Cherry eye can affect any breed of dog, but new research from the Royal Veterinary College has found that flat-faced breeds are up to 34 times more likely to develop the uncomfortable eye condition.
Often seen in young dogs, cherry eye is when the gland inside the third eyelid pops out creating the appearance of a pink cherry. While it’s not a dangerous condition, in some cases it can lead to complications including conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers, so it’s advised to always contact your vet if you think your dog has cherry eye.
In the new analysis, vets discovered that English Bulldogs, Neapolitan mastiffs and American Cocker Spaniels are most at risk of developing cherry eye, while German Shepherds, West Highland White Terriers, and English Springer Spaniels are least at risk.
“Given that humans designed dog breeds in the first place, we all carry a heavy responsibility to constantly improve our designs to breed away from poor health for these dogs,” Dr Dan O’Neill, who led the study, told Daily Mail.
“The hugely increased risks of cherry eye in popular flat-faced breeds such as English Bulldogs suggests that we have some way to go before we can consider many flat-faced breeds as designed for optimal health.”
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Researchers found that dogs under the age of one are at the highest risk for cherry high, with crossbreeds also being more likely to suffer.
Dr Minna Mustikka, a co-author of the paper, adds: “Cherry eye, if left untreated, may lead to other chronic eye problems, necessitating even lifelong medications and in worst case scenario, resulting in painful and potentially sight threatening complications.”
Take a look at the research below…
5 dog breeds most likely to be affected by cherry eye
Neapolitan Mastiffs
english bulldogs
Lhasa Apsos
American Cocker Spaniels
puggle
5 dog breeds less likely to be affected by cherry eye
german shepherd dog
West Highland White Terriers
English Springer Spaniels
labrador retriever
Lurcher
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12 dog winter coats to keep your pups cozy
Quilted Jacket — Best Dog Winter Coats
quilted dog jacket
Keep your pup snug and secure with this thick quilted dog jacket from H&M. Perfect for a winter’s walk, it has quilted seams, a stand-up collar with an open front, and a belt with a hook and loop fastening at the back.
Great For Older Dogs — Best Dog Winter Coats
Waterproof Brooklyn Dog Coat – Graphite – Medium
Designed to resist whatever the weather throws at you, this waterproof dog coat is ideal for older pups with joint problems or less fur and has a particularly warm inner lining.
Printed Coat — Best Dog Winter Coats
Olive Green Waxed Dog Coat
Keeping warm and snug just got a whole lot easier thanks to this gorgeous waxed coat from Joules. In olive green, it has a tweed lining and beautiful bee prints.
Shearling Dog Jacket — Best Dog Winter Coats
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In a gorgeous white, this pocket-detail faux shearling dog jacket has been designed to add an extra layer of warmth during those cold winter days. It has two small holes for their legs, as well as a zipped pocket on the back.
Thermal Self-Heating Coat — Best Dog Winter Coats
Thermal Self-Heating Dog Coat – Black
This thermal dog coat is excellent for winter walks, thanks to its self-heating technology.
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Great For Short-Haired Dogs — Best Dog Winter Coats
Hurtta® Expedition Dog Parka
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Barbour Dog Coat — Best Dog Winter Coats
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Fluffy Coat — Best Dog Winter Coats
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Best Dog Rain Coat — Best Dog Winter Coats
William Morris at Home Blackthorn Reversible Dog Coat, Small
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Microfibre Dog Coat — Best Dog Winter Coats
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