Cherry Eye
Dogs have a tear gland on the inner surface of their third eyelid (the pink membrane that rises from the corner of the eye while your dog is asleep). Occasionally, the gland flips up and protrudes from the corner of the eye. The red, smooth, cherrylike lump doesn't seem to bother most dogs at all, but can be extremely alarming to owners. Most cases of cherry eye need surgery to either replace or remove the gland.
Breeds predisposed to this condition include the English Bulldog, Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Bloodhound, Chinese Shar Pei, Lhasa Apso, and Newfoundland. In some animals, a second condition is present where the third eyelid stabilizing cartilage is kinked, contributing to prolapse of the third eyelid gland. Most animals with cherry eye are less than two years old. The protruding gland may sometimes be confused with a tumor or cyst.
Studies show that cherry eyes left untreated develop dry eye at a much higher rate than those eyes which are surgically repaired. Furthermore, in those eyes where the gland is simply snipped off and removed, the rate of dry eye is highest. Although cherry eye is not an emergency, prompt treatment of this problem will prevent serious complications for your pet in the future.