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Did you know your dog has a gland tucked away at the inner corner of each eye that produces around 30% of their tears?1 A condition called cherry eye affects this third eyelid gland and can impact tear production and lead to long-term eye health complications.
However, surgery can reduce cherry eye complications and help preserve your furry pal’s vision and comfort. Here’s what you should know if your dog’s third eyelid gland prolapses.
What Is Cherry Eye?
Cherry eye is a condition that occurs when the third eyelid gland slips out of position and protrudes from the eye, usually only in one eye at first before progressing and affecting both eyes. The protrusion appears as a fleshy, red bump in the corner of the eye, which looks a bit like a cherry. While not typically painful or an emergency, cherry eye can cause discomfort, inflammation and reduced tear production if left untreated for too long.
Causes
Dogs who develop cherry eye have abnormal or weakened tissue surrounding the third eyelid gland. In large breeds, the cartilage underlying the gland may be abnormally shaped.
Cherry eye is usually seen in growing puppies and young adults but can happen to any dog. Certain breeds have a genetic predisposition, including:2
- Beagle
- Boston terrier3
- Bulldog
- Cane corso
- Cocker spaniel
- Great Dane
- Havanese
- Lhasa apso3
- Maltese
- Pekingese3
Treatments
The third eyelid gland is an important contributor to a dog’s tear film, which protects and nourishes the eye’s surface. To ensure proper gland functioning, most veterinarians recommend surgery to replace the gland to its normal position. Complete gland removal is a last resort, as this can lead to dry eye development in around 40% of affected dogs.3
Vets use several techniques to replace the third eyelid gland, including the most popular tacking and pocket options. Most procedures are successful the first time, but some dogs require a second surgery. Depending on the dog’s breed, condition severity and surgical technique, success rates range from 75% to 100%.4
Non-surgical treatments, including manual gland replacement and topical steroid medications, can temporarily relieve gland swelling and irritation. However, surgery is the only permanent solution.
How Much Does Cherry Eye Surgery Cost?
The national average cost* for cherry eye surgery is $505 but can range from $388 to $970.5
Costs can vary considerably depending on your dog’s breed, age and condition. The type of surgery your pet needs, which dictates where the surgery can be performed, can also influence the cost.
Average cost of cherry eye surgery by state/district
Below is a breakdown of the average cost* of cherry eye surgery across all 50 states and the District of Columbia.5
| State/District | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $424 |
| Alaska | $613 |
| Arizona | $507 |
| Arkansas | $429 |
| California | $635 |
| Colorado | $502 |
| Connecticut | $531 |
| Delaware | $503 |
| District of Columbia | $629 |
| Florida | $502 |
| Georgia | $460 |
| Hawaii | $805 |
| Idaho | $514 |
| Illinois | $518 |
| Indiana | $462 |
| Iowa | $443 |
| Kansas | $446 |
| Kentucky | $451 |
| Louisiana | $472 |
| Maine | $510 |
| Maryland | $571 |
| Massachusetts | $614 |
| Michigan | $459 |
| Minnesota | $469 |
| Mississippi | $434 |
| Missouri | $444 |
| Montana | $492 |
| Nebraska | $458 |
| Nevada | $500 |
| New Hampshire | $517 |
| New Jersey | $551 |
| New Mexico | $456 |
| New York | $557 |
| North Carolina | $466 |
| North Dakota | $461 |
| Ohio | $463 |
| Oklahoma | $439 |
| Oregon | $541 |
| Pennsylvania | $495 |
| Rhode Island | $521 |
| South Carolina | $467 |
| South Dakota | $440 |
| Tennessee | $446 |
| Texas | $463 |
| Utah | $505 |
| Vermont | $532 |
| Virginia | $491 |
| Washington | $560 |
| West Virginia | $450 |
| Wisconsin | $470 |
| Wyoming | $475 |
Does Pet Insurance Cover Cherry Eye Surgery?
Most pet insurance providers cover cherry eye surgery as long as the condition is not preexisting, so you must have your policy in place before your dog develops cherry eye. If you insured your puppy when they first came home, they should be covered. However, you should check your policy’s rules regarding breed-specific conditions, which a few providers exclude. When in doubt, contact your insurance company to discuss the situation and obtain a preapproval.
How Does Cherry Eye Surgery Work?
Since cherry eye won’t usually resolve on its own, surgical gland replacement is recommended. Here’s an overview of the process.
Surgery preparation
Cherry eye most commonly occurs in puppies and young adult dogs. Veterinarians typically recommend surgery soon after diagnosis, as waiting too long can increase the chances of surgical or postoperative complications. In young puppies, your vet may suggest waiting a few weeks or months to let them grow or refer you to a specialist for further consultation on surgery timing.
Before surgery, your veterinarian will perform a blood test and a complete physical exam to ensure your pet is healthy enough for surgery. As surgery day approaches, your dog may need eye drops to reduce inflammation and swelling in the exposed gland and improve the chances of a successful replacement.
Surgery types
Veterinarians use two main cherry eye surgery types: the pocket technique and the tacking technique. The pocket technique traps the gland into place with conjunctival tissue, while in the tacking technique, the gland is anchored in the eye socket (i.e., orbit) with sutures. Some veterinarians — usually specialists — combine the techniques or modify them to adjust to individual pet anatomy.2
Surgery recovery
Most dogs bounce back from cherry eye surgery quickly. Your veterinarian will provide postoperative medications and aftercare instructions when you take your pet home. Instructions will include keeping a cone collar on your pet for one to two weeks, avoiding rough play and heavy chewing during this time and occupying your active pup with controlled walks and training sessions.
Your dog’s eye may appear red or swollen, but this should improve in a few days. You may also see pink-tinged or clear tearing immediately after surgery, which is normal. Contact your veterinary team if you see thick yellow or green discharge or if your pet squints and appears uncomfortable.
Cherry Eye Surgery Financing Options
With or without pet insurance, you may want or need additional options to help pay for your pet’s surgery costs. Veterinary care can be pricey, and you want the best for your pet. Financing services can help you pay for surgery over time to ensure your furry pal gets the care they need without worrying about your wallet.
Popular financing options include:
- CareCredit credit card
- Other credit card
- Personal pet care loan
- Pet savings account
- Veterinary hospital payment plans
Should Your Pet Have Cherry Eye Surgery?
Cherry eye can lead to dry eye, also called keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), and severe KCS cases can lead to blindness from long-term corneal irritation. KCS signs include:
- Cloudy or darkly pigmented scar tissue
- Eye rubbing
- Redness
- Thick, sticky, yellow-green discharge
Affected pets require lifelong tear production monitoring — whether or not they undergo surgery.3 Dogs who develop KCS need daily eye drops or ointments to lubricate the eyes and encourage the remaining glands to produce more tears. Painful corneal ulcers, which may become infected, can also develop.
Potential complications from cherry eye surgery
Like any medical procedure, cherry eye surgery has pros and cons that you should consider before taking the leap. Discuss the surgery's drawbacks and benefits with your veterinarian, who knows your pet best and can help you make an informed decision.
The benefits of surgery include reduced discomfort, restored normal appearance and prevention of future eye health issues. Repositioning the gland helps maintain tear production, which is crucial for eye health.
On the other hand, all surgery has possible complications. General anesthesia, while typically safe, can result in potential complications during or after surgery. The most likely side effects of the surgery itself include surgical failure, infection and corneal ulcers.2
Additionally, pet owners must consider the surgery cost when analyzing the pros and cons. Surgery can be costly upfront but may help you avoid expensive issues in the future. Most pets live for 10 to 15 years, and surgery early in life can help keep them comfortable, healthy and visual for many years.
Discuss cherry eye treatment options with your primary veterinarian to help you understand the condition and make the best decision for your furry pal. Pet insurance, the CareCredit credit card and other financing tools can help make the surgery that keeps your pet happy and healthy more affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Eye
Do you still have questions about cherry eye? Check out these answers to commonly asked questions about this condition below.
Financing Cherry Eye Surgery With the CareCredit Credit Card
Your dog is your best friend, and you want to make sure they get the very best. That's why the CareCredit credit card is here to help you manage the costs of diagnostics and treatment for conditions like cherry eye.** 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 blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.
In addition to pet care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?
Author Bio
Angela Beal, D.V.M., has more than 20 years of experience as a veterinarian. Leveraging her background in private practice and academia, she uses her passion for writing to convey information to pet owners to help them keep their pets healthy and happy.
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