Cherry Eye Surgery
PRICING
- Cherry Eye Unilateral (1 eye) $1,100
- Cherry Eye Bilateral (2 eyes) $1,450
What’s Included in Our All-Inclusive Surgical Package:
We’ve designed our pricing to be transparent, affordable, and all-inclusive—so you’re not caught off guard by unexpected costs later. Our surgical bundle includes:
✅ Surgical consultation upon admission with our veterinary team
✅ The surgery itself, performed by experienced veterinarians
✅ Take-home medications directly related to the procedure (e.g., pain relief, antibiotics)
✅ Post-operative appointments to monitor healing and recovery
✅ Follow-up radiographs and/or ultrasounds, if required, to assess surgical success
The only item not included is post-operative sedation, which may be required. If sedation is recommended for your pet’s comfort or safety at home, we’re happy to provide an individual estimate.
Cherry Eye is a common condition in dogs (and occasionally cats) where the third eyelid gland (nictitating membrane) prolapses, causing a red, fleshy mass to protrude from the inner corner of the eye. While it may look alarming, Cherry Eye is typically not painful—but it does require surgical correction to prevent chronic irritation and long-term eye issues.
Our clinic offers Cherry Eye surgery to reposition the gland and restore normal eye function and appearance. With proper care and early treatment, the results are usually excellent.
What Is Cherry Eye?
All dogs and cats have a third eyelid, which helps protect the eye and produce tears. At the base of this eyelid is a tear-producing gland. In some pets—especially younger dogs and certain breeds—this gland slips out of its normal position and becomes visible.
This condition is known as “Cherry Eye” because of the round, reddish appearance of the exposed gland.
It is commonly seen in breeds such as:
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Bulldogs
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Cocker Spaniels
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Beagles
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Lhasa Apsos
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Shih Tzus
Why Is Surgery Recommended?
Surgery is the only effective treatment for Cherry Eye. Leaving the gland prolapsed or trying to treat it with drops alone does not resolve the issue—and long-term exposure can lead to:
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Chronic eye irritation
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Conjunctivitis (eye infections)
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Reduced tear production
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Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), a lifelong condition that can damage the cornea
Surgical correction preserves the gland’s function by repositioning it back into its normal location. Removing the gland is no longer recommended, as it increases the risk of dry eye and lifelong management with eye drops.
What to Expect: Consultation to Recovery
1. Consultation and Diagnosis
At your pet’s consultation, we will:
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Perform a full eye examination
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Confirm the diagnosis of Cherry Eye
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Check for any secondary infections or corneal damage
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Discuss treatment options and answer any questions you may have
If surgery is recommended, we’ll go over the surgical plan, cost, and expected outcomes.
2. Surgical Admission
On the day of surgery:
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Your pet will be admitted after fasting overnight
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Pre-anaesthetic bloodwork will be performed to ensure a safe anesthetic experience
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Your pet will be placed under general anesthesia
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The surgeon will carefully reposition the prolapsed gland using a technique such as the pocket or anchoring method, securing it back into place without removing it
The procedure typically takes less than an hour, and your pet can usually go home the same day.
3. Post-Operative Care and Recovery
After surgery, your pet will go home with:
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Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications
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Topical eye drops or ointments
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An Elizabethan collar (cone) to prevent rubbing or scratching
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Detailed post-operative instructions
A recheck appointment will be scheduled in 10–14 days to monitor healing and remove any sutures if necessary.
Most pets recover quickly with minimal discomfort. Mild swelling or redness may persist for a few days, but the eye will look and feel much better once healed.
Can Cherry Eye Come Back?
In some cases, especially with certain breeds, the gland may prolapse again—even after surgery. If this happens, a second surgery may be needed, and we will discuss all options with you.
Treating both eyes is also common, as some pets develop Cherry Eye in the second eye later on.
We’re Here to Help Protect Your Pet’s Eyes
Cherry Eye may look dramatic, but it’s very treatable—and our experienced surgical team is here to provide safe, effective care to restore your pet’s comfort and eye health.
If you’ve noticed a red or swollen mass in the corner of your pet’s eye, contact us today to schedule a consultation. The sooner we address it, the better the outcome for your furry friend.
Why We Bundle Our Surgical Pricing
We believe quality veterinary care should be affordable and stress-free. By bundling the full surgical journey into one straight-forward price:
💡 You avoid unexpected add-on fees
💰 You get excellent value for a comprehensive surgical care package
💬 You know exactly what to expect—before, during, and after your pet’s procedure
This unique approach allows us to provide high-quality care at a fair, accessible price, without compromising on the comfort or safety of your pet.
