Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

What is this swollen lump in my dog's eye corner and what to do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Male | neutered | 1 year and 6 months old | 12 lbs

There's something swollen just in the corner of Bamboo's eye. Any idea what it is and what to do, please??

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 2nd, 2018

This looks like a prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid. This most commonly is a genetic problem that is usually present shortly after birth, but since it seems like you are just noticing it I am wondering if there was some kind of trauma to the third eyelid that caused the gland to prolapse. Occasionally lymph nodes in this same area can enlarge, or rarely there might be a tumor or growth that could look like this. I would recommend seeing your veterinarian. They may want to stain Bamboo's eye to make sure there are not any scratches on the cornea. Often surgery is required to replace the gland.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 4th, 2017
Por Poppit. I depends on what the lump actually looks like. Typically small fleshy normal skin colored lumps on the eyelids are Meibomian gland cysts, which are benign. However I would encourage you to let your vet examine this area to ensure this is nothing to worry about. You also have the option of sharing a photo with either myself or another expert via consultation request.

Some owners elect to have these removed anyway, because they tend to get bigger in a lot of cases and cause constant irritation to the eye later b/c they constantly rub on the cornea. Plus they are a lot easier to remove when they are small, due to the limited amount of skin in this area.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My dog has a white lump in the corner of her eye. Is it cherry eye?

It looks like Babe may have a partially prolapsed gland of the third eyelid or "Cherry eye". If it remains small and no redness it may be fine to monitor. If it get bigger or becomes irritated it may require surgical correction at some point. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cherry-eye-in-dogs https://vcahospitals.com/southpaws/-/media/vca/documents/hospitals/virginia/southpaws/prolapsed_gland_third_eyelid_cherryeye_southpaws.ashx?la=en Thank you for using PetCoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has a red lumpy spot over his eye. What is it? How to help?

Hello. That looks like a small growth/tumor that originated in a tear-producing gland. Without an actual biopsy, we cannot say the exact type or if it is benign/malignant. However, the majority are Meibomian Gland Adenomas and typically are benign. They can bleed, cause inflammation or infection and, if large enough, can irritate or even scratch the cornea. They can be a nuisance. Monitor for squinting, pain, rubbing the eye or chronic discharge. Some need to be removed surgically. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog's eye is red, swollen, watery near the corner. What's wrong?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Babygirl. She has an elevation of her third eyelid. This can be due to inflammation or infection within the eye or to the gland prolasping. Prolapsing of the gland is known as a cherry eye. She will need to se her veterinarian for an examination. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has a red bump under her eyelid that popped. What's wrong?

I am afraid that this red mass looks like a tumor or multicystic mass. This is definitely something that needs to be seen by a vet as it a) keeps your dog from closing his eye lid which can damage the eye to the point of losing vision (will dry out the cornea), and b), tumors can grow invasively, ie destroy the eye. Your vet will examine the mass, possibly take a little bit of tissue to examine under the microscope or send in to a pathology lab and then, depending on the findings, discuss treatment options, which could include removal of the mass alone (if possible), medication to remove it or make it shrink, or even removal of the eye. Please make an appointment with your veterinarian soon.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has a swollen bump on her eyelid. When should I call a vet?

It is hard to tell without a biopsy or a needle sample for examination under a microscope. That is probably what your vet will do when you take Peanut in. Sometimes masses that look like this are viral papillomas or benign skin growths, other times they can be aggressive soft tissue tumors. You can never say 100% without some diagnostic testing.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog's eye is suddenly swollen and protruding. Is it an emergency?

This looks like a swelling of Poppy's conjunctiva as opposed to the eye itself. It could be due to an allergic reaction or infection such as conjunctivitis. She will need eye drops and antinflammatories to settle this down so go to your vet as soon as you can. In the mean time pressing a cooled tea bag on the outside of the eye can provide some relief.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's eye is swollen, white part bulging. Should I see a vet?

I would recommend a check up by your vet - it looks like the third eyelid is inflamed (common with viral infections) and may be developing a cherry eye. In the meantime, bathing with sterile saline eye wash may help keep the eye fresh and clean and reduce any discomfort

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share