For English Bulldogs to live healthy, it is important that you are aware of the health issues they are prone to. Knowing these health issues as well as their treatment and prevention can help every dog owner raise healthier and happier English bulldogs. One of the health issues that can possibly occur among English bulldogs is cherry eye.
Sadly, many dog owners do not know or have not heard at all about canine cherry eye. Canine cherry eye is a condition in which the gland of the third eyelid (nictitating membrane) pops out of the position (prolapses) and becomes visible. The gland of the third eyelid is responsible for about 30% of the eye's tear production. If this gland prolapses, a reddened mass in the inner corner of the eye occurs. This reddened mass, sometimes mistaken for a tumor, will become irritated and inflamed if exposed for longer period of time.
Despite its appearance, cherry eye is not a painful condition at all. However, immediate steps must be taken to eradicate this else proper function of the tear gland will be compromised and the eye may eventually suffer from dryness (keratoconjunctivitis sicca).
Treating cherry eye usually involves surgery, be it removal of the gland or replacing the gland. But since the third eyelid is responsible for maintaining the normal tear production, removing it may lead to keratoconjunctivitis sicca and may necessitate the use of eyedrops for the rest of the animal's life to keep the eye both comfortable and visual.
After your pet is treated for cherry eye, regular vet visit is recommended to monitor the success of the surgery and determine should complications arise.
Dry eye may occur to 20 percent of dogs that have the gland surgically replaced while 30 to 40 percent among dogs that have the gland removed.
While this disease is common among English bulldogs as well as other dog breeds such as Boston terriers, cocker spaniels and beagles, certain breeds of cat such as Burmese and Bombay can be affected too.
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