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My French bulldog puppy keeps getting cherry eye. What to do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | French Bulldog | Male | neutered | 5 months and 1 day old | 6 lbs

My French bulldog is 6 months old and keeps getting cherry eye what should I do.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on July 12th, 2017

Hi, I'm Dr. Johnson. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Theo!

Cherry eye is a layman's term for prolapsed tear gland of the 3rd eyelid. It is common in Frenchies, English bulldogs and mixes containing those breeds. I have seen it in other dog breeds as well.

Most of the time Cherry eye doesn't bother the dog just the owners because we don't like how it looks. Sometimes it can cause secondary bacterial infections or cause discharge or become inflamed or painful.

I recommend you discuss with your Veterinarian surgical correction. There is a procedure where the gland is tacked back into place. It is usually curative but sometimes it fails and a second procedure needs to be done. At a minimum your vet could prescribe eye ointment if it appears infected.

Theo is super cute and I wish you the best!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 5th, 2018
Cherry eye, or the prolapse of the gland of the third eye lid is a chronic condition caused by weak connective tissue holding the gland in place. The only way to fix this is to surgically reduce the gland to it's normal location and affix it with a suture. Compresses and massaging will not help, I am afraid. You will need to take Charlie to your vet for an exam and discuss the options. Cherry eye is not painful.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Maria DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 13th, 2017
It looks like Sasha has a cherry eye.

Treatment is to surgically tack it down. Sometimes it can pop back out even if it is tacked down properly so Sash may have to have it fixed more then once. Although it is not common to have that happen.

I would call your veterinarian and see if this is a surgery they perform.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 30th, 2019
Hello. Chewie has a prolapse of the nictictating membrane, or what is commonly know as cherry eye. This can definitely wait until Thursday, but Chewie will need a little surgery to replace the gland back into its little sac. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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