WB English Bulldogs

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Cherry Eye in Bulldogs

Cherry Eye - Bulldogs with dry eyes and redness
Dry Eye and Redness in our Bulldogs – Most common symptoms of Cherry Eye

Owning an English bulldog puppy is a dream come true for many. Many customers dreamed of the moment of having a bulldog puppy since they were kids. But wanting a bulldog should include doing the research. All of this to confirm that, in fact, the English bulldog breed is the one for you and your family.

While doing such research, one will find that a very common issue with bulldogs is the “cherry eye”.

What is cherry eye in Bulldogs?

In simple words, cherry eye in English bulldogs is the nonmedical term that describes a prolapsed “nictitating membrane” or third eyelid. Basically, this third eyelid is a gland that comes out of place and dispositioned. As a result, you will notice a red or pink swollen mass. Unfortunately for those of us who love the breed, this is a common condition in English bulldogs as well as other brachiocephalic breeds. And it does not have anything to do with the quality of the puppy, bloodlines, or breeding practices.

The cherry eye may look ugly on your English bulldog puppy. However, it is important for you to know that it does not cause any pain or discomfort to your bulldog puppy. Veterinarians and bulldog owners usually share two main common practices for this issue. One is performing a small surgery called “the pocket surgery”. Through this technique, the surgeon pushes the gland of the puppy back into place and secured with stitches. The second option is also a small surgery where they easily remove the gland that popped out of place.

How do you treat “cherry eye”?

You may find controversy among the two different practices. Some say the “pocket surgery” is temporary. This is because, in many cases, the gland will pop out again after the surgery. Not only resulting in extra discomfort for your puppy. It also results in making you lose what you have already paid the animal clinic. Some others will tell you that removing the gland is not such a good idea. This is because the gland produces about 35% of the lubricant for the eye. If the surgeon performs this procedure the wrong way, the gland will eventually stop working, causing what is commonly known as “dry eye”.

We at WB English bulldogs have reached out to experienced veterinarians about their opinion on this. On most cases, they will rather take the second option. This is where the surgeon removes the gland to avoid any future complications. This is a minor surgery, but it is important that the veterinarian performing it has enough knowledge. Specially about the English bulldog breed conformation to avoid issues such as “dry eye”.

Can you recommend a veterinarian?

If you’re in the Dallas, TX area and have a puppy with this condition, reach out. We will be happy to provide you with veterinarian recommendation with reasonable fees. For those of you out of state, we do recommend doing your research on honest and reputable veterinarians. Or veterinarian clinics familiar and knowledgeable about the English bulldog breed. It is important to find a business who will not only care for your pet, but also provide you with fair pricing.

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