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Why is my senior dog's third eyelid swollen, red, and discharging?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Brittany | Female | spayed | 12 years and 7 months old | 18 lbs

12yr old Brittany Spaniel "Maggie" has had significant 3rd eyelid swelling and redness producing some discharge.. Left eyelid covering almost half of her eye. Treating with benadryl, half dose of 500mg antibiotic twice today and just applied a drop of "Soothe XP" Bausch &Lomb ophthalmalic sterile eyedrops. Can send pics of the condition. Thanks in advance

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Amy S. Eutsey, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 22nd, 2017

It is a bit hard to tell from the photo as the images are a little blurry and shadow right over the affected area, but I would be concerned about a prolapsed third eyelid gland. The third eyelid has an associated gland that is normally tucked down in behind it that helps to produce tears. The brighter pink portion of tissue on the photo looks like it might be that gland. This is also referred to as a cherry eye. This condition is much more common in young dogs, so the fact that your 12 year old dog is just now showing this is concerning for some u deying condition causing swelling behind or under the eye. I would recommend that you discontinue the topical solution as this should not be applied without direct instruction from a vet that has looked at the eye and examined the cornea directly At this point, your dog should be seen for a hands on exam to look not only at the eye, but the inside and roof of the mouth for anything that may be putting pressure on the eyeball. Please make an appointment for her with your vet as soon as possible.

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    Answered By Cara, DVM, cVMA

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Poor Maggie! Her eye looks uncomfortable. She could be dealing with something minor such as conjunctivitis or a scratch on the surface of her eye. Third eyelid elevation can also be the sign of a nerve condition called Horners syndrome. Typically oral antibiotics are not great at penetrating to the surface of the eye, so I would recommend taking Maggie to your vet and have them figure out the cause. They may want to do a couple of tests to determine if there's a scratch on the eye or any inflammation within it.

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