What this means
Dogs have a third eyelid that normally sits out of sight in the inner corner of the eye. Its gland can pop out and looks like a red or pink lump. It is most often noticed in young dogs and in certain breeds, and can affect one eye or both.
Note down when the lump appeared, whether it sometimes disappears or is always visible, and whether the eye waters, looks red or your dog rubs it. Exposed tissue can dry out or get irritated, so discuss it with your vet.
Do not try to press the lump or push it back. Also, not every lump in the corner of the eye is the same thing, so an examination has to confirm it.
Possible causes
These are things that can cause this sign. It is not a diagnosis, and they are not equally likely for your dog.
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The gland of the third eyelid slipping out
The gland rolls out over the edge of the lid and looks like a red, round lump in the inner corner of the eye.
About the condition: Cherry eye -
An inherited tendency
In some breeds the connective tissue holding the third eyelid is weaker, so it appears at a young age.
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Inflammation of the eye
A red, watering eye can look swollen because of inflammation even when the gland has not slipped.
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Another growth in the corner of the eye
A lump can also be another growth or swelling, which only an examination can tell apart from a slipped gland.
What else to watch for
These observations help your vet build the picture faster. Note down what you saw and when.
- When the lump appeared and whether it sometimes disappears
- Whether it is in one eye or both
- Whether the eye waters, looks red or has mucus
- Whether your dog rubs the eye with a paw or on the ground
- Whether your dog squints the eye
- Whether the lump changes in size or colour
When to book a routine visit
Book a visit as soon as you notice the lump, even without pain, because the exposed tissue can get irritated. If the eye looks painful or red, go the same day.
Related conditions
Conditions whose entries mention this sign. The list is somewhere to read on, not a way to reach a diagnosis.
- Cherry eye Eyes This is a condition in which the tear gland of the third eyelid slips out of place and bulges from the inner corner of the eye as a red lump that looks like a cherry. The gland produces part of the tears, so if it stays out for long it can dry out, swell and keep the eye less moist. Although it looks alarming, it is not a major source of pain, but the eye is worth showing to a vet.
- Eye problems Eyes A dog's eyes can be affected by many different problems: faults of the eyelids and lashes, inflammation, injuries, corneal ulcers, clouding of the lens or diseases of the retina. Eyes are sensitive and some kinds of damage can get worse quickly and affect sight, so changes in the eyes are not something to wait out. If an eye suddenly turns red, seems painful or has been injured, the dog needs to see a vet immediately.
Body systems: Eyes