Does Pet Insurance Cover Cherry Eye Surgery?

Dogs have three eyelids. The third one contains a tear gland, which, when it pops out, becomes like a red bulging balloon called a ‘cherry eye’. It is very common in certain breeds. Pet insurance plans can help cover the cost of surgery. 

Let’s understand more about ‘cherry eye’ in dogs. 

What is Cherry Eye in Dogs? 

Many mammals, including dogs, have a third eyelid, which is located inside their lower eyelid. It doesn’t help them see anything but rather acts as a protective layer for the eye, especially during hunting and fighting. It contains a special gland that produces a significant portion of the eye’s protective tear film. 

This eyelid is anchored to the lower inner rim of the eye by a fibrous attachment. It is when the third eyelid pops out. The exact cause of cherry eye is unknown, but it's thought to be due to a weak or broken ligament that holds the gland in place. ⁽¹⁾

What are the Symptoms of Cherry Eye in Dogs?

When a dog has cherry eye, it will appear like a red or pink, swollen, round mass in the lower inner corner of the eye. Or you can even say that it will look like a cherry in the corner of the eye. It can be small or large enough to cover almost the entire cornea. 

Apart from the cherry eye itself, you’ll even see symptoms like discharge from the eye and constant pawing at the eye. 

Which Dog Breeds are Prone to Cherry Eye?  

The attachment that holds the third eyelid is thought to be weak in certain dog breeds. This makes those breeds more prone to cherry eye. They include - ⁽¹⁾

You’ll see that most of these are small dogs. This is because the small eye sockets in them can be too small for the eye and gland. In large dogs, the large eye socket can provide more room for the eyelid to prolapse. This condition is also mostly found in younger pups between the ages of six months to two years. 

How to Treat Cherry Eye in Dogs? 

The cherry eye usually returns to normal within a few weeks. However, for 5%-20% of the cases where it doesn’t, surgery is the only option to treat it. It involves surgically replacing the third eyelid gland. While it is not a painful condition, it is very important to treat it as soon as the symptoms start arising. This is because the gland produces almost up to 50% of the watery portion of the tear film. If the gland is not replaced soon enough, the inadequate tear production can lead to ‘dry eyes’ in dogs which can cause severe vision problems for them. ⁽¹⁾

What if Cherry Eye is Left Untreated in Dogs?

Untreated cherry eye in dogs can lead to multiple other eye issues. They include – ⁽²⁾

How Much Does it Cost to Treat Cherry Eyes in Dogs? 

The cost of surgery for cherry eye in dogs can range anywhere from $300 - $2000 depending on multiple factors that include – ⁽²⁾

If the dog has developed additional complications like dry eye syndrome or conjunctivitis, there may be additional costs attached, like eye drops, topical ophthalmic antibiotics, and steroid-containing medications. 

Does Dog Insurance cover Cherry Eye Surgery?

Yes, pet insurance can help cover cherry eye surgery if it is not a pre-existing condition and if the waiting period of the policy has been passed before its development. With Spot Pet Insurance, you can even save up to 90% of the costs related to exam fees, anesthesia, take-home medications, prescription diets and more. 

More about Spot Pet Insurance

Dog Insurance can help provide financial assistance for eligible veterinary care in case of unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries. Our plans can help pet parents manage the eligible costs of covered veterinary care and help ensure that their pets can receive the best treatment possible. Here are some ways that Spot pet insurance plans can help:

To learn more about Spot Plans or to get a free quote, click here.