It's a condition that affects just 0.2 per cent of dogs, but now vets have revealed the breeds most likely to suffer from 'cherry eye'.
As the name suggests, cherry eye is an ocular condition that results in a large pink mass in the corner of the dog's eye.
While it isn't usually painful, it can cause discomfort to the dog, and if left untreated can lead to complications such as dry eye, conjunctivitis and eye ulceration.
In a new analysis, vets from the Royal Veterinary College found that flat-faced breeds including English bulldogs, Neapolitan mastiffs and American cocker spaniels were up to 34 times more likely to experience cherry eye.
Conversely, German Shepherds, West Highland White Terriers and English Springer Spaniels were found to be the least likely to experience cherry eye.
Dr Dan O'Neill, who led the study, said: '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.
'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.'
In a new analysis, vets from the Royal Veterinary College found that flat-faced breeds including English bulldogs, Neapolitan mastiffs and American cocker spaniels were up to 34 times more likely to experience cherry eye
As the name suggests, cherry eye is an ocular condition that results in a large pink mass in the corner of the dog's eye
Cherry eye – clinically known as Prolapsed Nictitating Membrane Gland – occurs when the gland on the inner side of the third eyelid droops out of its normal position, known as prolapse.
This results in a pink swollen mass covering part of the dog's eye, which usually requires surgery to treat.
Dr Minna Mustikka, a co-author of the paper, said: '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.'
In the
