Cherry Eye: Where the gland under the third eyelid protrudes and looks rather like a cherry in the corner of the eye. It is recommended for the Australian Bulldog to get this surgically remedied. There is 2 methods and the prefered method is to have the tear duct re sown back into a pouch. This method retains the tear duct and it's function of keeping the eye wet. The second method is removal of the tear duct and cherry. Dry eye is common in Bulldogs and therefor it is recommended to get the first method done as it is prevents the risk of getting a secondary illness that the dog other wise might not have got.

I have had a dog with double cherryeye and had it fixed and have been so happy with the results! They can come back for some, but the vet usually retucks the gland. My cost was approx $600.

Irritated Inner Eyelids: The swelling of the inner eyelids usually caused by by dirt or some irritant. This looks horrible with the red part inside the eyelids swelling and closing over the eye. I have seen this in Australian Bulldogs and in other breeds and it is one of the easiest to fix with Amicin eye ointment. Usually iit is fixed within 12 hours but 3 applications in 24 hours should see it right. Great care that an injury hasn't occured or a grass seed has lodged but generally it is some reaction to something minor.

Dry Eye: Caused when natural tear production slows or stops. Symptoms include green gungy eyes, especially in the morning and a dry appearance or blue haze to the eye itself. Can be confirmed by your vet who will perform a dry eye test with blotting type paper to see how much moisture can be soaked from the eyes surface. Or maybe newer methods. Usually artificial tears need to be applied several times a day but definately veterinary advice is required to manage this problem.

Conjunctivitis: You will need to obtain an anti biotic cream from your vet to apply to the affected eye, repeated bouts of conjunctivitis can cause the dog to retract the eyeball which in severe cases can lead to entropian. In my experience they all get mucky eyes from dust, pollen etc etc. I clean the muck whenever I see it but if it is persistant and keeps up for a few days off to the vet we go. I would suggest ringing the vet and asking for eye ointment as this may save a vet bill. But please be sure as it could be a number of much more serious issues and grass seeds come to mind.

Entropian: Where the eyelashes have turned inwards and are rubbing against the eye, again surgery may be required. Don’t confuse this with stray eyelashes that are just growing astray, these can be plucked with tweezers (you may prefer your vet to do this). Entropian needs surgery - if left the in-turned lashes will scratch the cornea and the result will be a severely damaged, ulcerated eye, at worst blindness or loss of eye.

Ulceration of the Cornea: Damage to the eye surface will show itself as an Ulcer, best described as a blue "hazey" area. The damage is done by irritation to the surface of the eye so always get your vet to check any unusual marks on the cornea. Untreated ulcers will result in permanent loss of vision in the ulcerated area which may lead to the loss of the eye