Understanding and Treating Cherry Eye in French Bulldogs – A Complete Guide

Introduction:

French Bulldog Cherry Eye! Visualize This: You and your French Bulldog, with their loving nature, those bat-like ears, and a charm that could melt the stony heart. 

But, just like any of us, these lovable companions can face a little health hiccup called Cherry Eye.

Is your dog hurting from a cherry eye problem? There is no need to hit the panic button. Relax!!!

It is not a severe problem but requires attention to ensure your furry friends stay happy and healthy.

Now the question is, What is Cherry Eye?

What is Cherry Eye?

So, let’s talk about Cherry Eye. Being a Dog parent, you should know. 

Cherry Eye, scientifically known as the prolapse of the third eyelid gland, is a condition that commonly affects specific dog breeds, including French Bulldogs.

Let’s simplify and understand it step by step.

Anatomy of the Eye:

The eye has three eyelids.

• Upper, 
• Lower,
• The third eyelid is called the nictitating membrane or nictitans.

The third eyelid is a thin layer of tissue in the eye’s internal corner. Its primary functions include protecting the eye and maintaining wetness.

Cherry Eye Occurrence:

Cherry Eye happens when the gland within the third eyelid swells, becomes inflamed, or dislocates, leading to its bubble.

This protruding mass often resembles a red or pink bump, calling it “Cherry Eye.”

Causes of Cherry Eye:

Let’s play the detective role. Why does this cherry eye problem?🤔 While the experts still assemble the details.

The exact cause is not fully understood and is believed to be associated with weakening the connective tissues that support the gland.

Genetic predisposition may also play a role, as certain breeds, such as French Bulldogs, seem more prone to this condition.

Symptoms of Cherry Eye:

How do you know if your French Bulldog is hosting a Cherry Eye get-together? 

Identifying Cherry Eye in dogs is relatively straightforward. Look out for the following symptoms:

1. Red, swollen mass: 

The most obvious sign is the presence of a red or pinkish protrusion in the inner corner of the eye.

2. Excessive tearing: 

Inflammatory processes or irritations within the eye can contribute to the development of Cherry Eye. 

The exact mechanisms are not fully understood, but inflammation may weaken the supportive structures.

Increased tear production may appear due to the irritation caused by Cherry Eye.

3. Blinking:

 Discomfort may lead to more frequent blinking or squinting.

4. Age and Development:

Cherry Eye usually happens in young dogs, often before they turn two. 

Growing age hints that the problem might be connected to how their eyes grow and mature.

5. Stress Factors:

Stress can deepen specific health conditions, and stress factors may influence Cherry Eye.

Minimizing stressors in a dog’s environment may contribute to preventing or managing this condition.

Step 1: Common Medications for Cherry Eye: 

Consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your dog’s needs.

I recommend some supplements:

Anti-inflammatory medications and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be prescribed to reduce the inflammation and swelling associated with Cherry Eye. 

These medicines can help handle the symptoms and provide comfort.

Steroid Eye Drops:

Steroid eye drops are recommended to relieve inflammation and promote the reduction of the prolapsed gland.

These drops are usually applied directly to the affected eye.

Artificial Tears:

Excessive tearing is a common symptom of Cherry Eye.

Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can help soothe the eye, reduce irritation, and prevent dryness caused by increased tear production.

Antibiotics:

If Cherry Eye is associated with an underlying infection or bacterial issue, antibiotics may be prescribed to address the infection and promote healing.

Step 2: Gentle Adjustment

When a dog has a not-so-serious case of Cherry Eye, vets might fix it using a gentle method called manual replacement.

Let’s break down what happens in simple terms.

Checking Things Out

First, the vet looks at the dog’s eye to understand how evil the Cherry Eye is. They want to see if manual replacement is the right solution.

Making the Dog Comfortable

If needed, the vet might give the dog something to help them relax or use some anaesthesia medicine so that the dog does not feel anything during the fix.

Gently Moving Things

With the dog relaxed or under light anaesthesia, the vet carefully moves the swollen gland back to where it should be.

It’s like putting a puzzle piece back in its place.

Checking Everything’s Okay

After the fix, the vet checks to ensure the gland is in the right spot. This step is super important to ensure the Cherry Eye does not return.

Taking Care Afterward

The veteran might give the dog some anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics to help them heal and avoid problems. 

They’ll also guide the owner on what to do at home, like using special eye drops.

Keeping an Eye on Things

The vet watches the dog closely after the fix to ensure everything goes well. 

They might schedule follow-up visits to ensure the Cherry Eye does not return and adjust the plan if needed.

Pros of Manual Replacement for Cherry Eye:

• Gentle on the Dog:

Manual replacement is a gentle way to fix Cherry Eye without surgery stress.

• Faster Healing:

The dog supervises to recover quicker after manual replacement because it’s not long and complicated.

• Works Well for Mild Cases:

Manual replacement is suitable for less severe cases of Cherry Eye, where fixing the problem is not too hard.

• Not Too Expensive:

It usually costs less than surgery, making it more affordable.

Cons of Manual Replacement for Cherry Eye:

• Cherry Eye Might Come Back:

Cherry Eye may return, especially if the manual replacement does not keep the gland in the right place.

• Not Right for All Cases:

Manual replacement might not be the best choice if Cherry Eye keeps happening or it’s a tough case.

• Success Depends on the Dog:

Whether manual replacement works well depends on the dog’s situation and how skilled the vet is. It might not be the right choice for every dog.

• Not a Long-Term Fix:

While it helps immediately, manual replacement might not keep Cherry Eye away, nor will surgeries that try to stop it from happening again.

• Risks with Anesthesia:

If the vet uses something to make the dog relax or sleep during the fix, there are some risks to consider, especially if the dog has other health problems.

Step 3: Surgical Stunt:

Fixing Cherry Eye with Surgery: What Happens? Surgery for Cherry Eye is a bit more complicated but suitable for extreme cases.

The vet decides if it is the right choice based on the dog’s situation, and pet owners need to follow the vet’s advice for the best results.

Let’s take a look at what happens in this operation.

1. Checking Everything:

First, the vet checks how serious the Cherry Eye is to determine if the surgery is suitable.

They look at the size of the swollen gland and how likely it is to return.

2. Getting the Dog Ready:

The dog must be fast asleep for the surgery, so the vet gives them something to sleep without pain. This procedure is called anaesthesia.

3. Putting the Gland Back:

During the surgery, the vet’s main job is to put the swollen gland back where it should be in the third eyelid. They ensure it stays in the right place to stop Cherry Eye from happening again.

4. Special Techniques:

The vet might use techniques like tacking. This means attaching the gland to the nearby tissues to keep it secure. They use stitches that dissolve on their own or unique glue-like stuff for this.

6. Taking Care After Surgery:

After the surgery, the dog is watched as they recover. 

The vet might give them pain medicine to prevent infections.

The owner gets instructions on caring for the dog at home during the healing process.

Why Surgery Can Help:

• Surgery aims to solve the cherry eye problem for longer by dealing with what causes it and keeping the gland in the right spot.

• Surgery is usually more effective when Cherry Eye keeps coming back or is a severe problem.

Things to Think About:

• Surgery can be more expensive than other options, and the dog might take longer.

• While it’s not common, surgery can have some risks, especially with the sleeping part (anesthesia) and the surgery itself.

Pro Tip:

While there is no sure way to prevent Cherry Eye, regular eye examinations, minimizing stress factors, and providing a balanced diet with essential nutrients can contribute to overall eye health.

FAQs:

Conclusion:

Okay, buddies! We talked about cherry eye and its treatments in our French Bulldog guide. The superb, practical step is to Keep an eye on your woolly friends and their eyes!

Cherry Eye might sound worrying but don’t stress too much. It’s more like a minor issue than a big one.

If you notice red or pink bumps, lots of tearing, or your Frenchie blinking a bunch, it could be Cherry Eye saying hi. Now, what’s the plan? First, see the vet. They will help you determine the best treatment for your dog. Whether simple things like drops and medicine or a bit more serious with gentle fixes or surgery, we have choices.

Your job is to keep your Frenchies happy and healthy! Check-in with the vet, keep stress low, and feed them good food. 

If you need more clarification, ask your vet. For more exciting info about French Bulldogs, take a look@bulldogsguides.com

So, here is to those cute ears and wagging tails! Keep the love going, and make sure our French Bulldogs are the happiest dogs around. Cheers to healthy eyes and even healthier hearts! 🐾💙