What is cherry eye in dogs?

I often hear from owners who find a bright pink or red lump at the inside corner of a young dog’s eye and worry about what it means. That lump is commonly called “cherry eye,” and while it is rarely life-threatening, how you respond in the first hours and days can change a dog’s comfort, the risk of complications, and the long-term health of the tear film that keeps the cornea healthy.

How cherry eye impacts your dog’s comfort, vision, and daily life

Seeing a prolapsed gland is upsetting for owners and uncomfortable for dogs. I typically see this after a nap, a playful head shake, or just as a first sign reported at a routine check. Ignoring the problem or waiting too long can lead to chronic irritation, infection, or a decline in tear production over time. For breeders and enthusiasts, certain lines show a higher tendency for this condition, so it may influence breeding and early-care decisions.

• Common scenarios: owners notice the bulge after play, during grooming, or on a routine glance at the face.
• Emotional and welfare impact: dogs may squint, rub at the eye, or become less willing to have their face handled because the area is sore or itchy.
• Typical owner decisions: whether to seek immediate surgery, try short-term medical care, or wait and watch—each choice has trade-offs.
• Breed-specific interest: Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, Boston Terriers and other breeds are more prone, so hobbyists and breeders often want to know preventive and corrective options.

Cherry eye in a nutshell: what it is and how to spot it

Cherry eye is the prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid—the little tear-producing structure tucked at the inner corner of the eye. Visually, it usually appears as a soft, pink or red rounded bulge at the medial canthus (the inner corner). It most often shows up in puppies and young adult dogs, especially in breeds with a predisposition, and while it requires veterinary evaluation, it usually does not pose an immediate threat to life.

Left untreated, the exposed gland can become inflamed, infected, or fibrotic, and in some cases the gland’s function can be impaired, which may reduce tear production over months to years.

Inside the tear gland — how the third eyelid works and why prolapse happens

The third eyelid gland is one of the major contributors to the tear film; it adds aqueous components that help keep the cornea moist and nourished. The third eyelid itself is a fold of tissue that slides across the eye and sits supported by connective tissue and a small ligament that normally keeps the gland snug against the rim of the eyelid.

In dogs with cherry eye, that supporting tissue may be loose or congenitally weak, allowing the gland to slip forward and protrude. Trauma or sudden strain on the head may also precede a prolapse. When the gland is exposed it may become inflamed, and a disrupted tear film can follow, leaving the cornea at higher risk of drying, irritation, and ulceration.

When cherry eye typically appears: breeds, age ranges, and common triggers

Cherry eye most commonly appears in puppies and young dogs—often under two years of age—which is why owners of young dogs frequently notice it. Certain breeds appear to inherit a predisposition; Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, Beagles and Boston Terriers are among those I see more often with this problem. The onset may be spontaneous, but it can be associated with a bump to the head, a vigorous shake, or local inflammation.

There may also be an association with allergic eye disease or other ocular inflammation in some dogs, and immune-related conditions could play a part in recurrent or bilateral cases. If a dog has other eye problems, cherry eye may appear in that broader context rather than as an isolated problem.

If you notice these signs, seek care fast: urgent symptoms of cherry eye

Although cherry eye itself often causes only mild irritation, certain signs suggest complications that need prompt attention. Evidence of infection—yellow or green discharge, a foul smell, or increasing redness—suggests bacterial involvement. Indicators of significant pain such as persistent squinting, pawing at the eye, or avoidance of light warrant faster evaluation.

If the cornea looks cloudy, there is a visible ulcer, or the dog shows a sudden change in vision or behavior, these are urgent findings. Bilateral sudden onset, fever, lethargy, or signs that the dog is systemically unwell are additional red flags that should prompt immediate veterinary contact.

Immediate owner actions: safe first aid and what not to do

Do not try to squeeze or “pop” the gland back into place yourself. That can cause further trauma, introduce infection, or make later surgical replacement more difficult. Instead, keep the dog calm and avoid rubbing the eye. Gently clean any discharge with sterile saline and a soft, clean cloth to keep the area free of crust.

If you have a veterinary-approved ophthalmic lubricant, applying it as directed can reduce irritation while you arrange care. Avoid over-the-counter human eye medications unless your veterinarian specifically recommends them. Call your primary veterinarian promptly; they will advise whether same-day evaluation is needed and whether referral to an eye specialist might be appropriate.

At-home care and prevention: reducing irritation and lowering recurrence risk

When surgery is performed to replace the gland, postoperative care influences success. I routinely advise strict protection of the eye using an Elizabethan collar (or an approved inflatable alternative) to prevent rubbing, following the medication schedule for any topical antibiotics or anti-inflammatories, and restricting rough play until healed. Sutures and the gland need time to reattach and settle.

Reducing the risk of recurrence includes minimizing facial trauma—discourage dogs from rubbing their face against rough surfaces, trim excess hair that rubs the eye, and manage allergies that can cause excessive pawing or itching. Keep follow-up appointments so the veterinarian can reassess tear production and gland position; if tear production appears reduced later, additional treatment or long-term lubricants may be needed.

Supplies to have on hand: practical tools for managing cherry eye at home

Having the right items at home makes immediate care and recovery smoother. An Elizabethan collar (E-collar) or a reputable inflatable alternative prevents the dog from pawing and displacing the gland after treatment. Veterinary ophthalmic lubricating gels or prescribed drops keep the cornea comfortable during the waiting period before definitive care. Sterile saline is useful for gentle cleaning of discharge. If a collar habitually puts pressure on the neck and seems to worsen rubbing, consider a soft harness to avoid neck strain while you protect the eye.

How to approach the vet visit: key questions and treatment options to discuss

Your primary veterinarian is a good starting point; they will perform an ocular exam and often basic tests such as a fluorescein stain to check for corneal ulcers and a Schirmer tear test to estimate tear production. If the situation is complex, recurrent, or involves corneal disease, a referral to a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist may be recommended. Ophthalmologists can perform more detailed diagnostics and discuss advanced surgical options.

There are two main surgical approaches owners will commonly discuss. The preferred modern approach is surgical gland replacement (often described as a pocket or anchoring technique), which aims to preserve the gland and maintain normal tear production. Removing the gland used to be more common but is now generally avoided because gland excision can increase the risk of chronic dry eye later in life. Each option has risks and benefits that your vet should explain in plain language, and most dogs have a good prognosis for comfort and preserved tear function when the gland is successfully repositioned. Long-term monitoring of tear production is usually advised, particularly if the gland was inflamed or surgical complications occurred.

Sources and further reading: studies, guidelines, and trusted resources

• American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) Client Information: “Cherry Eye (Prolapsed Nictitating Membrane Gland)” – ACVO.org client resources
• Gelatt, K. N. Veterinary Ophthalmology, 6th Edition, Wiley-Blackwell — chapters on the third eyelid and surgical correction techniques
• Merck Veterinary Manual: “Conjunctiva and Third Eyelid: Prolapse of the Nictitating Membrane Gland (Cherry Eye)”
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): Clinical resources on common canine ocular conditions, including third eyelid disorders
• Selected peer-reviewed review: surgical outcomes and techniques for nictitans gland prolapse in dogs, Journal of Veterinary Ophthalmology and Veterinary Surgery literature (see recent reviews for comparative outcomes)