faces) are particularly susceptible, including Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, and Shih Tzus. Other commonly affected breeds include Beagles, Bloodhounds, Cocker Spaniels, and Mastiffs. The American Kennel Club notes that this genetic predisposition means that dogs from affected bloodlines should be monitored closely for signs of the condition.
Age is another significant risk factor, with most cases occurring in puppies and young adult dogs. However, older dogs can also develop cherry eye, especially if they experience trauma to the eye area or develop inflammatory conditions. Understanding these risk factors helps owners of susceptible breeds stay vigilant for early signs, much like monitoring for other eye issues such as why are my dogs eyes red.
Recognizing the Symptoms
The most obvious and characteristic symptom of cherry eye is the visible red or pink mass protruding from the inner corner of the dog’s eye. This mass is typically round or oval-shaped and may vary in size depending on how much of the gland has prolapsed. The appearance can be quite dramatic and may cause significant concern for pet owners who notice it suddenly.
Beyond the visual symptoms, dogs with cherry eye may exhibit several behavioral and physical signs. These include excessive tearing, squinting, pawing at the affected eye, and general discomfort around the eye area. Some dogs may develop a thick, mucous-like discharge, and the eye may appear irritated or inflamed. If you notice your pet showing signs of eye discomfort, it’s worth investigating why my dog eye is red to determine if cherry eye or another condition is the cause.
In some cases, the prolapsed gland may intermittently retract and then reappear, leading owners to think the problem has resolved itself. However, once the gland has prolapsed, it rarely stays in place permanently without treatment. Secondary symptoms may develop if the condition is left untreated, including dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), corneal ulcers, and chronic inflammation.
Diagnosis Process
Diagnosing cherry eye is typically straightforward for veterinarians due to its distinctive appearance. A comprehensive eye examination will be performed to assess the extent of the prolapse and check for any secondary complications. The veterinarian will examine both eyes carefully, as the condition can be bilateral even if only one eye is currently affected.
During the examination, your veterinarian will evaluate the overall health of the eye, including the cornea, conjunctiva, and tear production. They may perform a Schirmer tear test to measure tear production levels, as reduced tear production is a common consequence of cherry eye. The National Center for Biotechnology Information emphasizes the importance of assessing tear production both before and after treatment to ensure optimal outcomes.
Additional tests may be recommended to rule out other eye conditions or to assess for underlying causes. These might include fluorescein staining to check for corneal damage, intraocular pressure measurement to screen for glaucoma, and bacterial culture if infection is suspected. A thorough physical examination will also help identify any systemic issues that might contribute to the condition.
Treatment Options
Treatment for cherry eye should always be performed by a qualified veterinarian, as improper handling can lead to permanent damage to the gland and long-term complications. The primary goal of treatment is to reposition the gland back to its normal location while preserving its function, rather than simply removing it, as was commonly done in the past.
Surgical correction is the most effective and commonly recommended treatment for cherry eye. Several surgical techniques are available, with the pocket technique and the anchoring technique being the most popular approaches. The pocket technique involves creating a pocket of tissue to hold the gland in place, while the anchoring technique uses sutures to secure the gland to surrounding structures. Both methods have high success rates when performed by experienced veterinary surgeons.
In very mild cases or as a temporary measure, some veterinarians may attempt manual reduction combined with anti-inflammatory medications. However, this approach rarely provides a permanent solution, and surgical intervention is usually necessary. The choice of surgical technique depends on factors such as the dog’s age, breed, severity of the prolapse, and the veterinarian’s experience and preference.
Post-surgical care is crucial for successful outcomes and typically involves the use of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops, an Elizabethan collar to prevent scratching, and restricted activity for several weeks. The Veterinary Information Network reports success rates of 85-95% for surgical correction when proper post-operative care is followed.
Prevention Strategies
While cherry eye cannot be completely prevented due to its genetic component, there are several strategies that can help reduce the risk of occurrence and support overall eye health in dogs. Maintaining good general health through proper nutrition, regular exercise, and routine veterinary care creates a foundation for healthy eyes and can help prevent secondary complications.
Regular eye care and monitoring are essential, especially for breeds predisposed to cherry eye. This includes gentle daily cleaning around the eye area, watching for signs of irritation or discharge, and seeking prompt veterinary attention for any eye-related concerns. Proper ear hygiene is also important, as ear infections can sometimes spread to affect the eyes. Learning how to clean dogs ears properly can help prevent issues that might indirectly affect eye health.
Environmental management plays a role in prevention as well. Protecting dogs from trauma to the head and face area, avoiding exposure to irritants like dust and chemicals, and providing a clean living environment can help reduce the risk of triggering cherry eye in susceptible dogs. For owners of high-risk breeds, establishing a relationship with a veterinary ophthalmologist early can ensure quick access to specialized care if needed.
Responsible breeding practices are crucial for long-term prevention of cherry eye in susceptible breeds. Dogs with a history of cherry eye should not be bred, as the condition has a strong genetic component. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals provides eye certification programs that help breeders make informed decisions about breeding animals.
Post-Treatment Care and Recovery
Recovery from cherry eye surgery requires careful attention to post-operative care instructions to ensure optimal healing and prevent complications. The immediate post-surgical period is critical, with most dogs requiring 2-3 weeks of restricted activity and consistent medication administration. During this time, it’s important to prevent your dog from rubbing or scratching the affected eye, which is why an Elizabethan collar is typically recommended.
Medication compliance is essential for successful recovery. This usually includes antibiotic eye drops or ointment to prevent infection, anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and discomfort, and sometimes artificial tears to maintain proper eye lubrication. The frequency and duration of medication use will depend on your dog’s specific situation and healing progress.
Regular follow-up appointments with your veterinarian are necessary to monitor healing and address any concerns that may arise. During these visits, your veterinarian will assess the surgical site, check for signs of infection or inflammation, and evaluate tear production. Some dogs may require additional treatments or adjustments to their medication regimen based on their healing progress.
Long-term monitoring is important even after successful surgery, as there is a possibility of recurrence, particularly in breeds that are genetically predisposed to the condition. Maintaining good eye hygiene and being aware of the signs of cherry eye recurrence can help ensure prompt treatment if the condition returns. Regular health maintenance, including proper ear care using techniques for how to clean dog ears, supports overall health and may help prevent complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cherry eye painful for dogs?
Cherry eye itself is typically not extremely painful, but it can cause significant discomfort and irritation. Dogs may experience a feeling of something being in their eye, leading to pawing, rubbing, and general discomfort. The exposed gland can become dry and irritated, which may cause mild to moderate pain. If left untreated, secondary complications such as infection or corneal damage can develop, which can be quite painful. Most dogs show noticeable relief after successful surgical treatment.
Can cherry eye go away on its own?
Unfortunately, cherry eye rarely resolves completely on its own once the gland has prolapsed. While the gland may occasionally retract temporarily, it typically reappears and tends to worsen over time without treatment. Some very mild cases in young puppies may seem to improve temporarily, but the underlying weakness in the connective tissue remains, making recurrence likely. Surgical correction is usually necessary for permanent resolution of the condition.
How much does cherry eye surgery cost?
The cost of cherry eye surgery varies significantly depending on geographic location, the veterinarian’s experience, and the complexity of the case. Generally, the procedure can range from $300 to $1,500 per eye. Factors affecting cost include the surgical technique used, anesthesia fees, pre-operative testing, post-operative medications, and follow-up care. Some cases may require referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist, which typically increases the cost but may provide better long-term outcomes for complicated cases.
What breeds are most likely to develop cherry eye?
Certain breeds have a much higher predisposition to developing cherry eye due to genetic factors and facial structure. Brachycephalic breeds like English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, and Shih Tzus are among the most commonly affected. Other high-risk breeds include Beagles, Bloodhounds, Cocker Spaniels, Mastiffs, Great Danes, and Saint Bernards. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, mixed breeds with these bloodlines may also be at increased risk.
Can both eyes be affected by cherry eye?
Yes, cherry eye can affect both eyes, though it doesn’t always occur simultaneously. Studies show that if one eye develops cherry eye, there’s approximately a 40-50% chance that the other eye will eventually be affected as well. This is because the underlying genetic predisposition affects both eyes equally. Some dogs develop cherry eye in both eyes at the same time, while others may have months or even years between occurrences in each eye.
What happens if cherry eye is left untreated?
Leaving cherry eye untreated can lead to several serious complications. The exposed gland can become chronically inflamed, infected, or damaged, potentially losing its ability to produce tears. This can result in dry eye syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), which requires lifelong treatment with artificial tears or medications. Additionally, the constant irritation can lead to corneal damage, scarring, and vision problems. The protruding gland is also vulnerable to trauma, which can cause bleeding and further complications.
How can I prevent my dog from developing cherry eye?
While cherry eye cannot be completely prevented due to its genetic nature, several steps can help reduce risk and support eye health. Maintain regular veterinary checkups, keep your dog’s face and eye area clean, protect against trauma to the head and face, and avoid breeding dogs with a history of cherry eye. For high-risk breeds, early establishment of care with a veterinary ophthalmologist can ensure prompt treatment if the condition develops. Good overall health through proper nutrition and exercise also supports healthy connective tissues throughout the body, including those around the eyes.
