You're petting your dog and notice something odd, a round, red lump sitting right in the inner corner of their eye. It wasn't there yesterday. It doesn't seem painful, but it looks alarming.
That's cherry eye. It's more common than most owners realize, and the good news is it's very treatable when caught early.
Dogs have three eyelids. The third one sits in the inner corner of each eye and contains a gland that helps produce tears. Normally this gland stays out of sight. When it slips out of position, it appears as a smooth, pink or red mass at the corner of the eye.
It's not just a cosmetic issue. This gland produces up to 50% of the watery portion of the tear film. When it's displaced, tear production drops and the eye becomes vulnerable to damage.
The exact cause isn't fully understood, but a weakness in the connective tissue holding the gland in place is thought to be responsible. Genetics play a clear role.
Breeds most commonly affected include:
Cherry eye is most likely to appear in dogs between six months and two years old, though it can occur at any age.
If your dog is one of these breeds, keeping up with regular wellness visits is one of the best ways to catch eye issues before they become a bigger problem.
If dry eye develops alongside it, you may notice thick yellow or white discharge as the eye tries to compensate for reduced tear production. That's a sign the gland has been affected longer than it looks.
Leaving it alone is not a safe option.
If untreated, the exposed gland can become swollen and dry. Rubbing and pawing can lead to conjunctivitis or corneal injury and potentially vision loss over time.
Loss of gland function means affected dogs typically develop dry eye, a condition that requires lifelong daily medication and is usually irreversible.
The earlier you act, the better the outcome.
Diagnosis is made on physical exam based on the appearance of the mass. A Schirmer tear test may be performed to evaluate tear production, and the third eyelid is assessed for cartilage issues or, in rare cases, more serious conditions.
From there, your vet may recommend additional testing to check whether tear production has already been affected. In-clinic diagnostic testing can help evaluate eye health, often within the same visit.
Surgery is the standard treatment, and it works well when done promptly.
The goal is to surgically reposition the gland back where it belongs, not remove it. Several techniques exist depending on your dog's needs.
Removal is never recommended because dogs that lose this gland are at high risk of developing chronic dry eye, a lifelong condition requiring daily medications.
After surgery, your dog will typically need:
Recurrence happens in an estimated 5 to 20% of cases, so post-op care matters just as much as the procedure itself. You can learn more about what to expect from surgery services before your visit.
According to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, early treatment consistently leads to better outcomes and a lower risk of long-term complications.
The moment you notice it. Cherry eye does not go away on its own.
If the lump appeared suddenly or your dog is actively pawing at their eye, that warrants same-day attention. Urgent care can assess your dog quickly and give you clear answers without the wait.
If you've spotted that red lump, don't wait it out. At Tandem’s Somerville clinic, your dog’s eye can be carefully evaluated, with clear guidance on the next steps and treatment options.
Your dog can't tell you something's wrong. Tandem is here to help you figure it out.
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