Dog Cherry Eye: What It Is, Why It Happens, and How It's Treated
You look at your dog and notice a red, fleshy bulge in the inner corner of one or both eyes. This is almost certainly cherry eye — and while it looks alarming, it's a well-understood, treatable condition.
What Is Cherry Eye?
Dogs have a third eyelid in the inner corner of each eye. Attached to this membrane is a tear-producing gland that produces a significant portion of your dog's tears. In some dogs, the connective tissue holding this gland in place is weak, causing the gland to prolapse and become visible as a reddish, rounded mass.
Which Dogs Are Most Affected?
Cherry eye most commonly affects breeds with shallow eye sockets:
- Bulldogs and French Bulldogs
- Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Lhasa Apsos, Shih Tzus, Boston Terriers
It often appears in young dogs under 2 years old. If one side prolapses, the other often follows within weeks or months.
Why It Matters
Left untreated, the prolapsed gland can:
- Dry out and become damaged (it contributes 30–50% of tear production)
- Lead to dry eye (KCS) — a painful, chronic condition requiring lifelong treatment
- Become chronically inflamed and infected
Symptoms
- A pink or red, smooth, rounded mass in the inner eye corner
- Increased eye discharge or tearing
- Your dog pawing at the eye
- Eye appears red or irritated
Treatment: Surgery Is Usually Recommended
The standard of care is surgical repositioning of the gland — a vet tucks the gland back into normal position and sutures it in place. This is far preferable to removing the gland, which significantly increases dry eye risk. Success rates are high, though a small percentage require a second procedure.
What to Do at Home
Contact your vet as soon as you notice it. Keep the eye area clean and prevent the dog from rubbing it — an e-collar can help. There is no reliable home treatment for cherry eye.
How Voyage Can Help
Spotted something unusual in your dog's eye? Voyage AI Vet can help assess your dog's eye symptoms instantly — starting at $4.99/month, any time of day.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian if you are concerned about your pet's health.