Cherry Eyes

Question
I want to adopt a mixed pekingese female approx 1 year old.
The shelter tells me she has cherry eyes.  What is this and how is it treated? Is the treatment expensive?

Answer
Cherry eye is when the tear gland swells and protrudes from the eye.  It is more common in breeds that have the "smooshed" face.  Sometimes it can be fixed by simply carefully folding the tissue back in with a Q-tip (I would have a vet do this).  Sometimes it requires surgery.  The only way to know for sure is to have her evaluated by your vet.  If surgery is required it can become expensive, especially if they remove the gland because then you are having to deal with a whole new problem since they will no longer be able to produce tears to lubricate the eye.

Amanda