Dog Cherry Eye Surgery in Chantilly, VA
Cherry eye occurs when the gland of the third eyelid becomes prolapsed, creating a red or pink bulge at the inner corner of the eye. While it may look like a simple irritation, the gland plays an important role in tear production and long-term eye health. When the gland remains prolapsed, it can become inflamed, irritated, and more prone to chronic issues.
At Nova Pets Surgical Center, cherry eye is evaluated to determine the most appropriate corrective approach and aftercare plan. Surgical correction is commonly recommended to reposition the gland and preserve normal tear function whenever possible.
Surgical Experience You Can Trust
Dr. Masood has devoted more than 25 years to performing advanced surgical procedures in dogs and cats. Over the course of his career, he has completed hundreds of surgeries, approaching each case with disciplined technique, careful clinical judgment, and a consistent focus on patient safety and thoughtful outcomes.
What Is Cherry Eye?
Cherry eye is the common term for prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid. Dogs have a third eyelid (nictitating membrane) that helps protect the eye and contributes to normal tear production. When the connective tissue that holds the gland in place is weak or stretched, the gland can slip out of position and become visible as a rounded red or pink swelling at the inner corner of the eye.
This condition is most often seen in younger dogs and is thought to be largely genetic and tissue-structural rather than injury-related. In some cases, the gland may appear suddenly and remain prolapsed, while in others it may come and go early on before becoming persistent. Cherry eye can occur in one eye or eventually affect both eyes.
Cherry eye is commonly seen in certain breeds, including Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, and other breeds with similar facial structure or tissue predisposition. Signs That May Suggest Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding can develop quickly and may cause sudden changes in your dog’s condition. Signs that can raise concern include:
Weakness or sudden collapse
Pale gums
Rapid breathing or increased effort
Marked lethargy
Distended abdomen or abdominal discomfort
Decreased appetite
These signs can have multiple causes, but when internal bleeding is a concern, prompt evaluation is important.
Symptoms of Cherry Eye in Dogs
Common signs of cherry eye include:
A red or pink swelling at the inner corner of the eye
Increased tearing or discharge
Redness or irritation of the eye
Squinting or sensitivity to touch
Pawing at the face or rubbing the eye
Some dogs seem only mildly bothered at first, while others develop noticeable irritation as the exposed tissue becomes inflamed. If your dog is frequently rubbing its eye, evaluation is recommended to prevent worsening irritation and secondary injury.
Why Surgical Correction Is Often Recommended
Cherry eye is a structural problem—the gland has slipped out of place because the tissue supporting it is not holding it in place. While lubricating drops or anti-inflammatory medications may temporarily reduce irritation, they do not reposition the gland or prevent it from prolapsing again. For that reason, persistent cherry eye is most reliably treated with surgical correction.
Surgical correction is designed to reposition and secure the gland in a protected, functional location. Addressing the problem directly helps reduce ongoing irritation and allows the gland to continue contributing to normal tear production over the long term.
How Cherry Eye Surgery Works
Cherry eye correction is performed under anesthesia. The goal of surgery is to place the gland back where it belongs and secure it so it stays protected behind the third eyelid. In most cases, this is done by creating a small pocket in the tissue of the third eyelid and suturing it closed around the gland so the gland remains in a normal position while still functioning.
After the gland is repositioned and secured, the eye is examined for irritation and inflammation, and a post-operative plan is established. Recovery focuses on protecting the repair from rubbing or scratching, reducing inflammation, and supporting comfortable healing.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery after cherry eye surgery is typically straightforward, but protecting the repair is essential. Most dogs go home with eye medications and specific aftercare instructions designed to reduce inflammation and support healing.
Aftercare commonly includes:
Preventing rubbing or scratching (often with an e-collar)
Using prescribed eye drops or ointment as directed
Monitoring for swelling, discharge, or persistent irritation
Keeping activity controlled if your dog tends to paw at the face
Returning for a recheck as recommended to confirm proper healing
Most dogs return to a normal level of comfort as healing progresses. If irritation persists or the gland appears to re-prolapse, follow-up evaluation is recommended.
Free Surgical Consultation
If your dog has a visible red swelling at the inner corner of the eye or ongoing irritation, a surgical consultation can confirm whether cherry eye correction is recommended and what the best next step should be. We’ll examine the eye, walk you through the surgical approach, and explain recovery and aftercare so you know exactly what to expect.
Nova Pets offers a free surgical consultation for cherry eye cases.
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