Cherry eye is a condition in which the tear-producing gland located in the inner corner of a dog’s eye becomes displaced and protrudes outward.
It gets its name from the small, red, rounded appearance the gland can develop when it is exposed.
Although cherry eye is usually not an emergency, it should be evaluated because the affected gland plays an important role in producing tears.
What Does Cherry Eye Look Like?
The most obvious sign is a red or pink lump appearing in the inner corner of the eye.
It may appear suddenly, and it can vary in size.
Other signs can include:
- Redness around the eye
- Excessive tearing
- Eye irritation
- Rubbing or pawing at the eye
- Swelling
- Discharge
- Squinting
Sometimes the gland may temporarily move back into position and then protrude again.
Why Does Cherry Eye Happen?
Cherry eye occurs when the tissue that normally holds the tear gland in position becomes weak or fails to keep the gland properly anchored.
The exact reason this happens isn’t always known.
Some breeds are more commonly affected, and younger dogs are frequently diagnosed with cherry eye.
Why Is the Tear Gland Important?
The gland involved in cherry eye contributes to the tear film that keeps the eye lubricated.
For that reason, simply removing the gland is generally not the preferred approach when surgical correction can preserve it.
Loss of adequate tear production can increase the risk of chronic dry eye.
Can Cherry Eye Go Away on Its Own?
Cherry eye can occasionally change in appearance or temporarily return to a more normal position, but that does not necessarily mean the underlying problem has been corrected.
If the gland remains displaced or repeatedly protrudes, veterinary evaluation is appropriate.
Does Cherry Eye Need Surgery?
When surgical correction is recommended, the goal is generally to reposition and preserve the tear gland rather than remove it.
The specific approach depends on the individual patient.
Medication may sometimes be used to address irritation or inflammation, but medication does not physically correct a persistently displaced gland.
Cherry Eye Surgery at AZ Vet Direct
AZ Vet Direct provides surgical cherry-eye repair for appropriate canine patients.
The goal of surgical repair is to preserve the tear gland while returning it to an appropriate position.
A veterinary evaluation is necessary to determine whether surgical correction is appropriate for an individual dog.
When Should You Have Your Dog Evaluated?
If you notice a new red or pink mass in the corner of your dog’s eye, it’s a good idea to have it evaluated rather than assuming it is harmless.
Eye problems can have many different causes, and a veterinary professional can determine whether the appearance is consistent with cherry eye or another condition.
The Bottom Line
Cherry eye is usually recognizable by the red, rounded gland that appears in the inner corner of the eye. While it may not look particularly serious, the affected gland has an important role in tear production.
When surgery is needed, preserving the gland is an important consideration.
