Cherry eye in dogs: FAQ
Cherry eye is a common condition, but is more prevalent in some breeds. It will need treatment to prevent complications.
What is cherry eye?
Cherry eye is a common inherited condition that affects some breeds of dogs, and occasionally cats. It happens when a dog's tear gland in their third eyelid becomes swollen and red, and covers part of their eye.
The tear gland is crucial to maintaining good eye health and tear production, so it's important that problems are treated quickly.
What are the symptoms of cherry eye?
Cherry eye is easily recognisable. It creates a pink bulge which protrudes from the corner of the eye nearest the nose and covers part of the eye. Cherry eye can happen in one or both eyes.
What causes cherry eye and is my dog likely to get it?
Dogs who suffer from cherry eye normally have a genetic predisposition to the condition. Symptoms often appear in dogs under the age of two, and affects many flat faced breeds.
Breeds in which cherry eye is commonly found are:
- English bulldogs
- French bulldogs
- cane corsos
- beagles
- lhasa apsos
- cavalier King Charles spaniels
- shih tzus
- West Highland white terriers
- pugs
- bloodhounds
- Boston terriers
Some owners have also reported cherry eye developing suddenly when their pet becomes overexcited, shocked or scared.
Is cherry eye painful for my dog?
Although it looks painful, cherry eye doesn’t normally cause any pain to dogs, unless it's left untreated and complications occur.
How is cherry eye treated?
Occasionally, the gland will correct itself on its own or will do so after a course of medication and steroids. But surgery is normally needed to treat cherry eye.
In the past, vets removed the prolapsed gland. But we now know this can cause dry eye or even blindness. The only way to resolve cherry eye safely is to surgically replace the affected gland back in its proper location.
There are several different techniques but, unfortunately, this isn’t always a long term solution and recurrence is possible.
Important
If your dog suffers from cherry eye, it's important they are not bred. This is so the condition is not passed on to their litter.
Can cherry eye reoccur?
Some dogs who have cherry eye successfully treated can be affected by it again in the future. If this happens, the same procedures and treatment can be repeated.
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Reviewed
• 28 August 2025
Next review
• 28 August 2028
