The chocolate Labrador retriever is one of three generic types of Labs. These dogs generally live 10 to 12 years and are loyal, playful and family-friendly animals. But just like humans, chocolate Labs require occasional medical attention. Specifically, they are known to have eye disorders. One common condition is the appearance of bloodshot eyes in the dog. There are several explanations for this condition.

1

Dry Eyes

Typically, the older a dog becomes, the drier its eyes get. This often causes the outer portion of the eye to get irritated and inflamed, which may result in bloodshot eyes, or in some more severe cases, a yellow discharge coming from the eye. Common antibiotics can be used to treat severe cases of dry eye that show discharge.

2

Cherry Eye

Although chocolate Labradors aren't as prone to developing "cherry eye" as other breeds, the condition has been found in every dog breed. According to Pet Education, cherry eye is "a prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid." This results is swelling of the eye, which turns the eye a red, bloodlike colour. Corrective surgery is generally the best treatment for this condition.

  • Although chocolate Labradors aren't as prone to developing "cherry eye" as other breeds, the condition has been found in every dog breed.
3

Conjunctivitis

According to Pet Education, conjunctivitis, or red eye, is the infection of the tissue lining the eyelids and attaching to the eyeball near the cornea. This causes a severe bloodshot redness in the eye and can be instigated by allergies. Anti-inflammatory medicines and antibiotics are common treatment methods of conjunctivitis.