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My dog's eye looks strange. Is it Horner's or Cherry Eye, and serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 4 months and 30 days old | 35 lbs

I woke up this morning & freaked out because his eye didn’t look like that last night. I’ve done research online & it says it can’t be Cherry Eye or Horner’s Sydrome. Is it something serious to worry about? I’m already worried it’s something bad. Please help me. His name’s Buffy & he’s turning 5mos old on January 20, 2018. He’s behaving well, he’s just calm at the moment.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Daniel Fonza, DVM

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 19th, 2018

Hi there and thank you for using PetCoach to address your concern. What you are seeing is likely Horner's syndrome and not cherry eye. Horner's syndrome does not cause any harm and there can be multiple causes. I would recommend having a veterinarian examine Buffy so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. Ear infections can lead to this syndrome and trauma as well. If Buffy managed to run into something or fall and hit her head, this could also have lead to the syndrome. This will likely resolve on its own over the next week or so. Please visit the following link below for more information on this syndrome. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

http:// www.vin.com/apputil/project/defaultadv1.aspx?id=4951369&pid=19239&catid=&said=1&publicpath
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 10th, 2018

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bella. Her pupil is contracted down which typically indicates pain. Her third eyelid is elevated and there is discharge coming from the eye. All of these signs are abnormal so she will need to see her veterinarian. She could have a scratch to the surface of her eye, inflammation within the eye itself or a condition known as Horner's syndrome. However, I do not typically see the eye discharge with cases of Horner's syndrome. It is usually a condition of unknown origin where the eye appears sunken, the third eyelid is elevated and the pupil is constricted. Her veterinarian may suggest some eye tests to determine the cause of her signs. In the meantime, do not let her paw at her eye. I hope this information helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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