A common condition that I see in practice is protrusion of the third eyelid gland (or cherry eye).
It looks like a small pink swelling in the corner of the eye. Dog breeds with short noses are more likely to develop this condition and it can involve both eyes.
The attachments of the gland can be loose, allowing the gland to flip inside out and protrude. Treatment involves surgery to correct the condition. Sutures are carefully placed to anchor the third eyelid gland down and prevent protrusion.
The eyelid gland should never be removed because it supplies 40% of the tears in the eye. If removed, a condition called Dry Eye develops, which requires lifelong eye drops to control.
Written by Dr. Lori Skrypnek, DVM
