If you own a French bulldog with a swollen eye, you should be concerned. It is best to consult your veterinarian, but there are a few tips to help you identify the cause and possible treatments. Plus, preventing your Frenchie from developing a swollen eye is easier than most people think.
Cherry Eye in French Bulldogs
A cherry eye, as the name suggests, is a red mass around the eyelids of Frenchie bulldogs. It results from a swollen gland behind the third eyelid. Yes, Frenchies have a third eyelid inside the lower eyelid which provides extra eye protection and produces tears since cherry eyes are a serious prolapse that needs to be treated as early as possible.
Causes of Cherry Eye in French Bulldogs
There lacks a known exact cause for cherry eyes, but experts agree that genetics and age play a huge role. A cherry eye results from weakened tissue fibers that hold the third eyelid in place, and because Frenchies have been purebred for centuries, then weak genes are suspected to be hereditary. A cherry eye is also common in young Frenchies aged between 3 months and two years old.
Complications of Untreated Cherry Eye
Untreated cherry eyes may result in dry eyes, inflammation, swelling, vision impairment, restricted blood flow to the glands of the third eyelid, and damage to the eye. In the long run, surgery may be required, but it can be avoided if treated earlier.
How do you fix a French Bulldog cherry eye?
Cherry eyes can be a sign of many things, but the most important thing is to take your pup to the veterinarian as soon as possible. A visit to the veterinarian can diagnose and treat the condition, depending on the severity. The earlier, the better, so as to minimize eye damage.
French Bulldog cherry eye surgery & treatment costs
A cherry eye may vanish on its own, hardly so, but in extreme cases, surgery may be required. There are three surgical options; tucking, which involves stitching the affected gland in place; imbrication, which involves the shortening of the gland tissue; and gland removal. The cost of each procedure varies, but they average $300 to $500. If you are not able to go to the veterinarian, there are some natural methods that can help your dog’s eye. You can also try ointment and bandages if your dog experiences discomfort or swelling.
How to prevent a Frenchie from developing cherry eye issues?
Preventing cherry eyes in Frenchies is not straightforward. Remember that the issue is suspected to be genetic. However, the eyes, one of the Frenchies’ charms, need regular massage and eye hydration if you are to keep cherry eyes at bay.
Other Eye Problems In French Bulldogs
Frenchies can also get eye infections, allergies, cataracts, corneal ulcers, entropion, ectropion, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, conjunctivitis, distichiasis, and ectopic cilia. Most of these conditions are hereditary, so you should keep a close watch. Consult your veterinarian if you notice anything unusual about their eyes.
Corneal ulcer in French bulldogs
Corneal ulcers in Frenchies are caused by trauma or irritation to their bulging eyes. Corneal ulcers damage the epithelial layer of the cornea, which makes it more likely that the eye will get sick. Most of the time, the epithelium heals itself, but if the ulcer gets to the stroma, the eye can rupture. Decreased tear production also leads to corneal ulcers, so you should hydrate your pup’s eyes whenever they seem dry.
Dry eyes in French bulldogs
Dry eye, aka keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is common in Frenchies and annoying to them. Some of the most common signs are mucus coming out of the eyes, squinting or closing the eyes, and red, cloudy eyes. Dry eyes in French bulldogs are a common issue, and there are a few things you can do to help. You can put a cold compress on them for an hour or two. And if that doesn’t work, ask your veterinarian what kind of antibiotics, drops, or ointment could help.
French Bulldog Eye Discharge: Recognize, Manage and Treat
If your French bulldog has a discharge from the eye, it’s important to know the cause and what to do. The cause of a French bulldog’s swollen eye may not be immediately apparent. The usual suspects are infections, glaucoma, and allergies. By understanding the cause, you can begin to treat the issue as quickly as possible. A watery discharge indicates the presence of foreign bodies in the eyes. Pus-like discharge is often an infection like conjunctivitis. If you don’t know why your dog is having a problem with her eyes, take her to a vet for an examination and check for any underlying problems.
General Tips for French Bulldog Eye Problems
Chronic damage to the eyeballs can lead to discharge from the eye. Make sure your pup eats a healthy diet that includes plenty of vegetables, meat, and fruits. Regularly examine their eyes and be careful when washing them. Shampoo and soap may irritate their eyes and become the beginning of eye problems. Lastly, before buying over-the-counter medications like antibiotics or antihistamines, consult your vet.
How Can You Tell If Your French Bulldog is Experiencing Eye Trouble?
If your French bulldog is having trouble seeing, it might be due to an eye problem. Here are a few tips to help you determine if your dog is experiencing problems. Frequent eye rubbing, squinting, excess blinking, mucus and pus-like eye discharge, swollen eyes, red and cloudy eyes, tear stains, and a protruding third eyelid. If you notice any of these signs, consult your vet.
How to Recognize, Treat and Manage French Bulldog Eye Problems
Frenchies are genetically likely to have eye problems, so if your dog shows any of the above signs, you should be worried. Simple acts like cleaning your pup’s tear stains with eye wash can keep infections away. However, regularly checking and informing your vet of any of the signs is the best way to manage eye infections.
Conclusion
If you are concerned that your French bulldog may have cherry eye issues, here are a few things to keep in mind. First, it is important to diagnose the condition as soon as possible. If you don’t treat cherry eye, it can turn into a serious condition that affects your dog’s eyesight and health as a whole. If you’re able to identify the symptoms early on, there is a good chance that you can treat the issue before it becomes too severe. Second, make sure to feed your pet the right nutrients. Inadequate nutrition can lead to cherry eyes by causing excessive swelling and inflammation. Make sure to give your French bulldog all of the essential nutrients he needs for healthy vision and growth. Third, be patient with your pet. Cherry Eye may take some time to improve, but it will be worth it in the end.
FAQS
What is the cherry eye?
A cherry eye is a genetic eye problem common in French bulldogs. It leads to protrusion and the formation of a red mass behind the third eyelid.
What does cherry eye look like in French Bulldogs?
French bulldogs with cherry eyes have a red swelling behind the third eyelid. It results from weakened tissue fibers that hold the third eyelid.
What to do if your Frenchie suffers from a severe cherry eye issue?
If your Frenchie suffers from a severe cherry eye issue, consult your veterinarian. They may prescribe medication or surgery in severe cases.
Why is eye care important for french bulldogs?
Eye care is important for french bulldogs because they are genetically predisposed to developing eye problems. Their large bulging eyes are prone to infections and a host of other eye diseases.
