Cherry Eye Surgery Cost 2026: Price Breakdown & Insurance Guide
How much does cherry eye surgery cost for dogs in 2026? We analyze prices ($300-$1,500), the surgical tuck method, and insurance coverage rules.
Dr. Sarah Chen
Veterinarian & Pet Health Expert
It looks like a red, fleshy bubble popping out of the corner of your dog’s eye. It’s unsightly, it’s alarming, and it’s called “Cherry Eye” (Prolapse of the Gland of the Third Eyelid).
While it’s especially common in French Bulldogs, Beagles, and Cane Corsos, it can happen to any dog. The bad news? It usually requires surgery to fix permanently. The good news? It’s a highly successful procedure.
In 2026, the average cost of Cherry Eye surgery ranges from $700 to $2,500.
Let’s break down why the price varies so much and how to pay for it.
💰 2026 Cost Breakdown: Cherry Eye Surgery
The price depends heavily on who performs the surgery (General Vet vs. Veterinary Ophthalmologist) and whether you treat one eye or both.
| Provider Type | One Eye (Unilateral) | Both Eyes (Bilateral) |
|---|---|---|
| General Veterinarian | $300 – $900 | $500 – $1,400 |
| Board-Certified Ophthalmologist | $1,200 – $1,800 | $1,800 – $2,800 |
| Emergency Clinic | $1,500+ | $2,500+ |
Note: Prices typically include anesthesia and follow-up meds. A consultation fee ($100-$300) is usually extra.
🏥 The Procedure: Tuck vs. Remove
Decades ago, vets would simply cut the gland out. We DO NOT do this anymore. This gland produces 30-50% of your dog’s tears. Removing it almost guarantees “Dry Eye” (KCS) for life, which requires expensive daily medication.
The “Pocket Technique” (Tuck)
The modern standard is to surgical tuck the gland back into a pocket inside the eyelid.
- Success Rate: ~90%
- Risk: The gland can pop out again (recurrence), requiring a second surgery.
🛡️ Insurance Coverage Analysis
Does pet insurance cover Cherry Eye? Generally, YES.
However, you must watch out for two traps:
- Pre-Existing Conditions: If your dog had the red bump before you bought the policy, it’s not covered.
- Bilateral Exclusions: If your dog had cherry eye in the left eye before insurance, many policies will exclude the right eye, assuming it’s a genetic inevitability.
Dr. Sarah Chen’s Tip: “If you have a puppy of a susceptible breed (like a Bulldog), get insurance immediately. These conditions often appear before age 2. Once symptoms start, it’s too late to get coverage.”
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cherry Eye painful for dogs?
It starts as an irritation but can become painful if the exposed gland dries out or gets infected. Your dog may paw at it, causing bleeding or corneal ulcers.
Can Cherry Eye go away on its own?
Rarely. Sometimes it pops back in temporarily with massage, but the structural weakness means it will almost certainly pop out again permanently.
What happens if the surgery fails?
Recurrence happens in about 5-20% of cases. A second surgery is usually required to deepen the pocket or use a different tacking method.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is cherry eye surgery for a dog?
The cost typically ranges from $300 to $1,500 per eye, depending on your location and whether a specialist performs the procedure.
Can I ignore my dog's cherry eye?
No. Ignoring it can lead to chronic dry eye (KCS), infection, and permanent vision damage. It is rarely a cosmetic-only issue.
Does pet insurance cover cherry eye?
Yes, unless it is a pre-existing condition. However, for breeds like Bulldogs, some policies have specific waiting periods.