English Bulldog Cherry Eye Surgery Cost and Everything You Need to Know

English bulldog cherry eye surgery is a common procedure to correct a condition where the gland in the corner of the eye bulges out, causing discomfort and potentially leading to vision problems.

The cost of English bulldog cherry eye surgery varies depending on factors such as location, veterinarian expertise, and the complexity of the surgery.

Typically, English bulldog cherry eye surgery costs between $500 to $2,000 per eye, with some cases requiring additional procedures that can increase the overall cost.

Your veterinarian will be able to provide a more accurate estimate of the costs involved in the surgery, taking into account your dog's specific needs and circumstances.

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English bulldogs are prone to cherry eye, a condition where the third eyelid gland is displaced, causing a red, raised mass to appear on the lower eyelid. This can be a sign of dry eye, where the gland produces fewer tears, leading to thick, gooey tears that are often yellow or white.

The most common cause of cherry eye in English bulldogs is their conformation, specifically their short-nosed face. This shallow ocular orbit makes it easy for the third eyelid gland to become displaced.

A weak or damaged fibrous connection that anchors the third eyelid gland can also lead to cherry eye. This can happen randomly or as a result of trauma to the head, neck, or eye.

If left untreated, dry eye can cause the cornea to become scarred and pigmented, leading to red and inflamed eyes. Your dog might squint, rub, or paw at their eyes due to irritation.

Your English bulldog might develop a cherry eye due to their breed predisposition, and it's essential to recognize the signs, such as a red, raised mass on the lower eyelid, to seek veterinary attention.

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English bulldog owners often notice a red mass in the inner corner of their dog's eye, which is a hallmark sign of cherry eye. This red mass can resemble a cherry pit.

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A discharge from the eye, redness of the eye, and inflammation and redness of the conjunctiva are also common symptoms. If your dog is uncomfortable, they may paw at the eye or rub the face on various surfaces to scratch the eye.

Dogs with cherry eye may produce a thick mucus discharge from the eye due to insufficient tear production or infection. Look for redness, swelling, and irritation as the first signs of cherry eye in dogs.

Here are some common signs of cherry eye in dogs:

Symptoms of cherry eye in dogs can be quite noticeable. A red, raised mass coming from the lower eyelid is a common sight.

This mass can be a round, red or pink mass in the lower inner corner of the eye that looks like a cherry pit. You might also see a swollen and protruding third eyelid resembling a cherry pit.

In some cases, the eye itself will seem red, itchy, or swollen. Dogs with cherry eye may produce a thick mucus discharge from the eye.

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If your dog has a cherry eye, you might see signs associated with dry eye, such as thick, gooey tears that are often yellow or white. These tears can irritate your dog, leading them to rub or paw at their eyes.

Here are some common symptoms to look out for:

These symptoms can be uncomfortable for your dog, and if left untreated, can lead to secondary issues such as ulcers of the cornea and chronic dry eye.

Diagnosing cherry eye in dogs is a relatively straightforward process that involves a visual examination of the eye.

The vet will look for a red, pink, or purple mass in the corner of the eye, which is a classic sign of cherry eye.

A Schirmer's test may also be performed to measure tear production and rule out dry eye.

This test is simple and non-invasive, and it's a great way to get a better understanding of your dog's tear production.

Fluorescein staining may also be used to check for corneal scratches, which can occur when a dog with cherry eye scratches its face with its paws or objects around the house.

Dogs with cherry eye may experience corneal scratches, which can lead to further complications and discomfort.

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Most dogs require surgery to treat cherry eye, and post-surgical medication is also typically involved.

Your veterinarian will determine the best course of action based on your pet's diagnosis.

Occasionally, eye drops and medications can rid your dog of cherry eye, but surgery is usually necessary.

A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled 2-4 weeks after surgery to check for complications and perform a Schirmer tear test to check for dry eye.

The Schirmer tear test measures the amount of tears produced to determine whether a pet has dry eye, which is a common secondary condition after cherry eye surgery.

The third eyelid gland produces approximately 33% of a dog's tears, and if it becomes damaged during surgery, the dog may be predisposed to chronic dry eye.

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Surgery is the only option for treating cherry eye in English Bulldogs, as drops and ointments won't resolve the gland prolapse.

The "pocket" technique has a very high success rate, with a recurrence rate of less than 2% at Animal Eye Care.

The cost of cherry eye surgery ranges from $300 to $800, depending on the severity of the condition, the type of procedure, and the doctor performing it.

Additional treatment costs, such as ongoing medication, can range from $25 to $75.

The sooner you bring in your dog after the condition develops, the higher the cherry eye surgery success rate.

A second surgery is not uncommon, and in some cases, curing cherry eye in dogs requires a second surgery.

There are two types of cherry eye surgery: tucking and imbrication. Tucking involves placing a single stitch to bring the third eyelid gland back to its proper position, while imbrication involves removing tissue from on top of the third eyelid gland and tightening it to push the gland back into place.

Here are the two types of cherry eye surgery:

It's essential to visit your veterinarian as soon as you notice anything unusual about your pet's eyes, as the chances for full recovery are highest if the procedure is performed early.

Treatment for cherry eye in dogs is usually straightforward, but it's essential to act quickly to prevent complications. Surgery is the most common treatment, and it's usually successful in resolving the issue.

The success rate of surgery is high, with over 90% of cases resulting in the gland being returned to its proper position. However, in some cases, a second surgery may be needed.

There are several surgical techniques that can be used, including the "pocket" technique, which has a high success rate but is also the most expensive option. Removing the third eyelid membrane is a less expensive alternative, but it can reduce tear production by 30%.

If left untreated, cherry eye can lead to secondary issues such as eye infections and chronic dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS). In some cases, surgery may not be necessary if the dog's eye is healthy and not at risk of developing these complications.

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The cost of surgery can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the condition, the type of procedure, and the doctor performing it. On average, the cost of cherry eye surgery ranges from $300 to $800, with additional costs for medication and follow-up care.

Here are some estimated costs associated with cherry eye surgery:

It's essential to note that pet insurance can help cover the costs of medication and surgery for cherry eye. If your dog has a genetic predisposition to this condition, it's best to insure them while they're still a puppy to ensure coverage for any future health issues.

The minimum recommended age to undergo cherry eye surgery is four months. This is a crucial consideration for pet owners who are considering surgical options for their furry friends.

Puppies as young as four months can undergo cherry eye surgery, but it's essential to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best course of action for your pup.

The recommended age for surgery is typically based on the puppy's overall health and development, so it's crucial to work closely with a veterinarian to determine the best time for surgery.

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