A cherry eye is what happens when the gland of a dog’s third eyelid prolapses and begins to bulge from the inner corner of the eye (Bauhaus). When dog’s develop cherry eye, surgical intervention is often the best treatment option. There are multiple factors that can affect the cost of cherry eye surgery for dogs including breed, size, location, and whether the cherry eye is bilateral or unilateral. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to understanding cherry eye in dogs.
What is Cherry Eye in Dogs?
Cherry eye is a common condition that can affect both cats and dogs, although it is more often seen in the latter. Brachycephalic breeds like Shih Tzus, Pugs, and Bulldogs are all prone to cherry eye (“Cherry Eye: Causes, Treatment & Cost - Dr Kelly”). This condition occurs when the ligaments that keep the pet’s tear duct in place inside of their third eyelid tears, allowing the gland to prolapse and protrude from the inner corner of the eye (“Cherry Eye: Causes, Treatment & Cost - Dr Kelly”).
A cherry eye can cause pets to experience itchiness or discomfort leading them to paw at their eye. Unfortunately, this behavior has been known to scratch or damage their cornea’s when trying to itch their eye. While cherry eyes aren’t painful, they can lead to other conditions like dry eye, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, or other eye conditions if left untreated (“Cherry Eye: Causes, Treatment & Cost - Dr Kelly”).
How Much is Cherry Eye Surgery for Dogs?
Surgery is the best available treatment for cherry eye in dogs (Morris). The average cost of cherry eye surgery can range between $300 - $2500, and is influenced by multiple factors including (Morris):
Severity: For the majority of cases, one surgical procedure is enough to treat a pet’s cherry eye. But in more complex or severe cases, pets may need to see specialists or require specialized techniques, increasing treatment costs.
Breed of Pet: Certain breeds are more likely to experience complications following surgery or cherry eye recurrence after treatment.
Size of Pet: The eye structure is larger in bigger breeds; meaning that the procedure can take longer, requiring more resources like anesthesia, or special equipment.
Location: The cost of veterinary services can be different depending on where you live. Cities generally have higher fees than more rural areas.
Bilateral vs. Unilateral cherry eye: If your pet has cherry eye in both of their eyes, the length and complexity of their procedure may increase. They may also require more postoperative care, increasing the cost of their treatment.
Should I get my dog’s cherry eye removed?
While cherry eyes are not painful, they can cause pet’s itchiness and discomfort. Moreover, they can lead to complications such as dry eye, conjunctivitis, and other eye conditions if left untreated (“Cherry Eye: Causes, Treatment & Cost - Dr Kelly”).. If you are unsure whether your pet’s cherry eye requires surgical intervention, contact your vet for more guidance.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Cherry Eye Surgery?
Pet insurance can help cover the cost of treatment for cherry eye and help pet parents get up to 90% cash back on their vet bills, given that the condition is not considered pre-existing and did not become symptomatic during the policy waiting period. Learn more about what pet insurance covers and how pet insurance works.
Read more: Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
Conclusion
Cherry eye is a common condition caused when a pet’s tear gland prolapses and protrudes from the inner corner of the eye. While this condition is not painful, leaving it untreated can cause additional complications so surgical intervention is often recommended by veterinarians. The average cost of cherry eye surgery for dogs can range between $300 and $2500 (Morris), but pet parents with pet insurance, can get up to 90% cash back on covered vet bills.
Bauhaus, Jean. “Cherry Eye Surgery Cost and Financing Options - CareCredit.” Carecredit.com, 6 Feb. 2023, www.carecredit.com/well-u/pet-care/cherry-eye-surgery-cost-and-cherry-eye-surgery-financing/.
“Cherry Eye: Causes, Treatment & Cost - Dr Kelly.” Dr Kelly, 8 Mar. 2023, www.drkellysvet.com/cherry-eye-causes-treatment-cost/.
Morris, Mitzi S. “Cost Breakdown: Cherry Eye Surgery for Dogs.” GoodRx, 18 Jan. 2024, www.goodrx.com/pet-health/dog/cherry-eye-surgery-cost.
