health
Cherry eye
What it is
The third eyelid houses a tear-producing gland responsible for roughly 30–50% of the eye's tear film. When the connective-tissue anchor fails, the gland flips out and swells from exposure. It doesn't hurt initially but chronically prolapsed glands cause conjunctivitis and eventually dry eye (KCS).
Treatment
Surgical repositioning (Morgan pocket technique or tacking) is the standard of care. Removal of the gland — once common — is now discouraged because it dramatically increases lifelong dry-eye risk. See a board-certified ophthalmologist if possible.
Why it matters
Getting a cherry eye tucked back in surgically preserves tear production for the dog's whole life. Leaving it out — or asking a vet to 'just remove it' — trades a one-time fix for daily eye drops forever.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I push it back in myself?
- Home massage rarely holds and can inflame the gland. Book a veterinary appointment.
- Will it happen in the other eye?
- In predisposed breeds, roughly 40% develop cherry eye in the second eye within a year. Discuss prophylactic tacking with your surgeon.