Cherry Eye Surgery Cost and Financing Options

What's that red bulge in the corner of your pet's eye? Cherry eye — the common name for a prolapsed tear gland — is a widespread condition that affects the eyes of dogs and, on occasion, cats.

What Is Cherry Eye?

Humans have two eyelids — upper and lower. But did you know dogs and cats have three? The third, an inner eyelid also known as a nictitating membrane, contains ligaments that keep the tear duct in place.¹ When these ligaments break down, the tear duct prolapses, or “pops out" of place, resulting in a pink or red bulge in the corner of the eye.¹

What Causes Cherry Eye?

Cherry eye is usually found in certain dog breeds that are predisposed to the condition. These include beagles and cocker spaniels, although it's mostly found in brachycephalic — that is, flat-faced or short-nosed — breeds like bulldogs, shih tzus and pugs.¹ Cherry eye can also affect cats but the condition is rare. There have been reports of it in Burmese, Persian and domestic shorthair cats.

With both types of pet, cherry eye typically shows up at a young age. While non-surgical treatments may provide temporary relief, the only permanent solution is a surgical replacement.¹

How Much Is Cherry Eye Surgery?

The cost of cherry eye surgery depends upon the extent of the condition, the health of the pet and if the prolapse is in one or both eyes. In general, pet owners can expect the cost of cherry eye surgery to average $300 to $800 depending on whether one or both eyes are affected, the severity of the condition and the breed of dog. In some cases, you may expect to pay $1,000 or more.²

Is Cherry Eye Painful?

Apart from causing the telltale red or pink bulge, cherry eye in dogs or cats might cause itchiness or discomfort that prompts your pet to rub or paw at their eye. If allowed to continue, this could cause them to scratch and damage the cornea.¹ The swollen gland might also inhibit tear production and prevent your pet from being able to close their eye, which can lead to dry eye.¹

If left untreated, dry eye can cause corneal ulcers to develop, which could permanently damage your pet's vision.³ Untreated cherry eye in cats and dogs can also lead to more serious conditions like conjunctivitis, ocular discharge and a ruptured eye.¹

How to Treat Cherry Eye

In the beginning stages, your vet might prescribe topical anti-inflammatory drugs to provide your pet with temporary relief from cherry eye. You may also help relieve your pet's discomfort and reduce itching and scratching by applying a warm compress to the affected eye.¹ Additionally, eye medications and ointments might be needed to treat and manage chronic dry eye.⁴

But cherry eye surgery is the only curative treatment for cherry eye in a dog or cat, a procedure that may be performed by your general practice veterinarian or by a veterinary ophthalmologist. In either case, they will reposition the tear gland and suture it back into place below the eyelid where it belongs.¹

Does Pet Insurance Cover Cherry Eye Surgery?

Some pet insurance companies cover the cost of cherry eye surgery as long as it's not a preexisting condition. If you have a breed that's predisposed to this condition, it's best to insure your pup or kitten while they're young, before cherry eye becomes a problem.⁵

If your pet insurance doesn't cover the cost, or you don't have pet insurance, you can expect to pay the full amount.

Paying for Cherry Eye Surgery

Most veterinarians expect payment at the time surgery is to be performed. Even with pet insurance, you'll need a way to pay up front for the procedure prior to being reimbursed by your insurance provider.

Most vets do accept general-purpose credit cards, and many accept the CareCredit credit card, which may be a convenient way to finance the procedure.

CareCredit Financing for Cherry Eye Surgery

Taking good care of your pet's well-being from nose to tail is essential. Make sure to stay up to date on their regular checkups at the vet to help keep your pet happy and healthy for a lifetime of love. You can use your CareCredit credit card for pet care throughout the year for routine veterinary services as well as emergencies and surgeries.* Apply today and use our Acceptance Locator to find a veterinarian near you that accepts CareCredit. CareCredit is there for you and your pet every step of the way; continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go, and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts, and videos.

Author Bio

Jean Marie Bauhaus is a freelance writer and novelist with eight years of experience. Her work has appeared on Hill's Pet, Chewy and AKC.org, and more.

Our Expert Reviewer

Dr. Elizabeth Racine is a small animal general practice veterinarian and freelance writer. She covers both human and veterinary medicine with a special interest in nutrition, internal medicine, and veterinary behavior.