Cherry Eye in the English Bulldog

Common Eye Problem in the English Bulldog

Cherry Eye is one of the most common eye problems in the English Bulldog.You primarily see it in young English Bulldog puppies (less than 8wks). It happens when the tear gland located on the inside corner of a bulldogs third eyelid pops up. It appears like a red cherry growth on the inside corner of the eye. It appears that it would be painful and is not pleasant to look at. Actually a Cherry Eye rarely causes any pain or discomfort, but with prolonged exposure to air the gland can become inflamed and infected. It is primarily seen in young English Bulldog puppies (less than 8wks); at this age most times the Cherry Eye will need to be surgically corrected. Cherry Eyes can also happen to your English Bulldog due to trauma to the eye or head.An example of this would be a puppy run into your leg as you are walking, he is running full blast at you and hits your leg as it is in the upward stroke. We have also seen it occur in adult bulldogs when having an allergic reaction to something inhaled (i.e. fertilizer, or harsh cleaning agent, pollen at certain times of the year). When a cherry eye pops out in an older bulldog, or with trauma, it is more likely to be put back in place, and remain without surgery. Treatment Apply an eye lubricant like Terramycin or Puralube. Stabilize your pets head, close his eye and massage the gland back into place. We also recommend an antihistamine such as benadryl. Massaging the gland may have to be repeated several times a day. If the Cherry eye is due to trauma or an allergy, normally the gland will go back down and not have to be surgically corrected/removed. ALWAYS consult your vet he can show you how to apply the lubricant and can give you a antibiotic lubricant to apply also.

Eye Lubricants for Cherry Eye

Puralube Vet Ointment 3.5gm Older pets or bulldogs that have had Cherry Eye surgery often suffer from Dry Eye. If you start noticing a crusty goop on the eyes in the mornings. This will keep the eyes clear and also keep ulcers from forming on the eyes. Trimbull Bulldogs has produced this document for education purposes only. Our definitions of the common problems in English bulldogs are our opinions only.These opinions have been formed by  years experience in the bulldog breed having read numerous articles over the years. ALWAYS consult your  veterinarian with any problem that may occur.