Eye Conditions and Eye Care of the Bulldog

Eye problems in your bulldog can be caused by an iritation, a trauma or a disease. Your bulldog's eyes may become irritated due to dust, pollen or smoke. Also, bulldogs are a curious breed and like to put their face into all kinds of strange places. Any irritating particles that may accidently get into their eyes will make their eyes burn and water. They will try to scrath their eyes with their paws or seek relief by rubbing their face against a surface or furniture which will only increase the risk of injury or infection.

It is, therefore, a good idea to monitor your bulldogs' eyes closely, and clean their eyes at least weekly using a sterile eyewash or eye wipes to keep eye area clean. Check whether his eyes are moist and clear. Any discharge of mucus, redness or swelling, may be indications of an eye infection. Keep the eyes of your bulldog clear of mucus at all times, as infections are often caused by bacteria that proliferate in this mucus. If the eyes are badly irritated, use a contact lens ointment such as Duolube. Also, protect their eyes before bathing and flea treatment by applying a protective ophthalmic ointment under the top lid of the eyes.

'Tear staining' is a common problem in bulldogs, especially when they have white or light-colored coats or heavy wrinkles. Read more about the causes and treatment of tear stains.

Any trauma at the eye, whether caused by a cat-scratch, injury or a foreign object penetrating the eye should be immediately seen by a veterinarian, as early diagnosis and treatment can be critical in terms of whether vision can be preserved.

There is a breed predisposition to entropion and ectropion in the bulldog, but also in other breeds such as the Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound and St. Bernard (ectropion) and the Chow Whow, Golden and Labrador Retrievers and Rottweiler (entropion). Read more about congenital eye conditions and diseases.

Changes in the normal appearance of the eye may also be an indication of an internal disorder. A yellowish coloring of the normally white part of the eye may be due to a liver or red blood cell dysfunction.

Persistent conjunctivitis can be a sign of an underlying illness in the body of your dog. Contrary to conjunctivitis in cats, canine conjunctivitis is very rarely due to infectious pathogens, whether viral, chlamydial or bacterial. Persistent bacterial conjunctivitis in dogs is, therefore, almost always indicative of an underlying disease that alters the balance of conjunctival flora and favors bacterial proliferation.

A change in the transparancy of the transparent cornea can be indicative of a liver or pancreas problem. However, in older dogs the eyes sometimes appear a bit more opaque. This can be a normal change due to aging. A professional diagnosis will determine if this is an age-related condition called 'nuclear sclerosis,' or if it the opacity is caused by cataracts.

A condition that is becoming increasingly common in bulldogs is cherry eye, or the prolapse of the gland behind the third eyelid. Read more about cherry eye.

For any other suspect eye problem, not listed here, take the dog to your veterinarian. Any disease of the eye should be considered serious and treated promptly preferably under supervision of a veterinarian.

References:

Conditions of the Eyelids and Ocular Adnexa in Dogs and Cats by David T. Ramsey, DVM, Diplomate ACVO, Associate Professor, Comparative Ophthalmology, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Veterinary Medical Center, Michigan State University

The Bulldog, yesterday, today & tomorrow by John McGibbon.