Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog's cherry eye is very large. Does it need vet attention?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered

My dog seems to have cherry eye but it is very big

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 23rd, 2017

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. While this is not an emergency, this can lead to problems such as corneal ulcers. I would recommend having this examined by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate treatment recommendation can be recommended. Surgical correction is the most recommended treatment. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on January 30th, 2020
Honestly for a protruding nicitans membrane there really is nit much to be done other than surgery. You could try changing on to a hypoallergenic diet in case of food allergy or tablets for environmental allergy, but I think this will be a waste of time and money. If you cant massage it back in then I think surgery is inevitable.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on March 4th, 2018
Have you discussed surgery with your veterinarian. It sounds like there maybe a secondary infection if it is tender and has discharge. I would encourage you to have a follow up appointment with your veterinarian soon. They may send home topical medication and I would encourage you to discuss surgery to correct the problem. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My puppy has cherry eye and it's bleeding. Do I need to see a vet?

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If your puppy's eye is actively bleeding, he should see a veterinarian right away if possible. Cherry eye is a disorder of the tear gland and can become infected which can cause it to bleed. Your veterinarian may recommend antibiotics or steroids for the eye temporarily. Ultimately, corrective surgery is often needed for cherry eye which can be done by your veterinarian.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My 9-month-old dog's cherry eye looks like dry blood, what is it?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It does look like he has cherry eyes. This is treated surgically and usually resolves after the procedure. It is important to take care of this condition as it can make dogs feel uncomfortable. Good luck and have a great day!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has cherry eye. How serious is it and what's the treatment?

Cherry eye is the common name for a prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid. In most cases it needs to be surgically corrected or over time it will irritate the eye and can lead to decreased tear production. It is not necessarily serious but does require further treatment.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog's cherry eye keeps coming back. When should I see a vet?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Ollie. Cherry eye is a condition where the third eyelid bulges out of it's normal location. It requires surgery to permanently replace the eyelid back in place. It would be worth having him evaluated to see if surgery is warranted in his case or if he needs any eye medications. Sometimes tear production can be reduced in these cases. I hope this information helps you and Ollie!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My French bulldog puppy keeps getting cherry eye. What to do?

Hi, I'm Dr. Johnson. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Theo! Cherry eye is a layman's term for prolapsed tear gland of the 3rd eyelid. It is common in Frenchies, English bulldogs and mixes containing those breeds. I have seen it in other dog breeds as well. Most of the time Cherry eye doesn't bother the dog just the owners because we don't like how it looks. Sometimes it can cause secondary bacterial infections or cause discharge or become inflamed or painful. I recommend you discuss with your Veterinarian surgical correction. There is a procedure where the gland is tacked back into place. It is usually curative but sometimes it fails and a second procedure needs to be done. At a minimum your vet could prescribe eye ointment if it appears infected. Theo is super cute and I wish you the best!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog's eye is bright red. Is it cherry eye or a different problem?

Hello, The pictures show a possible cherry eye which is a prolapsed third eyelid. This is a condition that can be surgically corrected. I would advise you to follow up with your primary care veterinarian to discuss treatment options as soon as possible. If Pepper is scratching the eye, I would advise you to apply an E-collar to prevent trauma to the cornea.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My puppy has cherry eye. What should I do and what are the treatments?

Bailey needs to be examined by the veterinarian. Many vets will give a steroid medication to decrease the swelling and hopefully allow the gland to shrink and slip back into it's appropriate position. If it does not, she will need surgery. Get her in as soon as you can. Protect the eye from any trauma by having her wear an elizabethan collar at all times. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share