What is Cherry Eye in Dogs?
If you’ve suddenly noticed a red, swollen lump appearing in the corner of your dog’s eye, it’s completely understandable to feel worried. Many pet owners initially fear their dog has suffered an eye injury or developed a tumour.
Fortunately, in many cases, the condition is known as Cherry Eye, a relatively common condition that can be successfully treated with surgery.
Cherry Eye occurs when the gland of the third eyelid (also known as the nictitating membrane) prolapses or slips out of its normal position. This gland plays an important role in keeping the eye lubricated and healthy by producing a significant portion of your dog’s tear film.
When the gland prolapses, it appears as a bright red or pink bulge in the inner corner of the eye, resembling a small cherry.
Cherry Eye is particularly common in certain breeds, including:
At Lutwyche Veterinary Surgery, we understand how alarming Cherry Eye can look. Many owners from Ascot, Windsor, Clayfield, Gordon Park, Kedron, Stafford and Chermside contact us feeling anxious and unsure of what to do next.
The good news is that Cherry Eye is a treatable condition, and with appropriate surgical repair, most dogs go on to enjoy an excellent long-term outcome.
Why We Repair and Preserve the Gland Instead of Removing It
Years ago, Cherry Eye was sometimes treated by surgically removing the prolapsed gland. While this eliminated the visible red lump, we now know that removing the gland can create significant long-term problems.
The gland of the third eyelid contributes an important portion of your dog’s tear production. Removing it can increase the risk of developing Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca) later in life, a chronic condition that may require lifelong medication and ongoing management.
For this reason, modern veterinary recommendations favour repairing and preserving the gland whenever possible.
At Lutwyche Veterinary Surgery, our surgeons perform Cherry Eye repair by carefully repositioning the prolapsed gland back into its normal anatomical location and securing it in place using specialised surgical techniques.
This approach helps:
Rather than simply removing the visible lump, our goal is to preserve the important function of the gland and achieve the best possible long-term outcome for your dog.
The Cherry Eye Surgery Procedure at Lutwyche Vet
When your dog undergoes Cherry Eye surgery at our Chalk Street clinic, their safety and comfort remain our highest priorities.
1. Thorough Pre-Surgical Assessment
Before surgery, one of our veterinarians performs a comprehensive examination to assess:
- Eye health
- Corneal integrity
- Tear production
- Overall health status
- Any concurrent eye conditions
This allows us to confirm the diagnosis and ensure surgery is the most appropriate treatment option.
2. Pre-Anaesthetic Blood Testing
We recommend pre-anaesthetic blood testing to assess:
- Liver function
- Kidney function
- Blood glucose levels
- Red and white blood cell counts
- Overall suitability for anaesthesia
These tests help us tailor an anaesthetic plan specifically to your pet.
3. Safe General Anaesthesia
Cherry Eye repair requires delicate surgical precision and therefore must be performed under general anaesthesia.
Our protocol includes:
- Individualised anaesthetic planning
- Intravenous catheter placement
- Modern gas anaesthesia
- Appropriate pain relief
- Intravenous fluid therapy where indicated
4. Dedicated Nurse Monitoring
Throughout the procedure, a dedicated veterinary nurse closely monitors your pet’s:
- Heart rate
- Respiratory rate
- Oxygen saturation
- Blood pressure
- Body temperature
- Anaesthetic depth
Continuous monitoring helps ensure your pet remains safe and comfortable throughout the procedure.
5. Cherry Eye Repair Surgery
Using modern surgical techniques, the prolapsed gland is carefully repositioned and secured within the third eyelid.
Fine ophthalmic sutures are used to minimise irritation while supporting long-term stability and healing.
The goal is to preserve gland function while reducing the likelihood of future prolapse.
6. Recovery and Same-Day Discharge
Most patients return home on the same day with:
- Pain relief medication
- Anti-inflammatory medication where appropriate
- Eye medications if required
- Detailed recovery instructions
Before your pet goes home, our team will carefully explain all aftercare requirements and answer any questions you may have.
How Much Does Cherry Eye Surgery Cost in Brisbane?
One of the most common questions we receive is:
“What is the Cherry Eye surgery cost in Brisbane?”
We believe in transparent veterinary care, so we want owners to understand what is included in the overall cost.
Your estimate may include:
- Veterinary consultation and examination
- Pre-anaesthetic blood testing
- General anaesthesia
- Dedicated nurse monitoring
- Surgical repair procedure
- Sterile surgical consumables
- Pain relief injections
- Take-home medications
- Post-operative support
- Complimentary recheck consultation
Typical pricing may range from:
[$1,300 – $2,500]
Following an examination, we can provide a personalised written estimate tailored to your dog’s individual needs.
For insured pets, we offer GapOnly® claims processing where available to help reduce upfront costs.
We also offer VetPay payment plans for approved applicants to help families manage unexpected veterinary expenses.
Post-Operative Care and Recovery
Most dogs recover very well following Cherry Eye surgery, but proper home care plays an important role in achieving the best outcome.
Keep the Cone On
Your dog will typically need to wear an Elizabethan collar (cone) to prevent rubbing or scratching at the surgical site.
Even a small amount of rubbing can damage the repair and increase the risk of recurrence.
Administer Medications as Directed
Please administer all medications exactly as prescribed, including:
- Eye drops
- Oral medications
- Pain relief
Completing the full course helps support healing and minimise complications.
Restrict Activity
For approximately two weeks following surgery, avoid:
- Rough play
- Dog parks
- Swimming
- Running and jumping
Quiet leash walks are generally acceptable unless otherwise advised.
Feed Normally
Most dogs can resume their normal diet after surgery. Some may prefer softer food for the first day or two.
Monitor the Eye Daily
Contact our team if you notice:
- Excessive swelling
- Discharge
- Bleeding
- Persistent squinting
- The gland appearing to prolapse again
Complimentary 7-Day Recheck at Our Chalk Street Clinic
To ensure your dog is healing well, we provide a complimentary post-operative recheck approximately 7 days after surgery.
This visit allows us to monitor recovery, answer any questions and ensure your pet remains comfortable throughout the healing process.
Looking for Cherry Eye Surgery in Brisbane?
If your dog has developed Cherry Eye, early assessment can help minimise irritation and improve surgical outcomes.
At Lutwyche Veterinary Surgery, our experienced veterinary surgeons regularly perform Cherry Eye repair surgery using modern gland-preserving techniques designed to protect tear production and maintain long-term eye health.
Whether you’re located in Lutwyche, Windsor, Gordon Park, Kedron, Stafford, Chermside or surrounding Brisbane suburbs, we’re here to help.
Book a Consultation Today
If you’ve noticed a red lump in the corner of your dog’s eye, don’t wait for it to worsen.
Call our friendly team today or book a consultation online to receive an accurate diagnosis and a transparent quote tailored to your fur baby’s needs.
At Lutwyche Veterinary Surgery, we’re committed to providing compassionate, professional pet care and trusted Brisbane vet surgery services for every patient who walks through our doors.