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If you’ve noticed a pink or red bump in the corner of your dog’s eye that looks like a tiny cherry, your furry friend might have a condition called “cherry eye.” While this sounds scary, understanding what it is and how to handle it can help you make the best decisions for your pet’s health.
What Exactly is Cherry Eye?
Cherry eye is the common name for when a special gland in your dog’s third eyelid pops out of place. You might not know this, but dogs have a third eyelid – a thin piece of tissue at the inner corner of each eye. This eyelid contains an important gland that makes tears to keep the eye healthy and moist.
When this gland slips out of its normal spot, it creates a smooth, round, pink or red bump that looks just like a small cherry. That’s how it got its name! This gland is really important because it produces up to half of your dog’s tears.
Which Dogs Are Most At Risk?
Some dog breeds are more likely to develop cherry eye than others. If you have an American Cocker Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Pug, or Boston Terrier, keep a closer eye out for this condition. Cherry eye happens most often in young dogs under two years old, but it can affect dogs of any age.
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but genetics seem to play a big role since certain breeds get it more often.
Signs to Watch For
You’ll usually notice cherry eye pretty easily. Look for:
- A smooth, round, pink or red mass in the inner corner of the eye
- Eye discharge or extra tearing
- Redness around the eye
- Your dog pawing at or rubbing their eye
Cherry eye can happen in one eye or both eyes. Sometimes dogs develop it in one eye first, then the other eye later.
Why Treatment Matters
Cherry eye isn’t just a cosmetic problem – it can affect your dog’s health. When the gland is out of place, it can become swollen, irritated, or infected. More importantly, your dog might not produce enough tears, which can lead to dry eye. Dry eye is uncomfortable and requires daily medication for life.
Treatment Options
The good news is that cherry eye can be fixed with surgery. Your veterinarian will put the gland back where it belongs using one of several surgical techniques. It’s important to never remove the gland completely, as this greatly increases the risk of dry eye problems later.
After surgery, your dog may need eye drops or ointments for a short time to prevent infection and reduce swelling.
Most dogs do very well after cherry eye surgery, especially when it’s treated quickly. The sooner the gland is put back in place, the better chance it has of working normally again.
If you notice any signs of cherry eye in your dog, don’t wait – contact your veterinarian right away. They can examine your pet and recommend the best treatment plan.
