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My dog's eye looks up, no pain. Why is her third eyelid showing?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 13 years and 2 months old

My dogs eye has suddendly turned looking upwards, she's not in pain, what's wrong with her eye please

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on January 21st, 2018

Poor Ella! I'm sorry to hear that she's having this problem. It's a bit hard to tell from the photos exactly what's going on, but it looks like her third eyelid is elevated in the right eye - that's the pale-colored membrane that you can see in the inner corner of her eye. It also looks like the area surrounding the eye may be a bit swollen.

These symptoms could be caused by a number of different things, so she would really need an in-person exam and possibly some testing to diagnose the problem. Conjunctivitis or an injury to the eye such as a corneal ulcer can cause swelling and third eyelid elevation. She could also have an abscess or tumor behind the eye, causing it to bulge outward and have this appearance.

Treatment will depend on what the underlying problem is, so I would recommend taking her to the vet for an exam as soon as you are able to.

8Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on February 10th, 2019
Hi, and thanks for your question.
That is likely to be due to a mild to moderate conjunctivitis, probably secondary to a trauma or infection. A check up would be needed as appropriate treatment would include antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops. Corneal injuries must be ruled out as well.
A buster collar would be extremely helpful to avoid any scratching or rubbing (if any).
Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 15th, 2018
It looks like Dynasty’s third eyelid is up. This can happen if the eye is irritated from a scratch or from neurologic diseases like Horner’s syndrome. If her eye seems red or irritated, or if you notice discharge you should see an emergency vet since this could be a sign of a scratch on her eye.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 28th, 2019
Eye problems are always emergencies. You will need to take Lara to your veterinarian for an eye exam. Eye injuries quickly can get worse and can cause vision loss. Please take your dog t the vet today. This could also be a condition called "cherry eye" or prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid which would need to be repaired by surgery.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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