Your pet is likely the apple of your eye. But did you know that he or she can get a cherry eye? This condition is most common in certain breeds, often those with pushed-in faces, such as Bulldogs or Himalayan cats.
Dogs and cats have a third eyelid that typically isn’t visible because it hides in the corner of the eye near the muzzle. A tear gland located within this third eyelid sometimes flips outward and becomes swollen and inflamed, turning as red as a small cherry.
The “cherry” can cover a large part of the eye, or just be an occasional nuisance. If cherry eye persists, the gland can be surgically anchored in its proper place before it becomes permanently damaged and can no longer produce tears.
So, no need to cry over cherry eye. If you see a pink or red mass of tissue in or around your pet’s eye, contact your veterinarian for prompt treatment.