"Cherry eye" is a term used to describe nictitans gland prolapse, a medical condition in dogs that affects the eyes, according to peteducation.com. Dogs, unlike humans, have a third eyelid in the corner of each eye that contains the tear glands. If these glands abnormally protrude from the eye, a dog may be diagnosed with cherry eye. A dog that develops cherry eye symptoms should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Pink or Red Eye Mass
Certain breeds of dogs, such as the bulldog, beagle, bull terrier, bloodhound and Saint Bernard, have an increased risk of developing cherry eye, warns peteducation.com. Dogs with this condition develop severe inflammation of the third eyelid. The primary symptom associated with cherry eye is the appearance of a pink or red mass that protrudes from the corner of the affected eye, reports Veterinary Specialists of Rochester in New York. As the name of this condition suggests, this large red mass resembles a cherry. A dog owner may notice that his dog frequently paws at the affected eye due to eye discomfort or irritation, explains PetPlace.com. Dogs that develop these cherry eye symptoms require additional treatment from a veterinarian. Dogs with cherry eye may require minor surgery to reposition the protruding tear gland.
Eye Discharge
A dog can develop unusually thick or watery eye discharge as a symptom of cherry eye, warns PetPlace.com. The affected eye may appear wet or cloudy due to the presence of this discharge. This discharge can dry and form a crust, which a dog owner may need to clear away from the dog's eye. Eye discharge can also be a symptom of other types of eye infections, and should be reported to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Red or Bloodshot Eyes
The red mass that protrudes from the corner of the affected eye can irritate the eyelid lining, which is also called the conjunctiva, explains PetPlace.com. If this occurs, the dog's eye can appear unusually red, irritated or bloodshot. These symptoms of cherry eye are temporary, and will subside once the dog receives treatment from a veterinarian.
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