Prolapsed Third Eyelid

The third eyelid gland is a gland that sits beneath the third eyelid in dogs. This gland is responsible for a part of the tear film that dogs produce to keep the cornea lubricated. If the gland “prolapses” from underneath the third eyelid, it is seen as roundish pink fleshy mass in the cornea of the eye near the nose.

Prolapse of this gland obstructs the normal movement of the third eyelid across the cornea. The prolapsed gland often tends to become quite inflamed and irritated and can lead to rubbing of this eye and secondary infections.

The gland is normally sutured back into place by creating a pocket in the tissue beneath the third eyelid gland, and closing this pocket, once the gland is back in place, with buried sutures. This keeps it in place permanently. Removal of the gland is even quicker, and whilst not preferred, is still an option.

Some swelling is normal due to inflammation of the tissues. This settles over the next seven days or so, with the use of eye ointment that the dog goes home with. No suture removal is required.