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

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.

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.

I think this looks a little like cherry eye, or a prolapse of the gland on the third eyelid, as well but it's difficult to tell for certain from a picture. There is nothing specific to do at home - sometimes a veterinarian will try gently replacing the gland with a numbing drop and sterile cotton swab but this isn't something I'd attempt at home. You could use an artificial tear ointment to help lubricate the eye for comfort until you can see a vet. If Krypto is squinting, if the eye begins to look more red, or if you notice yellow or green discharge I'd recommend seeing a vet.

Poor Ivy! She needs to go to the veterinarian for appropriate treatment. You will not find any over the counter medications that can help with a cherry eye. Ultimately Ivy may need surgery to replace the gland. It is a hereditary condition that is common in bulldogs and many other short muzzled breeds. You also need to make sure to protect the area from rubbing as this will make it worse. Have Ivy wear an elizabethan collar at all times. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Cherry eye cane be frustrating as you have already found out. From the second photo, I do not see a prolapsed gland but it could just be the angle. I can clearly see the prolapsed on the first photo. When in doubt, take her in. Some dogs have a more prominent third eye lid and it can be sometimes hard to tell if the gland is actually out or not. Hopefully the surgery was a success and the gland is fully covered and protected. Best of luck!

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.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Tyson is so cute! Cherry eyes are very common in English bull dogs. They can live with them, you just have to watch for dry eye and infection. Surgery is recommend by replacing and tacking the prolapsed gland. Removing the glad is NOT recommended. Just be aware that cherry eye surgeries have a high rate of failure and needing to be re-done. Good luck!