How Much Does Cherry Eye Surgery Cost in 2026?
Cherry eye surgery costs between $300 and $2,500 per eye in the United States in 2026, with the national average falling around $700 to $1,200 for the most common pocket flap (tucking) procedure. Prices vary significantly based on the surgical technique used, whether a general practice veterinarian or board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist performs the procedure, and your geographic location.
Cherry eye — the prolapse of the nictitating membrane gland (third eyelid gland) — is one of the most common ophthalmic conditions in dogs, particularly in brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, and Shih Tzus. According to veterinary ophthalmology data and the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO), surgical replacement of the gland is the gold standard treatment, as the third eyelid gland produces approximately 30–50% of the eye's tear film.
Gland removal (excision) is no longer recommended by most veterinary professionals because it significantly increases the risk of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye), which requires lifelong treatment costing $50–$150 per month in medications. Understanding the full cost picture before surgery helps you make the best decision for your pet and your budget.
Cost by Surgery Type
| Procedure Type | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Pocket Flap Technique (Morgan Pocket) | $800 | $300–$1,500 |
| Orbital Anchoring Technique | $1,400 | $800–$2,500 |
| Combined Pocket + Anchoring | $1,600 | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Gland Removal (Excision)* | $500 | $300–$900 |
| Revision Surgery (Recurrence) | $1,200 | $400–$2,000 |
*Gland removal is generally discouraged by veterinary ophthalmologists due to high risk of chronic dry eye. It is listed here for cost comparison purposes only.
Cherry Eye Surgery Cost by State
Geographic location is one of the biggest factors influencing cherry eye surgery costs. Urban areas with higher costs of living and specialty veterinary hospitals tend to charge more, while rural clinics and Midwestern states often offer more affordable pricing.
| State | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| California | $1,200 | $700–$2,500 |
| New York | $1,300 | $800–$2,500 |
| Texas | $750 | $400–$1,500 |
| Florida | $850 | $450–$1,800 |
| Illinois | $900 | $500–$1,800 |
| Pennsylvania | $800 | $400–$1,600 |
| Ohio | $650 | $300–$1,300 |
| Georgia | $700 | $350–$1,400 |
| North Carolina | $750 | $400–$1,500 |
| Arizona | $800 | $450–$1,600 |
| Colorado | $900 | $500–$1,700 |
| Washington | $1,000 | $600–$2,000 |
Pet Insurance vs. No Insurance
Unlike human medical procedures, cherry eye surgery falls under veterinary care, meaning traditional health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid, private health plans) does not apply. Instead, pet insurance is the relevant coverage type for this procedure.
| Coverage Type | Typical Out-of-Pocket Cost | What's Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive Pet Insurance (e.g., Trupanion, Healthy Paws) | $100–$500 | 70–90% of surgery, anesthesia, medications, and follow-ups after deductible |
| Accident-Only Pet Insurance | $500–$1,500 | May cover if classified as injury; typically does not cover congenital prolapse |
| Wellness Plan Add-On | Full cost (not covered) | Wellness plans cover preventive care only, not surgical procedures |
| No Insurance | $300–$2,500 | Pet owner pays all costs including surgery, anesthesia, meds, and follow-ups |
Important: Cherry eye is often considered a congenital or hereditary condition in predisposed breeds. Some pet insurance policies exclude congenital conditions, while others (like Trupanion and Embrace) cover them. Always review your policy's fine print. If your pet had cherry eye symptoms before enrollment, it will be classified as a pre-existing condition and denied coverage.
Cherry Eye Surgery Cost Breakdown
The total cost of cherry eye surgery includes several components beyond the surgical fee itself. Here's what you can expect:
- Pre-surgical examination: $50–$150 (assessment of the eye, Schirmer tear test, fluorescein stain)
- Pre-anesthetic bloodwork: $80–$200 (CBC, chemistry panel to ensure safe anesthesia)
- Anesthesia: $150–$400 (general anesthesia with monitoring)
- Surgical fee: $200–$1,500 (varies by technique and surgeon credentials)
- Post-operative medications: $30–$75 (antibiotic eye drops, anti-inflammatory drops, oral pain medication)
- Elizabethan collar (E-collar): $10–$25
- Follow-up visits (1–2): $40–$75 each
- Total estimated add-on costs: $360–$925 on top of the base surgical fee
Factors That Affect Cherry Eye Surgery Cost
Surgeon Credentials and Experience
A board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist (Diplomate of the ACVO) typically charges $800–$2,500 per eye, while a general practice veterinarian experienced in ophthalmic surgery may charge $300–$1,000. Ophthalmologists generally have higher success rates and lower recurrence rates, which can save money long-term.
Geographic Location
Veterinary costs in metropolitan areas like New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles are 40–80% higher than in rural or suburban areas. A procedure costing $500 in rural Ohio might cost $1,300 in Manhattan.
Surgical Technique
The pocket flap technique is the most affordable option, while orbital anchoring and combination techniques are more expensive but may offer lower recurrence rates. Your veterinarian will recommend the best technique based on the severity of the prolapse and your dog's anatomy.
Unilateral vs. Bilateral Surgery
If both eyes require surgery, performing bilateral cherry eye repair in a single anesthesia session is more cost-effective. Most veterinarians offer a 10–20% discount on the second eye, and you save on a second anesthesia fee.
Emergency vs. Elective Timing
Emergency or after-hours cherry eye surgery can cost $200–$600 more than a scheduled procedure. While cherry eye is rarely a true emergency, some cases with secondary corneal ulceration or severe inflammation may require urgent intervention.
Facility Type
Veterinary teaching hospitals often provide the most affordable option ($300–$700) because supervised residents perform the surgery. Specialty referral hospitals are the most expensive, while general practice clinics fall in the middle.
How to Save Money on Cherry Eye Surgery
- Get multiple quotes: Contact at least 3–5 veterinary clinics in your area. Prices can vary by hundreds of dollars for the same procedure within the same city.
- Consider a veterinary teaching hospital: University veterinary hospitals (such as those at UC Davis, Cornell, Ohio State, or Texas A&M) offer reduced rates for procedures performed by supervised residents, often 30–50% less than private specialty clinics.
- Enroll in pet insurance early: If you have a breed predisposed to cherry eye, enrolling in comprehensive pet insurance as a puppy — before any symptoms appear — can save you 70–90% of the surgical cost.
- Ask about bilateral discounts: If both eyes are affected, request a discount for simultaneous surgery. This also reduces overall anesthesia risk and eliminates a second recovery period.
- Choose a general practice vet with ophthalmic experience: Not every cherry eye case requires a board-certified ophthalmologist. An experienced general practice veterinarian can perform pocket flap surgery successfully at a lower cost.
- Don't delay treatment: Early intervention when the gland first prolapses is typically easier and less expensive to repair than chronic or recurrent cases that may require more complex techniques.
- Look into veterinary financial assistance programs: Organizations like the ASPCA, RedRover Relief, and breed-specific rescue groups sometimes offer financial assistance for necessary veterinary surgeries.
Financing Options for Cherry Eye Surgery
| Financing Option | Details | Typical Terms |
|---|---|---|
| CareCredit | Veterinary credit card accepted at most clinics | 0% APR for 6–12 months on purchases over $200; 26.99% APR after promo period |
| Scratchpay | Veterinary-specific financing with multiple plan options | 0% APR plans available for shorter terms; longer plans at 9.99–19.99% APR |
| Veterinary Payment Plans | In-house financing offered by some clinics | Varies; typically requires 50% deposit with balance over 2–6 months |
| Personal Loan | Through banks, credit unions, or online lenders | 6–36 month terms; 7–25% APR depending on credit score |
| Pet Insurance Reimbursement | Pay upfront, submit claim for reimbursement | 70–90% reimbursement after deductible; processing takes 5–14 days |
| HSA/FSA Funds | Generally NOT eligible for pet veterinary expenses | HSA/FSA covers human medical expenses only; not applicable to pet surgery |
Pro Tips from Veterinary Professionals
Always choose gland replacement over gland removal. While removal is cheaper upfront ($300–$900), the resulting dry eye condition requires lifelong medication costing $600–$1,800 per year. Gland replacement surgery pays for itself within the first year.
Ask your veterinarian about their cherry eye recurrence rate. A skilled surgeon performing the pocket flap technique should have a recurrence rate below 10%. If a vet can't provide this information or has a high recurrence rate, consider seeking a specialist.
Request an itemized estimate before surgery. Some clinics quote only the surgical fee, while others include everything. An itemized breakdown ensures you're comparing apples to apples and won't face surprise charges for bloodwork, anesthesia monitoring, or follow-up visits.
If your dog is a brachycephalic breed, consider pet insurance on day one. Breeds like English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers have cherry eye rates as high as 15–20%. Enrolling in insurance before any symptoms appear is the single best financial decision you can make for these breeds.