If you notice a pink or red lump suddenly appearing in the inner corner of your dog’s eye, it may be cherry eye. The proper name is usually prolapsed gland of the nictitating membrane, or prolapsed gland of the third eyelid. It often looks dramatic, but it is not the eyeball popping out. It is a tear gland that has slipped out of its normal position.

Dogs have a nictitating membrane, also called the third eyelid, tucked into the inner corner of each eye. This structure helps protect the eye and contains a gland that contributes significantly to normal tear production. When the tissues holding that gland in place are weak, the gland can prolapse and become visible as a rounded pink or red swelling.

What causes cherry eye?

Cherry eye is generally thought to happen because the connective tissue anchoring the gland is too weak. In many dogs, this appears to be inherited. It is not usually caused by anything an owner has done wrong. It can seem to appear overnight, although mild irritation or rubbing may make it more noticeable.

Which breeds are more likely to get it?

Cherry eye is more common in young dogs and in certain breeds, especially:

• English Bulldogs
• French Bulldogs
• Cocker Spaniels
• Beagles
• Lhasa Apsos
• Shih Tzus
• Boston Terriers
• Pekingese
• Mastiff-type breeds

Other breeds can still get it, but these are the ones more commonly mentioned in the veterinary literature.

What age does it usually happen?

It is most often seen in dogs under about two years of age, although older dogs can develop it too. Some dogs get it in one eye first and later in the other.

What does it look like?

The classic sign is a pink to red fleshy lump in the inner corner of the eye, usually near the nose. Some dogs seem only mildly bothered by it. Others will squint, rub at the eye, or develop discharge. If left exposed, the gland can become inflamed, dry, or irritated.

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis is usually made on a physical eye examination. In many cases, the appearance is fairly typical. Your vet may also check for corneal ulcers, conjunctivitis, trauma, reduced tear production, or other eye disease that could be contributing to discomfort or changing the treatment plan. Depending on the eye, this may include fluorescein stain, tear testing, and a closer examination of the cornea and eyelids.

How is it treated?

The preferred treatment is usually surgical replacement of the gland, not removal. That is important because the gland contributes to tear production. Removing it may increase the risk of dry eye later, which can become a chronic and frustrating problem.

In many dogs, surgery is a day procedure. The dog is admitted, anaesthetised, the gland is replaced using a technique designed to hold it back in its normal position, and then the dog usually goes home later the same day with medication and an Elizabethan collar. One commonly described method is a pocket technique, where tissue is used to create a pocket that helps keep the gland in place.

A lot of general practice vets are capable of performing cherry eye surgery, particularly straightforward first-time cases. That said, some dogs may be referred to a veterinary ophthalmologist or a more surgery-focused hospital, especially if:

• the gland has prolapsed repeatedly
• there is significant inflammation or scarring
• there is concurrent corneal disease
• the anatomy is difficult
• the treating vet prefers referral for eye surgery

Medical treatment alone, such as drops or ointment, may reduce inflammation for a short time, but it usually does not fix the underlying problem if the gland has genuinely prolapsed.

How much does cherry eye surgery cost?

Costs vary a lot between clinics, regions, and whether the surgery is done in general practice or by a referral service. As one Brisbane reference point, Brisbane Pet Surgery publicly lists $950–$1,100 for correction or removal of a prolapsed third eyelid gland, with pre-anaesthetic blood testing at additional cost.

In real life, owners should expect the total cost to depend on what is included. Extras may include:

• initial consultation
• pre-anaesthetic bloods
• medications
• Elizabethan collar
• hospitalisation and nursing care
• recheck visits

So while around $950 may be an entry point at the lower-cost end, a more realistic rough expectation in Brisbane may be $950 to $1,500+, and sometimes more if referral-level care is needed.

What is the prognosis?

The prognosis is generally good with appropriate treatment. Most dogs do well after surgery, although recurrence can happen and some dogs need a second procedure. Earlier assessment is sensible because ongoing exposure and inflammation can make the gland more irritated and may complicate management.

When should owners get it checked?

Sooner rather than later. Cherry eye is not usually a life-threatening emergency, but it is also not something I would recommend ignoring for weeks. If the eye is painful, squinty, discharging, or being rubbed, it deserves prompt assessment.

If your dog has developed a pink lump in the corner of the eye and you want a calm, practical assessment at home, you can learn more or book via Personalised Mobile Vet.

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reference list

Merck Veterinary Manual (n.d.) Nasolacrimal and lacrimal apparatus in animals. Available at: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/eye-diseases-and-disorders/ophthalmology/nasolacrimal-and-lacrimal-apparatus-in-animals (Accessed: 9 April 2026).

VCA Animal Hospitals (n.d.) Cherry eye in dogs. Available at: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cherry-eye-in-dogs (Accessed: 9 April 2026).

Veterinary Partner (n.d.) Cherry eye in dogs and cats. Available at: https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951447 (Accessed: 9 April 2026).