Cherry Eye in Dogs
What is Cherry Eye in Dogs?
Bulldogs have a different eye structure to most other canines. They are more susceptible to a disease called ‘Cherry Eye’ which is when the third eyelid protrudes from out of the eye. This third eyelid or the ‘nictitating membrane’ is there to help support the eye. They have a third eyelid which is positioned in the lower part of the eye, which can become red and swollen.
Although cherry eye can happen in any kind of dog, it most commonly happens in bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Pugs
Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of cherry eye to recognise include:
- Dry eyes and itching of the eyes
- Pink or red swelling from the third eyelid (usually in the lower corner of the eyelid nearest to your dog’s nose)
- Lots of squinting and possible loss of sight
What Causes it?
It is not known what the exact cause of cherry eye is, but it is thought that it may be a hereditary condition inherited from one of the parents.
Is it Serious?
Cherry Eye isn’t an urgent thing to get sorted, however, if it is left untreated then it may cause some issues. If it is left untreated then it can potentially cause lots of pain, pigmentation, and blindness. Once your dog has had cherry eye once, they may be more susceptible to developing it again, and more frequently.
When to Seek Treatment
If you do notice that your dog has cherry eye, then it’s a good idea to get it checked and treated by a veterinary specialist sooner than later. Although it’s not necessarily life-threatening, it can cause major discomfort for your dog and the cherry eye may require treatment. By treating it early, you can help protect your dog’s eye health in the long run.
Does your Dog Need Cherry Eye Treatment?
Contact Local Vets today to book an appointment for us to treat cherry eye in your dog. We have a fantastic team of bulldog specialist vets who can help treat cherry eye, so your dog can live comfortably.
