Cherry Eye in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment & Cost

By the Pawlee Team

Diagnosis cost

£50–£100

Treatment cost

£300–£1000

Ongoing cost

N/A

Severity

Mild

Treatable

Yes

Species

Dogs

What is cherry eye?

Cherry eye is a condition where the gland of the third eyelid (nictitating membrane) prolapses, causing a red, fleshy mass to protrude from the inner corner of the eye. It is most common in young dogs, typically appearing before 2 years of age, and is particularly prevalent in brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds. While cherry eye itself is not painful, the exposed gland can become irritated and inflamed, and if left untreated it can lead to reduced tear production and dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) later in life. Surgical correction is the recommended treatment.

Symptoms to watch for

Book a routine appointment

Red or pink fleshy lump visible in the inner corner of the eye
Swelling that may come and go initially before becoming permanent
Excessive tearing or watery discharge from the affected eye
Pawing or rubbing at the eye
Mild redness or irritation of the conjunctiva
Possible occurrence in both eyes (bilateral in up to 40% of cases)

How is cherry eye diagnosed?

Test	Typical cost
Consultation and ophthalmic examination	£35–£65
Schirmer tear test (to check tear production)	£20–£40

Treatment options and costs

Surgical replacement (pocket technique)

£300–£800 per eye

The most common and preferred surgical approach. The prolapsed gland is tucked back into a pocket created in the tissue of the third eyelid and sutured in place. This preserves the gland and its tear-producing function. Success rates are 80–90%, though the gland can re-prolapse in some cases and may need a second procedure.

Surgical replacement (anchoring technique)

£400–£1,000 per eye

The gland is sutured to the periosteum (tissue covering the bone) at the rim of the eye socket to hold it permanently in place. Sometimes used when the pocket technique has failed or for larger prolapses. Also preserves the gland and its function.

Gland removal (not recommended)

£200–£500 per eye

Removal of the prolapsed gland is no longer recommended by most veterinary ophthalmologists because the third eyelid gland produces up to 40% of the tear film. Removing it significantly increases the risk of dry eye (KCS) later in life, which requires lifelong treatment with expensive eye drops. Only considered if the gland is severely damaged or previous replacement attempts have failed.

Breeds most at risk

Breed	Risk level
French Bulldog	High
Pug	High
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel	High
Cocker Spaniel	High
Beagle	Moderate
Shih Tzu	Moderate
Staffordshire Bull Terrier	Low

Does pet insurance cover cherry eye?

Cherry eye surgery is covered by most pet insurance policies as it is a genuine medical condition requiring surgical correction. However, because cherry eye often appears in puppies within the first year of life, it may occur during or shortly after the typical 14-day waiting period on new policies. Some insurers exclude congenital or hereditary conditions, though cherry eye is generally classified as a developmental condition and covered. If one eye is affected first, some insurers may exclude the second eye as a pre-existing or bilateral condition. Check your policy terms carefully.

Related conditions

Cataracts Dogs Ear Infections Dogs

Frequently asked questions

How much does cherry eye surgery cost in the UK?

Cherry eye surgery typically costs £300–£1,000 per eye, depending on the surgical technique used and whether it is performed at a general practice or a specialist ophthalmology referral centre. Since up to 40% of dogs develop cherry eye in both eyes, many owners face the cost twice. Including consultations and any follow-up checks, total costs are usually £400–£1,200 for one eye.

Will cherry eye go away on its own?

Cherry eye very rarely resolves permanently on its own. The prolapsed gland may pop back in temporarily, but it almost always re-prolapses. Gentle massage can sometimes temporarily reposition the gland, but surgical correction is the only reliable long-term solution. Delaying treatment increases the risk of the gland becoming damaged, inflamed, or infected.

Is cherry eye surgery urgent?

Cherry eye is not an emergency, but it should be addressed within a few weeks. The longer the gland remains prolapsed and exposed, the more irritated and swollen it becomes, which can make surgical replacement more difficult and increase the risk of complications. It will not resolve on its own, so booking a veterinary consultation sooner rather than later is advisable.

Can cherry eye come back after surgery?

Yes, recurrence rates are around 10–20% depending on the technique used. If the gland re-prolapses after the first surgery, a second procedure is usually successful. Recurrence is more common in breeds with very flat faces or very loose eyelid tissue. Your vet or ophthalmologist can advise on the best approach if the first repair fails.