How much does cherry eye surgery cost?
How much does cherry eye surgery cost?
$500 – $1,200 average cost
Cherry eye surgery cost
Cherry eye surgery costs $500 to $1,200 on average, depending on the veterinary provider, your location, and your dog's breed and size. Many veterinary surgeons charge a lower rate per eye when treating both eyes in the same procedure. Eye drops, anti-inflammatory medications, blood work, and follow-up vet visits increase the total cost.
| National Average Cost | $850 |
| Minimum Cost | $300 |
| Maximum Cost | $2,500 |
| Average Range | $500 to $1,200 |
*For surgery on one eye
What is cherry eye in dogs?
Dogs have a third eyelid, also called a nictating membrane, that sits just inside the lower eyelid. This membrane provides additional protection for the eye and contains a gland that produces tears to keep the dog's eye moist.
When this gland pops out of position—a condition known as a prolapse—it causes a swollen red or pink lump in the corner of the eye. Because the gland is responsible for producing up to 50% of the dog's tear film, a prolapsed gland can cause chronic dry eye, impair vision, and contribute to other long-term eye problems.
Some dog breeds are more likely to get cherry eye, including:
Beagle
Bloodhound
Boston terrier
Cane corso
Cocker Spaniel
English bulldog
French bulldog
Great Dane
Lhasa Apso
Neapolitan mastiff
Newfoundland
Pekingese
Poodle
Puggle
Saint Bernard
Shar Pei
Shih Tzu
Symptoms of cherry eye
The most noticeable symptom of cherry eye is a pink or red swollen mass in the inner corner of your dog's eye near the lower eyelid. This mass may be large or small, and it may be present all the time or periodically go away and come back.
Other symptoms of cherry eye include:
Redness in the eye
Pus or watery discharge from the eye
Swollen eyelid
Dry eye due to lack of tear production
Pawing at the eye
Rubbing that side of the face on other surfaces to scratch the eye
How to treat cherry eye in dogs without surgery
Unfortunately, the only way to fix cherry eye in dogs is through surgery. During this operation, the vet moves the swollen gland back to where it should be in the dog's eye. The procedure typically takes 20 to 30 minutes and is performed under general anesthesia.
There are two main surgical techniques:
Tucking / tacking: The vet moves the gland back where it should be and holds it there with one long-lasting stitch.
Imbrication / pocketing: The vet makes a tiny pocket in the eyelid, tucks the gland inside, and closes it with stitches that disappear over time.
Removal of the gland is no longer recommended as it can lead to dry eye problems later in life.
What affects the cost of cherry eye surgery?
The following factors have the biggest impact on the cost of cherry eye surgery for your dog:
Provider: Prices vary depending on whether a veterinary surgeon, animal hospital, or low-cost veterinary clinic performs the surgery. Experienced specialists like veterinary ophthalmologists often charge higher rates.
One or both eyes: Getting both eyes treated in the same procedure costs more in total but usually results in a lower cost per eye.
Dog's breed & size: Fees are typically higher for larger dogs due to the extra surgery time, anesthesia, and other medications needed.
Anesthesia: Some providers include anesthesia in their quote, while others bill separately for it.
Preoperative blood work: Your veterinarian may require blood work to confirm your dog is healthy enough for surgery. Blood work for a dog costs $100 to $200 on average.
Additional costs: Keep these extra expenses in mind when budgeting for your dog's surgery:
Cone / Elizabethan Collar
Eye drops and other eye medications
Anti-inflammatory and pain medications
Follow-up vet visits
Does pet insurance cover cherry eye surgery?
Many pet insurance policies cover cherry eye surgery. However, most companies don't cover pre-existing conditions and will only reimburse you for the cost if you purchased the insurance plan before the cherry eye first appeared.
Be sure to read your pet insurance policy carefully to confirm whether it includes stipulations about coverage for the treatment of breed-related or hereditary health conditions. Some insurance companies have deemed cherry eye a breed-related problem and limit the coverage.
FAQs about cherry eye surgery
Can cherry eye come back after surgery?
Cherry eye typically does not recur in the same eye after surgery. According to one research study, 97% of cherry eye surgeries were successful without a recurrence. However, the surgeon's experience and the surgery method used both affect the outcome.
Keep in mind, surgery on one eye will not prevent the dog's other eye from eventually developing cherry eye.
Can cherry eye be treated without surgery?
Surgery is the only way to effectively treat cherry eye. Over-the-counter eye drops can help to keep your dog's eyes lubricated, but they won't resolve the condition and won't prevent other related problems from developing due to the untreated cherry eye.
What happens if cherry eye is left untreated?
If left untreated, cherry eye can lead to complications and secondary issues, including:
Chronic dry eye
Eye infections
Corneal ulcers
Chronic conjunctivitis
Irritation and pain
How long is the recovery from cherry eye surgery?
The surgical site takes 10 to 14 days to heal after cherry eye surgery. Your dog should wear a cone, also called an Elizabethan Collar, at all times during this period to ensure they don't scratch their eye. Your veterinarian will recheck your dog's eye 2 to 4 weeks after the surgery.
Questions to ask your vet about cherry eye surgery
Ask your veterinarian these important questions to ensure you understand the cherry eye surgery procedure and recovery process:
How will cherry eye surgery help my dog?
Can you explain the details of the surgical procedure? What are the risks and potential complications?
Will the procedure require general anesthesia, and what are the associated risks for my dog based on their age, breed, and health status?
How often do you perform cherry eye surgery?
What is the recovery process after my dog's surgery?
What aftercare will my dog need?
How soon can I bathe my dog after the surgery?
How many follow-up visits will my dog need after surgery?
What is the total estimated cost, including surgery fees, anesthesia, hospitalization, medications, and any additional diagnostic tests or follow-up visits?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.