Cherry Eye Surgery for Dogs & Cats

Third eyelid gland replacement surgery for pets with a prolapsed gland.

At Spay Neuter Vets, we offer cherry eye surgery, also known as third eyelid gland replacement surgery, for dogs and cats with a prolapsed third eyelid gland.

Cherry eye occurs when the tear-producing gland of the third eyelid becomes displaced and appears as a pink or red swelling near the inner corner of the eye. While it may look like a small cosmetic issue, this gland plays an important role in your pet’s long-term eye health.

Our goal is to replace and preserve the gland whenever possible, while helping you understand the procedure, recovery, and risk of recurrence before moving forward.

What Is Cherry Eye?

Cherry eye is the common name for a prolapsed third eyelid gland.

Dogs and cats have a third eyelid, also called the nictitating membrane, located near the inner corner of the eye. This third eyelid contains a gland that helps produce part of the tear film that keeps the eye healthy and comfortable.

When this gland slips out of its normal position, it can appear as a round, pink or red swelling near the inner corner of the eye. This is what people commonly call “cherry eye.”

Why Does Cherry Eye Need Surgery?

Cherry eye usually does not resolve permanently on its own. In many cases, surgery is recommended to return the gland to a more normal position and help preserve tear production.

Preserving the gland matters because removing it can increase the risk of keratoconjunctivitis sicca, commonly known as dry eye. Dry eye can become a chronic, uncomfortable condition that may require lifelong management.

Because of this, gland removal is generally no longer considered the preferred treatment. The goal is usually to replace the gland, not remove it.

What Type of Cherry Eye Surgery Do You Perform?

Spay Neuter Vets performs cherry eye repair using a technique commonly known as the Morgan Pocket Technique.

This technique creates a small pocket to help reposition and secure the prolapsed gland. It is a commonly used surgical approach for third eyelid gland replacement and can have a good outcome for many patients.

However, cherry eye surgery does carry a risk of recurrence, meaning the gland may prolapse again after surgery.

Important Expectations Before Surgery

We believe clients deserve clear expectations before moving forward with surgery.

The prognosis for cherry eye repair is often good, but recurrence is always possible. Some pets are more likely to experience recurrence depending on how long the gland has been prolapsed, how enlarged or inflamed the gland is, and whether there are changes to the third eyelid cartilage.

If the gland prolapses again after surgery, we may recommend evaluation by a veterinary ophthalmologist. Ophthalmologists have specialized equipment and may be able to perform advanced techniques that are not available in a general outpatient surgical setting.

In many cases, repeating the same surgical technique is not recommended because the same risk factors may lead to the same outcome.

Is My Pet a Candidate?

Cherry eye surgery may be appropriate for pets who:

• Have a visible pink or red swelling near the inner corner of the eye

• Have been diagnosed with a prolapsed third eyelid gland

• Are healthy enough for outpatient anesthesia

• Do not have an active eye emergency requiring specialty or emergency care

• Have been reviewed and approved by our surgical team

Some pets may benefit from topical eye medication before surgery to help reduce inflammation and improve the condition of the gland before repair. This is decided case by case.

What to Expect With Us

Our goal is to make the process clear, calm, and organized from the beginning.

Before Surgery

You will submit your pet’s information, including photos if available, and any relevant medical history. Our team will review your pet’s condition and let you know if cherry eye surgery appears appropriate at our outpatient surgical center.

In some cases, pre-operative eye medication may be recommended before surgery to reduce inflammation. Our team will guide you if this applies to your pet.

On Surgery Day

Your pet will be checked in by our team, placed under anesthesia, and monitored during surgery and recovery. The surgeon will replace the prolapsed gland using the Morgan Pocket Technique.

After Surgery

Your pet will go home with detailed discharge instructions. Most patients will need eye medication after surgery, along with strict e-collar use to prevent rubbing or pawing at the eye while it heals.

Recovery After Cherry Eye Surgery

Recovery after cherry eye surgery requires careful monitoring and protection of the eye.

Recovery usually includes:

• Using prescribed eye medication as directed

• Wearing an e-collar at all times during the healing period

• Preventing rubbing, pawing, or scratching at the eye

• Limiting rough activity while healing

• Monitoring for swelling, redness, discharge, squinting, or discomfort

• Following all recheck or follow-up recommendations

It is very important that your pet does not rub or traumatize the eye after surgery. Rubbing can affect healing and may increase the risk of complications or recurrence.

Important Medical Transparency

Cherry eye surgery is intended to replace and preserve the third eyelid gland, but no technique can guarantee permanent success.

It is important to understand:

• Cherry eye can recur after surgery.

• Recurrence risk may be higher if the gland has been prolapsed for a long time.

• Significant swelling, inflammation, or cartilage changes can make repair more difficult.

• Removing the gland is generally not recommended because it can increase the risk of chronic dry eye.

• If recurrence occurs, referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist may be recommended.

• Some pets may need additional topical medication before or after surgery.

Our team will help you understand these expectations before scheduling so you can make an informed decision for your pet.

Pricing & Estimates

Cherry eye surgery pricing can vary depending on your pet’s size, whether one or both eyes are affected, whether the procedure is performed on its own or with another surgery, and whether any additional care is recommended based on age, medical history, or eye condition.

Our team is happy to provide a clear estimate before scheduling so you understand the expected cost and next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cherry eye?

Cherry eye is the common name for a prolapsed third eyelid gland. It appears as a pink or red swelling near the inner corner of the eye.

Is cherry eye just cosmetic?

No. The third eyelid gland helps with tear production, so preserving the gland is important for long-term eye health.

Can cherry eye go away on its own?

It may temporarily look better in some pets, but cherry eye often returns and usually requires surgery for more lasting correction.

Do you remove the gland?

No. Removing the gland is generally not recommended because it can increase the risk of chronic dry eye. The goal is to replace and preserve the gland whenever possible.

What surgical technique do you use?

Spay Neuter Vets uses the Morgan Pocket Technique for cherry eye repair.

Can cherry eye come back after surgery?

Yes. Recurrence is possible with any cherry eye repair. Risk may be higher if the gland has been prolapsed for a long time, is very enlarged or inflamed, or if there are changes to the third eyelid cartilage.

What happens if it comes back?

If the prolapse recurs, we may recommend evaluation by a veterinary ophthalmologist. In some cases, a different surgical technique may be more appropriate than repeating the same repair.

Will my pet need eye medication?

Most patients are sent home with eye medication after surgery. Some pets may also benefit from medication before surgery to help reduce inflammation.

How do I know if my pet is a good candidate?

Submit a cherry eye appointment request and include photos if possible. Our team will review your pet’s information and help determine whether this procedure may be appropriate.

Request a Cherry Eye Appointment

Cherry eye surgery can help preserve your pet’s tear-producing gland and support long-term eye comfort. Our team is here to help you understand the procedure, the risks, the recovery process, and whether your pet may be a good candidate for outpatient surgery.