Cherry Eye in Dogs: That Red Lump Isn't Going Away on Its Own

What you're seeing

Dogs have a third eyelid with a tear gland behind it. In cherry eye, that gland prolapses and appears as a red, cherry-like lump in the eye's inner corner. Bulldogs, beagles, cocker spaniels and mastiff types are frequent flyers, usually young.

Why it needs treating

The exposed gland dries, inflames and gets rubbed — and it produces a large share of the eye's tears. Left out (or worse, surgically removed, an outdated approach), the eye risks lifelong dry eye requiring daily medication forever.

The fix

Modern treatment tucks and stitches the gland back into place, preserving tear production. Recurrence happens in a minority and the other eye may follow later — annoying, but far better than losing the gland.

Until surgery

Keep the eye moist with vet-recommended lubricant, prevent rubbing (cone if needed), and don't panic — cherry eye is uncomfortable, not an emergency. But do book promptly: a freshly prolapsed gland repairs more happily than a chronically inflamed one.