Cherry eye, scientifically called nictitans gland, is a common condition that affects French bulldogs. Its occurrence makes your dog unpleasant to look at. Fortunately, you can treat it with either surgical or non-surgical treatments. However, not everyone understands what cherry eye is. Here are a few insights into what it is, its symptoms, and how to take care of it.
What is French Bulldog Cherry Eye?
Dogs have three eyelids, including an upper, lower, and another eyelid underneath the lower one. The third eyelid provides extra protection and produces tears to clean the eyes. This way, the dog does not worry about irritants or sties.
Did you know that human beings, too, had a third eyelid called the nictitating membrane? However, it is now obsolete. Today, it appears as a relatively small pink lump on the side of the eyes.
Dogs use their third eyelids as a windscreen wiper, closing along with the other two eyelids.
Since it closes with the other eyelids, it becomes relatively hard for dog owners to notice it. It is at this point that cherry eyes for French bulldogs occur. The gland in their third eyelid falls out of place, causing a small lump in their eyes. This change makes the eye unpleasant to look at and susceptible to various eye conditions.
How French Bulldogs Get Cherry Eye
While it is a common problem among many French bulldogs, the cause of cherry eye remains a mystery. Most experts suppose that this problem is hereditary among these Frenchies. That means that the young ones of an already infected dog are more susceptible to the condition. It is also possible that this dog breed has a weak eye area or is allergic to specific environmental conditions.
How Common is Eye Cherry Among French Bulldogs?
Royal Veterinary College conducted a study and concluded that cherry eyes occur in about 2.6% of French bulldogs. This research also proved that male dogs are the most affected, with a rate of 2.7% compared to 2.3% among the female counterparts.
How Do You Know it is Eye Cherry?
Spotting eye cherry in a French bulldog is relatively straightforward. It comes as a red bulge, mostly on one of the dog’s eyes.
What Does French Dog Cherry Eye Look Like?
The cherry eye in French bulldogs highlights significant protrusion. That means part of the eye remains exposed. This exposed part grows lumpy, reddish, and a little shiny, thanks to heightened irritation and exposure.
The cherry eye’s size will often vary from one dog to another, mostly depending on the size of the dog or the size of its eyes. Regardless, a large eye cherry could readily obscure the vision of your dog. It could also cause irritation or significant discomfort.
What are the Symptoms of French Bulldog Cherry Eye?
The symptoms of French bulldog cherry eyes are easy to notice. Some of the most prominent ones will include the following.
• A cherry eye appears, protrudes, and becomes inflamed
• The dog starts to paw or scratch the affected eye
• The eye turns red and dry
• Too much blinking and squinting could happen
• A red bulge forms and covers part of the dog’s cornea
These symptoms often dictate how you will treat the dog. For instance, surgery becomes inevitable if the condition is severe.
Treatment of French Bulldog Cherry Eye
Various treatment options are at your disposal. You could choose between non-invasive and invasive approaches, depending on your preferences or the vet’s recommendation.
For instance, inflamed eyes will often require no more than anti-inflammatory treatments, which are not invasive. Whether the vet recommends antibiotics or ointments, the aim will be to improve the dog’s comfort.
On the other hand, you could rely on surgery to address the whole issue at once. While it is a last resort, this procedure aims to return the gland to its normal position. It is done by stitching the gland back in place or creating a new pocket in the eyelid to contain the gland.
Remember, you can only consider surgery after exhausting all other options. That is because this procedure could result in dry eyes, thanks to the underproduction of tears. In case the tear gland gets removed, the dog will require artificial tear glands to help clean the eyes.
Ensure that you treat this condition as soon as possible. It will cushion you against extensive costs and unwanted surgeries.
How Do You Massage a French Bulldog Cherry Eye
As long as you do not intend to take your bulldog through surgery, home massages will suffice. It is less stressful, straightforward, and affordable. It is a suitable option if the condition is in its early stages. Remember, over time, the membrane could become weaker, making it harder to massage the dog.
Ensure that you use soft massages, warm compresses, and a few drops when massaging the cherry eye. This combination ensures that the gland gets back to its original position. Whatever you do, ensure that you are as careful as possible, as the eyes of your dog are too sensitive.
What if Untreated?
As long as the cherry eye is not treated on time, it becomes complicated to handle it altogether, whether you choose a home remedy or surgery. The tissues connecting the eyelid and the gland become weaker, meaning they cannot contain the gland for long.
Your dog could also end up irritated and uncomfortable most of the time. Its eyes become dry, making them vulnerable to various health conditions in the long run.
Can Cherry Eyes Cause Blindness in French Bulldogs?
Suppose this condition is not treated on time. In that case, it exposes the French bulldog to various eye conditions that could cause blindness. A condition called Dry Eye will emerge, reducing the dog’s vision and exposing it to blindness. Ensure that you speak to your vet on time.
How Much Does French Bulldog Eye Surgery Cost?
Among the best home solutions is massaging your dog. Its affordability and straightforwardness will often appeal to you. But it does not suffice at all times, as surgery could be inevitable.
If the case is severe, you are likely to spend between £300 and £400. If the prolapse has to be removed, you will pay an additional £100 to £400. However, the prices could vary depending on a few factors.
In conclusion, your dog’s vision is essential, and the insights provided above could help you take care of it.
