cherry eye

[ cher-ee ahy ]

noun

, Veterinary Pathology.

1. a common condition seen in dogs and occasionally cats, in which the nictitating membrane prolapses and bulges out of the eye's inner corner.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cherry eye¹

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

George was suffering from “cherry eye,” or a prolapsed eye gland.

From Los Angeles Times

Authorities alleged that Fay deprived the dogs of treatment for cherry eye and fed them maggot-infested food.

From Seattle Times

They alleged that Fay deprived the dogs of treatment for cherry eye and fed them maggot-infested food.

From Seattle Times

Bubba left after developing cherry eye, but then returned to reprise his role as an understudy.

From New York Times

A Humane Society officer responding to a report of an owner not properly caring for a litter of puppies discovered one of them with a “cherry eye,” a condition that, if left untreated, can lead to permanent eye damage.

From Washington Post