Cherry eye is caused by an inherited weakness in the nictating membrane's connective tissue frame that is supposed to hold the eyelid.

Cherry eye can be diagnosed by a physical examination.

Cherry eye usually does not respond to medical treatment such as the use of anti-inflammatories. Thus, surgery is often the recommended treatment. In the past, the surgery would entail a vet removing the entire tear gland. However, this would often lead to the development of dry eye, so removal of the entire tear gland is generally not done anymore. Instead, surgery is aimed at replacing the gland in its proper position. Your primary vet often can perform this surgery, or the surgery can be done by a veterinary opthamologist. A veterinary ophthalmologist is a licensed veterinarian with the special knowledge, training and accreditation to qualify as a specialist in branch of medicine concerned with eye disorders. A veterinary ophthalmologist will have the initials Dipl. ACVO (American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists) after his or her name to indicate that he or she has been conferred specialist status in the field. If you wish, your primary veterinarian can generally refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist in your area.

There is no prevention for cherry eye.

No, you cannot get cherry eye from your dog.