Swollen Inner Corner of the Lower Eyelid in a Boston Terrier

Yes, dogs can get a blocked tear duct. Tears normally drain through two tiny openings at the inner corner of the upper and lower lids and down a duct into the nose. If the duct gets blocked by debris, inflammation or something lodged in it, the tear sac can become inflamed. That causes watering and eye infections that keep coming back, and sometimes a small draining sore on the lower lid.

Other causes of swelling in that spot include cherry eye, a slipped gland that shows as a red lump in the inner corner and is common in flat-faced breeds, a stye or blocked oil gland on the lid, and a small eyelid lump. Most eyelid lumps in dogs are benign.

Your vet can check whether the duct drains by putting a drop of dye in the eye and watching for it at the nose. A blocked duct can usually be flushed, with antibiotic drops if it's infected. Warm compresses can soothe a sore lid in the meantime.

See swollen eyes in dogs and watery eyes in dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.