# Cherry Eye in Dogs: Causes, Surgery Options, and Recovery Cherry eye in dogs is the common name for prolapse of the nictitans gland, a tear-producing gland that sits beneath the third eyelid. The gland slips out of its normal position and appears as a red, fleshy mass in the inner corner of the eye, and it looks like a small cherry [1]. This is a mechanical displacement, not a tumor and not a growth. The connective tissue that normally holds the gland in place has failed, so the gland rolls outward and becomes visible [1]. For most dogs, cherry eye does not resolve on its own. Mild cases may be managed with anti-inflammatory medication, but surgical replacement of the gland is usually indicated [1]. Replacement is preferred over removal because the gland produces a substantial share of the tear film, and removing it raises the long-term risk of keratoconjunctivitis sicca, commonly called dry eye. The good news is that modern replacement techniques have excellent success rates. A large retrospective study of a modified pocket technique reported successful repositioning in 125 of 126 eyes (99.2%) after a single surgery [2]. Another technique using a suture anchor around the ventral rectus muscle reported no recurrences across 122 eyes [3]. **Owner triage summary:** If you see a new red mass in the corner of your dog's eye, keep the eye moist with preservative-free artificial tears if your veterinarian approves, prevent rubbing with an Elizabethan collar, and call your veterinarian promptly. A cherry eye that is swollen, dry, bleeding, or accompanied by squinting and cloudiness is more urgent. Cherry eye itself is rarely a same-hour emergency, but a prolapsed gland that stays exposed can become inflamed and can contribute to corneal damage over time. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## At a Glance: Cherry Eye Decision Table | Feature | What Owners Should Know | |--|--| | What it is | Prolapse (displacement) of the tear gland under the third eyelid [1] | | Typical appearance | Red, fleshy, round mass in the inner corner of the eye [1] | | Typical age | Most often in dogs under two years old [1] | | Common breeds | See breed section below, supported by genetic and clinical studies [1][4][3] | | Can it go away on its own? | Usually no. Mild cases may be treated with anti-inflammatories, but surgery is usually indicated [1] | | First-line treatment | Surgical replacement of the gland into its normal position [1][5] | | Preferred technique | Pocket or anchoring techniques that keep the gland in place [2][3][5] | | Why not remove it? | The gland produces tears. Removal increases dry eye risk [1][5] | | Success rate (pocket technique) | 99.2% after one surgery in one large study [2] | | Success rate (anchor technique) | No recurrences in one study of 122 eyes [3] | | Overall failure rate (pooled) | About 3% for the Morgan pocket procedure [5] | | Recovery time | Typically days to a few weeks, with rechecks (see timeline below) | | Emergency signs | Squinting, cloudiness, bleeding, nonstop pawing at the eye | ## Understanding the Anatomy: What Is the Third Eyelid Gland? Dogs have a third eyelid, also called the nictitating membrane. It sits at the inner corner of the eye and sweeps across the surface during blinking. Tucked at the base of this membrane is the nictitans gland, a tear-producing structure that contributes a meaningful portion of the eye's tear film [1]. The gland is anchored by connective tissue. When that tissue weakens or fails, the gland flips forward and out of its pocket. The result is the classic cherry eye appearance: a smooth, red, rounded bulge that sits above or beside the lower eyelid at the inner corner [1]. Because the gland is a tear producer, its position matters. A gland that stays prolapsed is exposed to air, dust, and friction. It becomes inflamed, swollen, and sometimes dry. The cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, depends on a healthy tear film for moisture, oxygen, and waste removal. Any condition that reduces tear production threatens the cornea over time [1][5]. ## Causes and Risk Factors ### The Connective Tissue Defect Cherry eye is thought to be caused by a defect in the connective tissue that secures the gland in place [1]. This is a structural weakness rather than an infection or injury in most cases. The gland does not grow into the wrong place. It slips out of a pocket that was supposed to hold it. ### Genetics and Breed Predisposition Cherry eye is most often seen in dogs under the age of two years, and certain breeds have a higher incidence, which suggests a genetic association [1]. Two independent genome-wide association studies have identified specific chromosomal regions linked to the condition. One large study using several thousand cases and controls across purebred and mixed-breed dogs found a single peak of genome-wide significance on canine chromosome 18, directly at the location of the FGF4 insertion previously known to cause chondrodysplasia in several breeds [1]. Chondrodysplasia is the condition that produces short legs in breeds like the Dachshund and Corgi. This finding links cherry eye to a genetic variant that affects cartilage and connective tissue development, which fits the theory that the anchoring tissue is the weak point [1]. A second study analyzed 170K SNP microarray data from hundreds of brachycephalic (short-headed) and mesocephalic dogs across 12 breeds affected by cherry eye [4]. It identified significant associations on chromosome 3 in brachycephalic dogs, in a region containing genes including NR2F1, which is associated with eye development, and on chromosome 22 in a combined group of short- and medium-headed dogs [4]. Together, these studies support a polygenic or breed-specific genetic basis for cherry eye rather than a single universal cause. ### Breeds Most Often Affected The following breeds appear in the clinical and genetic literature on prolapsed nictitans gland. The list reflects breeds represented in studies of the condition, not a ranking of risk. - **Brachycephalic breeds** (short-headed dogs such as the English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Pug, Boston Terrier, and Boxer) are strongly represented in genetic studies of cherry eye [4]. - **Beagles** appear in breed analyses of the condition [4]. - **Cocker Spaniels** are commonly represented in surgical case series [3]. - **English Bulldogs** appear in both genetic and surgical studies [4][3]. - **Lhasa Apsos** are represented in breed analyses [4]. - **Shih Tzus** appear in breed analyses [4]. - **Mixed-breed dogs** are also affected and appear in large genetic studies and surgical case series [1][3]. If your dog is a brachycephalic breed or one of the breeds listed above, watch the inner corners of the eyes during the first two years of life. Early recognition makes treatment simpler. ### Age: Cherry Eye in Puppies Cherry eye in puppies is common because the condition most often appears before age two [1]. A young puppy with a new red mass in the eye corner should be seen by a veterinarian soon. Puppies may have both eyes affected, sometimes at the same time and sometimes weeks apart. In one surgical series, the average age of treated dogs was 2.2 years, with a range from 57 days to 11 years [3]. That range confirms that very young puppies can develop cherry eye. ### Other Contributing Factors Anything that increases pressure or inflammation around the eye can make a marginal gland pop out. This includes eye infections, allergies, and trauma. In one reported case, a dog with a serious systemic infection (aortic valve endocarditis) developed acute cherry eye as one of several presenting signs [6]. That case illustrates that cherry eye can occasionally appear alongside a broader illness, but the vast majority of cases are isolated and related to the connective tissue defect described above [1]. ## What Cherry Eye Looks Like: Examination and Diagnosis ### What Owners See at Home The typical cherry eye dog presents with a red, fleshy, round mass at the inner corner of one or both eyes [1]. The mass may be small at first and grow as the gland swells. Other signs owners report include: - Increased tearing or watery discharge - A thick or mucous eye discharge - Squinting or holding the eye partially closed - Pawing at the eye or rubbing the face on furniture - Redness of the white of the eye (conjunctival redness) - Reluctance to have the eye touched Eye discharge in dogs, including the watery type called epiphora, can have many causes beyond cherry eye, so the presence of discharge alone does not confirm the diagnosis [7]. ### What the Veterinarian Does A veterinarian will examine both eyes even if only one looks abnormal, because the condition is frequently bilateral over time. The exam includes: - **Visual inspection** of the third eyelid and gland position - **Fluorescein staining** to check for corneal ulcers, which can occur if the exposed gland rubs the cornea - **Schirmer tear test** to measure tear production. This is important because some dogs with cherry eye already have low tear production, and this affects the treatment plan [3] - **Tonometry** to check eye pressure if glaucoma is a concern - **Full ophthalmic exam** including the eyelids, conjunctiva, and cornea In one surgical study, five dogs had preexisting keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye), and all showed improvement in their Schirmer tear test results after surgical correction and medical therapy [3]. This is a key point: measuring tear production before surgery helps the veterinarian plan postoperative care. ### Differential Diagnoses Not every red mass in the eye corner is a prolapsed gland. Your veterinarian will consider: - **Conjunctival mass or tumor** - **Everted cartilage of the third eyelid** (a rolled cartilage that looks similar but is a different structure) - **Prolapsed orbital fat** (fat that bulges forward, often after trauma) - **Severe conjunctivitis or chemosis** (swelling of the conjunctiva) - **Foreign body** lodged under the third eyelid - **Cherry eye secondary to another eye disease** such as a corneal ulcer or infection The distinction matters because treatment differs. A prolapsed gland is replaced. A tumor may be removed or biopsied. An everted cartilage is corrected by a different surgical procedure. ## Can Cherry Eye Go Away on Its Own? For most dogs, no. Cherry eye is a mechanical displacement caused by a connective tissue defect [1]. The gland has slipped out of a pocket that is no longer holding it. Without intervention, the gland usually stays prolapsed and may become more inflamed over time. Mild cases may be managed with anti-inflammatory medications, but surgical replacement is usually indicated [1]. Some owners report that a cherry eye seems to shrink or disappear temporarily, especially after rest or with lubrication. This can happen when swelling decreases, but the underlying defect remains. The gland often prolapses again. There is no reliable home method to push the gland back into place and keep it there. Attempting to massage or manipulate the gland can cause pain, corneal injury, or infection. If your dog has a cherry eye, the safest course is to have a veterinarian evaluate it. ## Treatment Options: Medical Management vs. Surgery ### When Medical Management Is Considered Anti-inflammatory medications may be used in mild cases [1]. These medications reduce swelling and discomfort but do not correct the underlying displacement. Medical management is most useful as a short-term measure before surgery, or for dogs that are not immediate surgical candidates due to other health problems. Lubricating eye drops or ointments may be prescribed to protect the cornea while the gland is exposed. If a corneal ulcer is present, that must be treated first or alongside the cherry eye. Medical management is not a cure for the connective tissue defect. It buys time and controls symptoms. ### Why Surgery Is Usually Recommended Surgical replacement of the gland is usually indicated because it restores the gland to its normal position and preserves tear production [1]. The goal of surgery is twofold: make the eye look normal and keep the tear gland functional. The timing of surgery depends on the individual dog. Some veterinarians operate soon after diagnosis. Others treat inflammation first and then operate. In either case, the earlier the gland is replaced, the less chance it has to become chronically swollen and scarred. ## Surgery Options for Cherry Eye in Dogs Several surgical techniques have been described for replacing a prolapsed nictitans gland. A rapid review of the veterinary literature identified seven different replacement techniques plus gland excision [5]. The evidence base is mostly observational, meaning the studies describe outcomes in groups of dogs rather than comparing techniques in randomized trials [5]. ### Pocket Techniques (Morgan Pocket and Modifications) The pocket technique creates a pocket in the tissue around the gland and tucks the gland inside, then closes the pocket with sutures. This is one of the most commonly performed procedures. A modified pocket technique that included temporary ventral scleral gland fixation was studied in 101 dogs and 126 eyes [2]. All surgeries were completed in under 10 minutes. Follow-up ranged from 180 to 3,285 days, with a mean of 1,190 days in 94% of eyes and at least three years in 64.3% of eyes [2]. The technique achieved successful repositioning in 125 of 126 eyes (99.2%) after one surgery. One eye (0.8%) had a recurring prolapse that was successfully managed by repeating the technique [2]. Immediate postoperative complications in that study included lacrimal cysts in 5 of 126 eyes (4%) and corneal ulceration in 2 of 126 eyes (1.6%). All cysts were treated with local drainage, two under general anesthesia and three under sedation and topical anesthesia. Additional complications occurred in 14 of 101 animals (13.9%), including keratoconjunctivitis sicca and ulcerative keratoconjunctivitis of varying severity [2]. The authors noted that it was not known whether these problems were associated with aspects of the surgical treatment, given the long follow-up and low number of cases [2]. A pooled analysis of the Morgan pocket procedure reported an overall failure rate of about 3% (95% confidence interval 1% to 7%) [5]. ### Anchoring Techniques (Suture Anchor Around the Ventral Rectus Muscle) The suture anchor technique uses a nonabsorbable suture placed around the insertion of the ventral rectus muscle to hold the gland in position. This is a rapid procedure that does not rely on creating a tissue pocket. A retrospective study of 100 dogs and 122 eyes evaluated this technique [3]. The average age of the patients was 2.2 years, with a range from 57 days to 11 years. Thirty-four eyes (27.9%) had been operated on at another facility before referral. No recurrences of gland prolapse were observed over the course of the study [3]. Minor intraoperative conjunctival perforations occurred in 21 cases (17.2%) and were easily repaired at the time of surgery. Five cases had preexisting keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and all improved on Schirmer tear test after surgical correction and medical therapy [3]. The authors concluded that the technique provides a cosmetic, rapid, and successful replacement of the prolapsed gland, with no recurrences noted and complications that were easily addressed [3]. ### Gland Excision (Removal) Gland excision, or removal of the prolapsed gland, is the alternative to replacement. It is technically simpler and was once common. It is no longer the preferred approach because of the long-term consequences for tear production. The gland contributes to the tear film. Removing it reduces the eye's ability to produce tears. This increases the risk of keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or dry eye, which is a chronic condition requiring lifelong management [1][5]. The evidence review specifically evaluated the effects of surgical techniques on lacrimal outcomes and noted that gland excision is among the techniques studied [5]. ### Why Replacement Is Preferred Over Removal The core argument is simple: the gland makes tears, and tears protect the eye. Removing the gland trades a cosmetic problem for a potential lifetime of dry eye. Dry eye causes chronic discomfort, discharge, corneal scarring, and in severe cases, vision loss. Replacement techniques preserve the gland. The pocket technique reported a 99.2% success rate after one surgery in one large study [2]. The anchor technique reported no recurrences in another study [3]. With success rates this high, there is little reason to remove a functional tear gland. If a gland has been removed or if a dog develops dry eye after surgery, lifelong management with tear stimulants and lubricants may be needed. This is a significant commitment, which is why replacement is the standard of care. ## Cherry Eye Surgery Recovery: What to Expect ### Immediate Postoperative Period (Days 0 to 3) Your dog will go home the same day in most cases. The eye may look red, swollen, or bruised. Some discharge is normal. Your veterinarian will send home medications, which may include: - Antibiotic eye drops or ointment - Anti-inflammatory eye drops - Oral anti-inflammatory medication - Pain medication An Elizabethan collar (cone) is almost always required. Your dog must not rub the eye. Rubbing can undo the surgery, cause bleeding, or create a corneal ulcer. Restrict activity. No rough play, no daycare, no dog park, no swimming. Short leash walks for elimination only. ### Early Recovery (Days 3 to 14) The swelling should decrease. The gland should sit in its normal position under the third eyelid. Some dogs develop a small bump or cyst near the surgical site. In the modified pocket study, lacrimal cysts occurred in 4% of eyes and were treated with local drainage [2]. If you see a new bump, call your veterinarian rather than trying to drain it yourself. Keep the cone on at all times unless your veterinarian says otherwise. Many dogs learn to rub their eyes with their hind feet, and the cone is the only reliable barrier. ### Recheck Appointments Your veterinarian will schedule a recheck, often at 7 to 14 days after surgery. At this visit, the veterinarian will: - Check the gland position - Check for corneal ulcers with fluorescein stain - Measure tear production if there was a concern before surgery - Remove sutures if nonabsorbable sutures were used and are accessible - Adjust medications Additional rechecks may be scheduled depending on healing. In the anchor study, five dogs with preexisting dry eye were monitored after surgery and all improved on Schirmer tear test [3]. Dogs with tear production problems need ongoing monitoring. ### Longer-Term Recovery (Weeks 2 to 8) Most dogs are fully healed by 4 to 6 weeks. The eye should look normal, and the gland should remain in place. Some redness or mild discharge may persist longer in dogs with allergies or dry eye. If the gland prolapses again, it usually happens within the first few weeks to months. Recurrence rates vary by technique. The modified pocket study had one recurrence in 126 eyes [2]. The anchor study had no recurrences [3]. The pooled Morgan pocket failure rate was about 3% [5]. ### Recovery Timeline Table | Timeframe | What to Expect | Owner Actions | |--|--|--| | Day 0 | Surgery completed, dog goes home | Start medications, fit cone, restrict activity | | Days 1 to 3 | Redness, swelling, mild discharge | Give medications on schedule, keep cone on | | Days 3 to 7 | Swelling decreases, gland in place | Continue medications, no rough play | | Days 7 to 14 | Recheck appointment | Attend recheck, report any new bumps or squinting | | Weeks 2 to 4 | Continued healing, sutures may dissolve or be removed | Keep cone on if still rubbing, restrict activity | | Weeks 4 to 8 | Full healing expected | Gradually return to normal activity with veterinarian approval | | Beyond 8 weeks | Monitor for recurrence | Call veterinarian if the red mass returns | ## Postoperative Care Checklist Use this checklist to keep recovery on track. - [ ] Give all eye medications exactly as prescribed, on schedule - [ ] Give oral medications as prescribed - [ ] Keep the Elizabethan collar on at all times - [ ] Do not let your dog rub the eye with a paw or against furniture - [ ] Restrict activity to leash walks for elimination - [ ] Keep your dog away from daycare, dog parks, and swimming - [ ] Do not bathe your dog until your veterinarian approves - [ ] Check the eye twice daily for new redness, swelling, discharge, or cloudiness - [ ] Do not touch or massage the surgical site - [ ] Attend all recheck appointments - [ ] Call your veterinarian immediately if you see squinting, bleeding, or a returning red mass - [ ] Keep a written log of medications and observations to share at recheck ## Unsafe Home Remedies and What Not to Do Owners sometimes try to treat cherry eye at home. These approaches can cause harm. - **Do not try to push the gland back in.** You cannot reposition the gland correctly, and you may injure the cornea or introduce infection. - **Do not use human eye drops** unless your veterinarian specifically approves them. Some human products contain preservatives or active ingredients that are not appropriate for dogs. - **Do not use herbal or essential oil products near the eye.** These can cause severe irritation and corneal damage. - **Do not apply warm compresses** unless your veterinarian instructs you to. Heat can increase swelling. - **Do not delay veterinary care** because the eye looks "not that bad." A prolapsed gland that stays exposed can become chronically inflamed and scarred, which makes surgery more difficult. - **Do not remove the cone early** because your dog seems calm. Rubbing often happens when you are not watching. If you are unsure whether a product is safe for your dog's eye, call your veterinarian before using it. ## Prevention and Breeder Considerations Cherry eye has a genetic component [1][4]. This means prevention at the individual dog level is limited. You cannot change your dog's connective tissue. What you can do: - **Screen puppies from affected lines.** If you are buying a puppy from a breed with a known predisposition, ask the breeder whether cherry eye has occurred in the litter or in the parents' previous litters. - **Know the early signs.** Watch for a red mass in the eye corner during the first two years of life [1]. - **Address eye inflammation promptly.** Allergies, infections, and irritants can make a marginal gland prolapse. Keeping eyes healthy may reduce the chance of a flare. - **Discuss breeding decisions with your veterinarian.** Dogs that have had cherry eye may carry genetic risk factors. Responsible breeding programs consider this when planning pairings. There is no diet, supplement, or exercise program proven to prevent cherry eye. ## Prognosis The prognosis for cherry eye treated with surgical replacement is excellent. Success rates in large studies exceed 99% for the modified pocket technique [2] and approach 100% for the anchor technique [3]. The pooled failure rate for the Morgan pocket procedure is about 3% [5]. Dogs that have the gland removed face a higher risk of dry eye, which is a lifelong condition [1][5]. Dogs that have the gland replaced preserve their tear production and generally do well. Some dogs develop keratoconjunctivitis sicca or other eye surface problems after surgery [2]. These conditions can usually be managed with medication, but they require ongoing veterinary care. This is why postoperative rechecks and tear testing matter. If your dog has cherry eye in both eyes, the second eye may need surgery later. Your veterinarian will monitor both eyes at every visit. ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Every dog is different, and only your veterinarian can examine your dog's eye, measure tear production, and recommend a specific treatment plan. Contact your veterinarian promptly if: - A new red mass appears in the inner corner of either eye - The mass is bleeding, dry, or has a crust - Your dog is squinting, holding the eye closed, or pawing at the face - The eye looks cloudy or blue - There is thick yellow or green discharge - Your dog seems painful or is not eating - The cherry eye returns after surgery - Your dog has a known diagnosis of dry eye and develops new eye signs Seek emergency veterinary care if: - The eye appears to be bulging or is suddenly very swollen - Your dog is crying out or cannot open the eye at all - There is blood coming from the eye - The cornea looks white, blue, or has a visible defect - Your dog has sudden vision loss These signs may indicate a corneal ulcer, glaucoma, or another serious eye condition that needs immediate treatment. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can cherry eye in dogs go away on its own? Most cherry eyes do not go away on their own. The condition is caused by a connective tissue defect that allows the gland to slip out of place, and that defect does not heal by itself [1]. Mild cases may be managed with anti-inflammatory medications, but surgical replacement is usually indicated [1]. If the swelling goes down temporarily, the gland often prolapses again. ### What breeds are most prone to cherry eye? Brachycephalic breeds such as the English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Pug, Boston Terrier, and Boxer are strongly represented in genetic studies of cherry eye [4]. Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, Lhasa Apsos, and Shih Tzus also appear in breed analyses and surgical case series [4][3]. Mixed-breed dogs are affected as well [1][3]. Genetic studies have identified chromosomal regions linked to the condition, supporting a hereditary basis [1][4]. ### Is cherry eye in puppies common? Yes. Cherry eye is most often seen in dogs under two years of age [1]. Puppies can develop it in one or both eyes, sometimes within days or weeks of each other. In one surgical study, the youngest dog treated was 57 days old [3]. Early evaluation by a veterinarian is recommended so that treatment can be planned before the gland becomes chronically inflamed. ### How much does cherry eye surgery cost? The cost of cherry eye surgery varies widely based on your location, the surgical technique, whether one or both eyes are treated, and whether a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist performs the procedure. Preoperative testing, anesthesia, medications, and recheck visits also affect the total. Your veterinarian can provide an itemized estimate after examining your dog. Pet insurance may cover the procedure if the condition is not excluded as preexisting. ### What is cherry eye surgery recovery like? Cherry eye surgery recovery typically involves eye medications, oral medications, an Elizabethan collar, and restricted activity for several weeks. The eye may be red and swollen for the first few days. A recheck is usually scheduled at 7 to 14 days. Most dogs are fully healed by 4 to 6 weeks. In one large study, 99.2% of eyes were successfully repositioned after one surgery, with a mean follow-up of 1,190 days [2]. ### Why do veterinarians replace the gland instead of removing it? The nictitans gland produces a significant portion of the tear film. Removing it reduces tear production and increases the risk of keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or dry eye, which is a chronic condition requiring lifelong management [1][5]. Replacement techniques preserve the gland and have excellent success rates, so removal is no longer the preferred approach. ### Can cherry eye come back after surgery? Yes, recurrence is possible, but it is uncommon with modern techniques. The modified pocket technique had one recurrence in 126 eyes (0.8%) in one study [2]. The suture anchor technique reported no recurrences in 122 eyes [3]. A pooled analysis of the Morgan pocket procedure found an overall failure rate of about 3% [5]. If the gland prolapses again, a second surgery can often correct it. ### Should I wait to see if my dog's cherry eye improves before scheduling surgery? Do not wait without veterinary guidance. A prolapsed gland that stays exposed can become inflamed, swollen, and scarred, which can make surgery more difficult later. Anti-inflammatory medications may be used in mild cases, but surgical replacement is usually indicated [1]. Your veterinarian can assess the eye, check tear production, and recommend the best timing for treatment. ## Related Articles - [Eye Goop In Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/eye-goop-in-dogs) - [Canine Glaucoma - Diagnosis and Management](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/canine-glaucoma-diagnosis-management) - [Canine Cataracts - Diagnosis and Surgical Management](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/canine-cataracts-diagnosis-surgical-management) - [Dog Scratching Ears And Eyes](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/behavior/dog-scratching-ears-and-eyes) - [Dog Eye Goop Allergies](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/dog-eye-goop-allergies) - [Dog Eye Goop Clear](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/dog-eye-goop-clear) ## Sources 1. [Association of FGF4L1 Retrogene Insertion with Prolapsed Gland of the Nictitans (Cherry Eye) in Dogs.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38397188/) 2. [Surgical Correction of Prolapse of Nictitating Membrane Gland Using a Variant of the Pocket Technique: A Retrospective Study on 101 Dogs and 126 Eyes.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40415639/) 3. [Suture anchor placement technique around the insertion of the ventral rectus muscle for the replacement of the prolapsed gland of the third eyelid in dogs: 100 dogs.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23879878/) 4. [Genome-wide association studies with prolapsed gland of the third eyelid in dogs.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39926593/) 5. [An Evidence-Based Rapid Review of Surgical Techniques for Correction of Prolapsed Nictitans Glands in Dogs.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30142957/) 6. [Case report and successful management of canine aortic endocarditis caused by Actinomyces neuii subsp. anitratus (Winkia neuii subsp. anitrata).](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35114997/) 7. [Eye Discharge (Epiphora) in Dogs (VCA Animal Hospitals)](https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/eye-discharge-or-epiphora-in-dogs)