Cherry Eye in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment & What to Do Now | AI Pets Lab
Symptom Checker
Red fleshy mass at inner corner of eye [moderate]
A round pink or red bump that pops out from under the third eyelid at the corner near the nose.
Excessive tearing or watery discharge [mild]
The eye looks wet, with tears running down the face more than usual.
Frequent blinking or squinting [moderate]
The dog blinks more often or keeps one eye partially closed.
Pawing or rubbing at the eye [moderate]
The dog uses a paw to scratch near the eye, or rubs its face against furniture.
Eye discharge with yellow or green color [severe]
Thick, sticky goo coming from the corner or sticking to the eyelashes.
Frequently Asked Questions
My dog's cherry eye just popped out. What do I do right now?
That's scary to see, but take a deep breath. Cherry eye is not life-threatening. First, don't touch it. Put a cone on your dog to prevent rubbing. Then call your vet for an appointment within the next day or two. If the eye looks painful or has discharge, call an emergency vet.
How can I tell the difference between cherry eye and just a red eye?
Cherry eye is very distinctive — it's a round, fleshy mass that appears right at the inner corner of the eye, often looking like a red cherry. A red eye from allergies or infection usually has redness all over the white part, with squinting and discharge. If you're unsure, a quick photo sent to your vet can help clarify.
Will cherry eye hurt my dog if I wait a few weeks for surgery?
Waiting a short while (a week or two) is usually fine as long as the eye stays moist and clean. But waiting months increases the risk of dry eye, which is painful and harder to treat. Your vet will guide you on the best timing based on your dog's situation.
Is surgery really necessary? Can't I use eyedrops instead?
Unfortunately, eye drops alone rarely fix a prolapsed gland. The gland is out of place and needs to be surgically repositioned. Without surgery, the tear production drops and your dog can develop chronic dry eye, which requires daily eye drops for life and can lead to ulcers. Surgery is a one-time fix.
My dog's cherry eye came back after surgery. What went wrong?
That can happen. Sometimes the anchoring technique wasn't strong enough, or the tissue is very lax. It's not common but it does occur. A second surgery by an ophthalmologist often has better success. Keep your dog's other eye checked too, as it may also develop cherry eye.
My dog's cherry eye is swollen and red — is it infected?
The gland itself is inflamed when prolapsed, so some swelling is normal. But if you see yellow/green goo or the eye looks cloudy, that could be an infection or corneal ulcer. That's a sign to see the vet immediately.