Help, what do I do? I just noticed this red lump in the corner of my dog Max's eye yesterday afternoon, and I'm kind of freaking out. He's never had any issues like this before. Max is only three years old, and he’s been acting normal — eating, playing, wagging his tail like crazy — but this thing is just so—well, obvious now. I did some googling, and it seems like it might be cherry eye, but I’m no vet. Some sites say it’s no big deal, others say he needs immediate surgery. The vet could only see us tomorrow, and I’m worried sick. Have any of you experienced this with your own pets? Is surgery really the way to go, or is there something else I should try first? Any advice would be much appreciated!
I completely understand why you're worried about your pet's cherry eye. Cherry eye is a condition where the gland in the third eyelid becomes inflamed and protrudes, giving it a reddish, swollen appearance. It can occur in both dogs and cats, though it's more common in certain breeds of dogs.
In mild cases of cherry eye, surgery might not be immediately necessary. Sometimes, gentle massage and eye lubrication can help. You can try gently massaging the corner of your pet's eye to coax the gland back in, but be very careful and use clean hands. Additionally, applying a warm, damp cloth to the area can soothe the inflammation.
However, if the gland doesn't retract on its own or if your pet is repeatedly scratching at it, surgery may be the best option. Leaving it untreated can lead to chronic discomfort or even damage to the eye. Signs that indicate a more serious problem include increased redness or swelling, discharge from the eye, or any sign that your pet is in pain (such as squinting or pawing at the eye).
If you're seeing any of these signs or if you feel unsure about what to do next, I recommend booking a video consult with Dial A Vet. This way, a professional can visually assess your pet's condition and guide you on the best steps forward.
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