This page exists largely to reinforce one point made on the cherry eye page: do not let anyone remove the gland.
The avoidable cause
The gland of the third eyelid produces a substantial proportion of the watery component of the tear film. Removing it was once routine treatment for cherry eye, and the consequence is a meaningful lifetime risk of dry eye. Modern practice is to reposition the gland surgically, preserving its function.
If removal is ever proposed to you, ask why, and consider a second opinion. The cosmetic problem resolves either way; only one option leaves the dog with a working tear film.
Why it gets missed
Dry eye presents as recurrent conjunctivitis with thick discharge. It responds partially to antibiotic drops, then returns, and the cycle can repeat for months before anyone measures tear production.
The Schirmer tear test takes one minute and costs very little. Any French Bulldog with persistent or recurrent eye discharge deserves one before another course of drops.
The stakes
Untreated, the cornea responds to chronic drying with pigmentation — a brown film that spreads inwards from the edges and does not reverse. In severe cases it covers enough of the cornea to impair vision permanently.
Signs to look for
- Thick, sticky yellow-green discharge
- A dull, lacklustre corneal surface
- Redness and squinting
- Recurrent conjunctivitis that never fully resolves
- Pigment spreading across the cornea in chronic cases
- Reduced vision
What causes it
- Immune-mediated destruction of the tear glands
- Surgical removal of the third eyelid gland, which produces a large share of the aqueous tear film
- Certain medications
- Neurological damage affecting tear production
How it is diagnosed
Schirmer tear test, which measures tear production over one minute using a calibrated paper strip. It is quick, inexpensive and definitive, and should be performed on any French Bulldog with persistent eye discharge.
Treatment options
- Topical ciclosporin or tacrolimus to stimulate tear production
- Frequent artificial tear lubricants
- Antibiotics for secondary infection
- Lifelong treatment in most cases
- Surgical parotid duct transposition in refractory cases
Reducing the risk
- Never allow a prolapsed third eyelid gland to be removed — it must be repositioned
- Schirmer test any dog with recurrent eye discharge rather than treating repeatedly for conjunctivitis
- Early treatment prevents corneal pigmentation and vision loss
Insurance: A lifelong condition requiring ongoing prescription medication, which makes it a strong case for lifetime rather than time-limited cover. Where it follows gland removal, insurers may treat it as a continuation of the original cherry eye claim.
What we would actually buy
Lifetime cover with per-condition limits that hold up against a single IVDD surgical episode. Compare the per-condition limit rather than the headline annual figure.
Best for:Owners insuring from the day of collection
Check current priceWe earn a commission if you take out a policy through this link. It does not affect what you pay.
Common questions
What causes dry eye in French Bulldogs?
Most commonly immune-mediated destruction of the tear glands, but a significant and entirely avoidable cause is surgical removal of the third eyelid gland during cherry eye treatment. That gland produces much of the tear film and should be repositioned, not removed.
How is dry eye diagnosed?
With a Schirmer tear test — a calibrated paper strip that measures tear production over one minute. It is quick, cheap and definitive, and is worth requesting for any dog with recurrent eye discharge.
Is dry eye curable?
Not usually. It is managed with lifelong topical medication, most often ciclosporin, which stimulates tear production. Started early, treatment is very effective at preventing corneal damage.
Related reading
This page is general information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different. If you are worried about your French Bulldog, speak to your vet.