Cherry Eye in French Bulldogs: What You Need to Know About Causes, Symptoms, and Care

Cherry eye in French Bulldogs is a common condition that can cause a red, swollen lump in the corner of the eye. This condition is caused by a prolapsed gland of the third eyelid.

The third eyelid gland is responsible for producing tears and lubricating the eyes, and when it prolapses, it can cause the eye to become red, swollen, and painful.

French Bulldogs are prone to cherry eye due to their brachycephalic skull structure, which can cause the third eyelid gland to become displaced. This is a result of the breed's unique facial anatomy.

Symptoms of cherry eye in French Bulldogs can include a red, swollen lump in the corner of the eye, discharge, and squinting.

On a similar theme: English Bulldog Red Eye

Cherry eye in French Bulldogs occurs when the gland in their third eyelid falls out of place, causing a small lump in their eyes.

This lump can make the eye look unpleasant to look at and can lead to various eye conditions.

The gland's displacement can be hard to notice, especially since it closes with the other eyelids.

However, when it appears, it's typically visible as a red bulge, usually on one of the dog's eyes.

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Veterinarians aren’t 100% sure what causes cherry eye in French Bulldogs, but we have somewhat of an idea.

Cherry eye is a common issue in French Bulldogs, and it's often linked to a prolapsed gland in the third eyelid. This gland is responsible for producing tears and helping to keep the eyes moist.

Genetics may play a role in the development of cherry eye, as it tends to run in families.

Some breeds are more susceptible to developing cherry eye than others.

French Bulldogs, like many other breeds, have a higher genetic predisposition to this tissue fiber weakness.

This means that if you have a French Bulldog, you should be aware of the increased risk of your dog developing cherry eye.

Unfortunately, this breed is more prone to the gland popping out of place, leading to the characteristic "cherry eye" appearance.

It's essential to know that this breed-specific risk is linked to the genetic factor, which can be passed down from parents to puppies.

Expand your knowledge: Full Breed Bulldog

Age plays a significant role in the development of cherry eye in French Bulldogs.

Cherry eye is much more common in younger French Bulldogs.

The most common age for a Frenchie to develop cherry eye is between 3 months and 2 years old.

If your Frenchie is older than 2 years, you can breathe a sigh of relief - but still keep an eye out for it, literally!

A cherry eye in French Bulldogs can be a pretty unmistakable condition. The bright red, swollen mass protruding from the eye is a clear sign that something is amiss.

You'll often notice a cherry eye appears, protrudes, and becomes inflamed. This is a common symptom of the condition.

The affected dog may start to paw or scratch the eye, which can be a sign of discomfort. This behavior is a clear indication that the dog needs attention.

The eye may turn red and dry, and the dog may exhibit excessive blinking and squinting. This is a result of the corneal irritation or tear production problem.

A red bulge may form and cover part of the dog's cornea, obscuring its vision and causing further discomfort.

Here are the most common symptoms of a cherry eye in French Bulldogs:

Surgical treatment is a last resort for cherry eye in French Bulldogs, but it can be effective in addressing the issue at once.

The surgery involves stitching the gland back in place or creating a new pocket in the eyelid to contain the gland.

However, this procedure can result in dry eyes due to the underproduction of tears, so it's essential to exhaust all other options before considering surgery.

Suggestion: English Bulldog Cherry Eye Surgery Cost

If you spot the unmistakable "cherry pit" on your Frenchie's eye, it's so important that you take them to the vet ASAP.

You can treat cherry eye in French bulldogs by massaging the affected place, but it's crucial to use a sterile gauze soaked into natrii chloride or other dog-safe eye drops.

The earlier you catch the cherry eye, the better the prognosis will be, and you can minimize any damage to the eye.

In most cases, cherry eye in Frenchies comes in a mild form and doesn't require surgery, but if it's not treated in time, the condition may only get worse.

Your vet will prescribe you an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapy (eye drops) and should teach you how to massage the eye.

If this doesn't work for your dog, the last stage would be the surgery, as seen in Bella's case, where she had cherry eye in both eyes that were fixed with surgery.

Some people claim that cherry eye can simply go away on its own, but this usually isn't the case.

If your vet determines that surgery isn't immediately required, and the cherry eye doesn't just go away with time, they'll likely prescribe topical antibiotics and/or corticosteroid anti-inflammatory eye drops.

These eye drops reduce swelling and inflammation, which will help to relieve any pain or discomfort your dog may be experiencing.

In mild cases, it may be possible to slowly massage the gland back into its proper position, but you should only do this under the guidance of a vet.

Topical antibiotics are typically prescribed when there's a lot of discharge in the eye, and they also protect against secondary infections.

You should see a vet if you suspect your dog has cherry eye, as they'll be able to determine the best course of treatment for your dog's specific case.

The vet will teach you how to massage the eye using a sterile gauze soaked into natrii chloride or other dog-safe eye drops.

In most cases, you can treat cherry eye by massaging the affected area, but it's essential to do this correctly to avoid causing more harm than good.

Using a very thin and rapidly absorbing suture material is recommended for cherry eye surgery in bulldogs.

This type of suture is preferred because it reduces the risk of complications and promotes faster healing.

Cherry eye surgery is more likely to be successful if done soon after the gland prolapses, which can make the surgical repositioning more difficult if delayed.

A thin and rapidly absorbing suture material can help minimize scarring and promote a smoother recovery.

Cherry eye is a relatively common condition in certain breeds, particularly those with shorter muzzles, such as French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers.

According to a study by the Royal Veterinary College, about 2.6% of French Bulldogs are affected by cherry eye.

Male French Bulldogs are more likely to develop cherry eye, with a rate of 2.7% compared to 2.3% among females.

Cherry eye can occur in dogs of all ages, but it's more common in those under two years old.

Here's a breakdown of breeds prone to cherry eye:

Cherry eye in French Bulldogs is a common issue, but it's not an emergency in its milder form. You should seek veterinary advice if you can't massage it back under the lid or if it's getting worse.

Massaging the cherry eye back into place can often be a solution, but it's essential to do it gently and carefully. If you're unsure, it's always best to consult with a vet.

In some cases, cherry eye can cause discomfort, so keep an eye out for signs like squinting or redness in your French Bulldog's eye.

Cherry eye is a common condition that can be treated with home remedies, but it's essential to consult with a vet before attempting any of them. Since cherry eye won't fully go away on its own, leaving it untreated can lead to pain, damaged tear ducts, or even loss of vision.

Some people claim that the best at-home remedy is to leave the cherry eye alone, but this can do more harm than good. In contrast, massaging the cherry eye back into place can often be effective.

You should massage the cherry eye gently, but if it's not responding, it's best to seek veterinary advice. If the cherry eye is getting worse or causing discomfort, it's crucial to consult with a vet right away.

While home remedies can be a good starting point, they may not provide a permanent solution, and the cherry eye may poke back out in time.

Prevention is key when it comes to certain health issues in bulldogs and French bulldogs. In bulldogs and French bulldog puppies, only one side prolapses, yet often the other cherry eye prolapses soon after.

The unaffected gland may be anchored and imbricated to prevent the other gland from prolapsing. This can be a lifesaver for these adorable dogs.

Preservation is key when it comes to treating cherry eye in bulldogs. Up to 30% of a bulldog's total tear production comes from the gland in the third eyelid, also known as the "cherry" gland.

Removing this gland can significantly reduce tear production, potentially leading to chronic dry eye issues. Bulldog Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, or "bulldog dry eye", is a real concern if the "cherry" gland is removed.

Surgical repair must prioritize preserving the gland to minimize these risks. Removal of the "cherry" gland is strictly reserved for rare cases of cancer and trauma.

Cherry eye surgery in bulldogs is more likely to be successful if it's done soon after the gland prolapses. The prolonged chronic swelling of the gland can make the surgical repositioning more difficult, thus increasing the chance of recurrence.

The chances for failure are much higher with the tacking technique, especially with bulldogs and French bulldogs. This is because their Brachycephalic breed makes them more prone to complications.

The "tucking" technique provides a short-term anchor during the healing or swelling period. This can be a useful temporary solution, but it's not a long-term fix.

If you're considering surgery for your bulldog, don't wait too long. The sooner you address the issue, the better the chances of a successful outcome.

If left untreated, cherry eye can cause damage to the eye or third eyelid gland. This can lead to chronic dry eye and irritation.

Cherry eye can seriously impair your French Bulldog's vision in severe cases of dry eye.

Seeking treatment quickly is crucial to minimize damage to the eye.

French bulldog cherry eye surgery should be performed by a certified vet.

The tucking method is the most common surgical procedure used to treat cherry eye, involving a stitch that pulls the gland back into its original position.

Removing the cherry is not advisable because a big part of tear production is found in the third eyelid, which can lead to 'bulldog dry eye' syndrome.

Up to 20% of surgically repaired cherry eyes might re-prolapse.

The risk of re-prolapse is highest with the anchor method and significantly lower when using a combination method.

Removing the "cherry" gland can significantly reduce your bulldog's tear production, potentially leading to chronic dry eye issues.

Removal of the "cherry" will increase the chances of "bulldog dry eye" (Bulldog Keratoconjunctivitis Sica (KCS)).