One morning your puppy looks up at you with a shiny red blob in the corner of their eye. It looks a bit like a cherry, hence the name, and it can be a shock. Don't panic. Cherry eye is common, it usually isn't painful at first, and it's very treatable.
The 30-second version
- Cherry eye is a tear gland that has popped out of place.
- It's most common in young dogs, especially certain breeds.
- Book a check promptly. Don't try to push it back yourself.
- The best treatment usually puts the gland back rather than removing it.
- Saving the gland helps protect against 'dry eye' later in life.
What is cherry eye?
Dogs (and cats) have a third eyelid, a thin pale membrane in the inner corner of the eye that sweeps across to protect it. Tucked behind it is a gland that makes a large share of the eye's tears.
Normally that gland is held firmly in place. If the tissue holding it is weak, the gland can slip forward and pop up as a red or pink swelling. The official name is a prolapsed third eyelid gland, but we'll stick with cherry eye.
Did you know? That little third eyelid gland is a hard worker. It produces a significant portion of your dog's tears, which is exactly why we work so hard to save it.
Which pets get it?
Cherry eye is most often seen in dogs under two years old. Breeds that seem more prone include:
- English Bulldogs and French Bulldogs
- Cocker Spaniels and Beagles
- Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos and Pekingese
- Cane Corsos, Mastiffs and Shar-Peis
It can happen in one eye, and sometimes the other eye follows later. It's rare in cats, but Burmese and Persian cats are occasionally affected.
Signs to look out for
- A smooth red or pink swelling in the inner corner of the eye
- Watery or sticky discharge
- Rubbing or pawing at the eye
- Redness or squinting, which can mean the eye has become sore
Why treat it?
When the gland sits outside its normal position, it can become dry, swollen and irritated, and it may not make tears properly. Over time this can lead to infection, discomfort and dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), which often needs lifelong eye drops.
Please don't push it back yourself It's tempting, but you could injure the eye. Book an appointment instead. If the eye looks very sore, cloudy, or your pet is squinting a lot, call us the same day on 01843 808344.
How we treat cherry eye
After a full eye examination, we'll talk you through the options. In most cases, we recommend a short surgical procedure under general anaesthetic to put the gland back where it belongs. A common method, often called the 'pocket technique', creates a small pocket in the third eyelid and secures the gland safely inside it.
Removing the gland altogether used to be common, but it's now rarely recommended because it raises the risk of dry eye later on. Our aim is simple: fix the problem and protect your pet's tears for life.
Most dogs go home the same day. Aftercare usually involves eye drops, a buster collar to stop rubbing, and a check-up to make sure everything is healing nicely. Occasionally a gland can pop out again, so let us know straight away if you spot any changes.
Your questions answered
Is cherry eye painful?
Usually not at first, but an exposed gland can become sore and irritated over time. That's why prompt treatment matters.
Will it go away on its own?
Sometimes it pops in and out briefly, but it usually comes back. Most dogs need treatment to fix it properly.
Can both eyes be affected?
Yes. If one eye is affected, keep an eye (sorry!) on the other one too.
Spotted a cherry? Let us take a look.
General information only. This article is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment, and every animal is different. If you think your pet needs urgent attention, call us immediately on 01843 808344. Services and techniques described are subject to your vet's clinical judgement. Information correct at the time of publication (October 2026).