TL;DR: A red fleshy lump in your dog's eye is likely "cherry eye," a prolapsed gland that is not an immediate emergency but requires a veterinary appointment within 24 to 48 hours.
What is the red fleshy lump in the corner of my dog's eye?
A red, fleshy protrusion in the corner of your dog's eye is most commonly a prolapsed gland of the third eyelid, frequently referred to as 'Cherry Eye.' Dogs have a third eyelid located in the inner corner of the eye which contains a tear-producing gland. When the connective tissue holding this gland in place weakens, the gland 'pops out,' appearing as a pink or bright red mass.
Is a red lump in my dog's eye a veterinary emergency?
- The urgency level for this condition is Medium; while not an immediate life-threatening emergency, it should not be ignored.
- If left untreated, the gland may become irritated, inflamed, or infected.
- Chronic exposure can lead to decreased tear production, potentially causing long-term eye health issues.
- You should contact your veterinarian for an appointment within the next 24 to 48 hours.
How does taking a photo of my dog's eye help with veterinary triage?
- Taking a clear, close-up photo provides a visual record for your veterinarian to assess the size, color, and exact location of the lump before you arrive.
- This helps the medical team differentiate between a simple prolapse and other conditions, such as a cyst or a tumor.
- A photo allows the clinic to prioritize your dog's care appropriately based on the severity of the inflammation.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Hypertrophy, inflammation, and prolapse of the gland of the nictitating membrane (cherry eye) is common in young dogs and certain breeds (e.g., American Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, English Bulldog). In the acute stage, the red glandular mass swells and protrudes over the leading margin of the nictitans, and there may be a mucopurulent discharge. Because the gland is a major tear gland, it should be preserved if possible by replacement and anchoring with sutures to the orbital rim, periorbital fascia, or nictitans cartilage, or covered with adjacent mucosa (envelope or pocket techniques). Partial excision should be avoided, as complete excision may predispose the dog to keratoconjunctivitis sicca in 30%-40% of dogs later in life. Surgical or medical resolution of cherry eye still predisposes roughly 20% of these dogs to future keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Therefore, these dogs should be monitored for several years after undergoing surgery.
Chapter: Ophthalmology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 490)