The RVC Ophthalmology team have extensive experience and knowledge of managing and treating dogs with the ‘cherry eye condition.

In addition to our comprehensive expertise in “cherry eye” surgery, our specialist-let surgical team are supported by specialist anaesthesia team and highly experienced veterinary nurses who deliver exceptional post-op care for our patients.

Our team also benefit from ongoing epidemiological research conducted at the RVC into canine eye conditions. We use this information to inform our clinical approaches and to teach our students.

RVC research findings about cherry eye in dogs are available here

Cherry Eye in Dogs: Frequently Asked Questions

What is ‘Cherry Eye’?

The clinical name for so-called ‘cherry eye condition’ is prolapsed nictitating membrane gland. It is known as ‘cherry eye’ because this condition results in the appearance of a large pink mass in the corner of a dog’s eye (which resembles a cherry)

What causes cherry eye?

As well as having upper and lower eyelids, dogs have a third eyelid that slides across their eye. This third eyelid has a tear gland on the inner side which can prolapse (=pop out).

What are the symptoms of cherry eye?

• Red, swollen lump in the inner corner of the eye
• Eye may produce more watery discharge.
• Squinting or blinking more frequently to relieve irritation or pain.
• Pawing or rubbing the eye
• Mucus or pus-filled discharge (more common if there is an additional infection).
• Red and/or swollen eyes/eye area

How common is cherry eye in dogs?

According to RVC research, cherry eye affects approximately 1 in every 500 dogs.

Which dog breeds most commonly suffer from/are most susceptible to ‘cherry eye’?

According to RVC research, the breeds with the highest risks are:

Neapolitan Mastiff (x 34.3)
English Bulldog (x 24.1
Lhasa Apso (x 12.4)
American Cocker Spaniel (x 11.6)
Puggle (x 9.5)
Great Dane (x 6.2)
Saint Bernard (x 5.3)
Jug (x 5.2)

What are the treatment options for cherry eye?

The only treatment option is a surgical procedure to place the gland in the anatomical position to allow and maintain its function. The gland is producing tears of up to 30% of the watery phase of the precorneal tear film. The nictitans gland is an essential organ to maintain a healthy ocular surface long term and that is why we do not remove the gland.

The most common procedure to address a cherry eye is a “pocket technique”. This involves burying the gland in a pocket of conjunctiva under the eyeball. We then sew the pocket closed (called Morgan pocket technique)

Another approach is to use a ‘tie-down’ technique, which we commonly combine with the Morgan pocket surgery. Here, the gland is fixed to the eye socket with permanent stitches, a nylon suture will be placed through the gland and tight to the bony part of the eye socket (=orbital rim), this is called orbital anchoring.

We can also perform a combination of these two techniques.

What does cherry eye surgery involve?

The surgery requires a routine eye examination; we then book a surgical appointment as close as possible to the examination. In very inflamed cherry eye patients, we pre-treat the surgical site with an anti-inflammatory and/or antibacterial eye drops or ointment for several days. This reduces swelling and helps to prevent wound break down.

Provisional surgery is recommended for the not affected (contralateral) eye if the gland can be pushed out of the normal position when bending the third eyelid. This test is not painful, and a so-called provoking test. However, costs, pros and cons are discussed transparently, so the client can decide if a one or two-sided surgery is preferred.

The surgery is done under general anaesthesia.

How long does canine cherry eye surgery take?

This surgery takes approximately 30min-50min/per site, depending on its complexity.

A specialist nursing team with or without an anaesthetist monitors the recovery very closely.

Depending on the recovery, we aim to discharge the patients the same day. However, in some patients, they may need to stay in the hospital overnight.

How much does it cost for cherry eye surgery for dogs?

Our latest cherry eye surgery prices are available here

What is the minimum age for canine cherry eye surgery?

If a puppy is diagnosed with cherry eye - surgery is scheduled for when they are at least 4-6 months old.

What happens if canine cherry eye is left untreated?

If cherry eye is left untreated, the animal can suffer from

• Long-term conjunctivitis is painful and a constant irritation.
• Infection and tissue damage:  If the condition deteriorates, this may lead to more serious complications requiring medical/surgical intervention.
• Chronic dry eye: If the gland is not repositioned, it may lead to less tear production, which is painful and requires lifelong treatment. This condition is called keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS).
• Corneal damage: When the pet rubs its affected eye, this can lead to corneal ulcers and permanent vision impairment. 
• Recurrence of cherry eye
  Dogs that have cherry eye in one eye often develop it in the other. Early treatment can help prevent complications in the long run. 

What are the risks of cherry eye surgery?

Aside from the anaesthesia, the main risks are wound breakdown or infection and re-prolapse of the gland. The stitches we us are fine and absorbable (so suture removal is not needed), but it is particularly important that a protective cone is worn to prevent rubbing.

There is also a small risk of corneal ulceration.

How effective is cherry eye surgery?

The success chance of the pocket technique procedure is extremely high (over 95% across the vet industry). This approach maintains the function and the mobility of the third eyelid. Both techniques maintain function of the actual gland itself

How long does it take for a dog to recover from cherry eye surgery?

After the operation, the affected eye will be red and swollen for approximately 10-14 days. We recommend keeping a protective collar on so that rubbing of the face will be avoided for the first week or two. We recommend the protective glasses type for giant breed dogs such as Great Danes, Cane Corso, etc. (for example, Optivizor). We also recommend ordering them before the surgery and start training with your dog wearing these. Positive reinformed training can be extremely helpful.

Post-surgical treatment will be pain relief (oral) and eye drops or ointment.

At least one re-examination will be scheduled with us, and we work closely with our general practice colleagues to support our patients post-operatively.

Can a dog get cherry eye more than once in the same eye?

In a small percentage of cases (5-10%), the gland may have a repeat prolapse and require another surgery.

Do you offer feline cherry eye surgery?

We also offer cherry eye surgery for cats. (Surgery costs are the same as for dogs.)