The small thin film in the inner corner of the eye in cats is called the nictitating membrane, or third eyelid. Since ancient times, it has served as protection against dust and injury and moisturized the eye. The tear fluid secreted by the nictitating membrane wets the surface of the cornea when blinking and washes away dust particles to the inner corner of the eye.
Problems with the third eyelid become noticeable during pathological processes or diseases. Painful membrane prolapse requires attention from the cat owner and sometimes treatment under the supervision of a veterinarian.
What is this third eyelid?
As the cat Matroskin said, “Whiskers, paws and tail - these are my documents!” And veterinarians might add: and the third eyelid. Because not all mammals have it.
Human ancestors once had a nictitating membrane, but now it is a small fold at the inner corner of the eye, called the lacrimal. In cats, the membrane opens and sometimes reaches the middle of the eye.
The third eyelid, or nictitating membrane, is a thin film (light, sometimes pigmented) in the corner of the cat's eye, which protects the mucous membrane from damage and dust. It secretes a little tear fluid, which, when blinking, wets the surface of the eyeball and thus collects foreign particles, trapping bacteria.
This fold of mucosa is covered with immune tissue. The complex structure of the structure ensures the distribution of tear fluid and antibodies throughout the cornea. Most of the eyelid is hidden in the eye socket and does not normally attract attention. The nictitating membrane in a cat usually attracts the attention of owners when there is an injury or infection.
A cat's third eyelid becomes covered with a film or falls out for several reasons, and it is difficult for a non-specialist to identify the nature of the damage. The cat hides from the light, often scratches its face, and experiences itching. An animal cannot help itself, so caring owners take this responsibility upon themselves.
Diagnostic methods
Diagnosis is aimed at determining the etiology. To make a diagnosis, a comprehensive examination of the animal is carried out, including the following measures:
- taking anamnesis;
- visual inspection;
- general and biochemical blood tests;
- flushing from the mucous membranes of the eyes;
- ultrasonography;
- PCR diagnostics.
After identifying the cause of the pathological condition (third eyelid in a cat), the veterinarian prescribes appropriate treatment.
Causes of third eyelid prolapse in cats
In healthy animals, the third eyelid is visible only when blinking and tilting the head. In pathological situations, the nictitating membrane is always noticeable - this is a reason to contact a veterinary clinic. The appearance of a nictitating membrane can lead to loss of vision and cause a number of serious diseases. In addition, the third eyelid causes discomfort to the cat and interferes with a normal view of the outside world.
Allergy
Allergic conjunctivitis is not always associated with food components or ordinary dust. Sometimes it occurs with sensitivity to sunlight and household chemicals (laundry powder or deodorants, human cosmetics, floor cleaners and room disinfectants).
Allergic redness of the third eyelid may be accompanied by swelling of the larynx, redness of the skin, and lethargy of the pet. It is possible to identify an allergen in the blood only in a hospital setting. Then everything depends on the scale of the lesion: for mild cases of the disease, Zyrtec, Fenistil, Kestin are used, that is, antihistamines. In severe cases, the veterinarian prescribes hormonal treatment: Dexamethasone, Prednisolone.
Parasitosis
If your cat has a third eyelid due to parasites, it will need to be rinsed with cleansing drops. When using gels and drops for inflammation, you need to make sure that the cat does not wipe them with its paws.
If the problem is fleas or worms, you can deal with it at home. Antihelminthic measures can be carried out without a doctor’s prescription if the cat is completely healthy and has no allergies or chronic diseases. Kittens, pregnant and weakened individuals must consult a veterinarian before deworming.
Fleas are most often driven out with a spray or drops on the withers. Anti-flea collars can be used as prevention.
Complex cases of infection are treated under the supervision of a veterinarian. Sometimes therapy lasting 1-2 months is required for complete recovery.
Adenoma
A benign tumor of the third eyelid is called an adenoma. Externally, it is a voluminous pink formation that prevents the cat from closing its eye. The disease is dangerous because there is a risk of injury to the cornea and secondary infection.
If the tumor grows and causes concern, it is removed in surgery, while trying to preserve the nictitating membrane itself to avoid dry eye, conjunctivitis and blindness.
Foreign body rejection
Often, lacrimation and prolapse of the third eyelid contribute to the natural rejection of insects, small particles of dust or sand, and other foreign bodies that have entered the eye. Indoor cats and those that are outdoors have approximately the same likelihood of such injuries. Often the usual copious rinsing leads to recovery.
If a secondary infection occurs, the cat will require treatment.
Injuries
Injuries to the delicate membrane in kittens occur during a period of rapid growth. Due to curiosity and childhood clumsiness, they can damage any part of the eyes.
Adult animals, as a rule, avoid eye damage in everyday life. Cats that go outside may get into fights or damage the fold while fleeing from dogs. Therefore, there should be increased monitoring of walking pets: after a long absence from home, you need to examine the cat as a whole.
If the bleeding of the membrane is slight and there are no moving torn fragments, the damage will heal on its own. The main thing is that the pet does not scratch the injury with its paws and does not introduce an infection into the wound.
Getting infected
Fungi, viruses, and bacterial infections are insidious in that they can lead to complete loss of vision. If because of them the cat has a third eyelid, a set of measures will be needed:
- antifungal injections;
- antibiotic drops;
- pain reliever;
- antipyretic;
- drinking plenty of water;
- vitamins;
- immunostimulants.
There are situations when microbes were “targeted” in the ear, but they also grabbed the eyes nearby, then, for example, otitis media and inflammation of the conjunctiva are treated at the same time. A veterinarian will help you prescribe the medicine and dosage correctly. Getting rid of the infection on your own will not bring results, but will only worsen the pet’s condition.
Anatomical disorders
The most common disorders - cartilage eversion and lacrimal gland prolapse - can only be treated surgically.
A natural predisposition to prolapse (loss) is expressed in British, Persian and exotic breeds. Prolapse refers to the loss of the normal position of the gland, the structure of the tissue does not change. It would be a mistake to confuse prolapse with an adenoma (neoplasm).
The tissues are sutured, since removing the eyelid will lead to the development of keratoconjunctivitis sicca. This is a chronic disease, and owners will have to monitor the cat's eyes for the rest of his life. Therefore, veterinarians try to preserve the cat’s nictitating membrane at all costs.
During eversion, the curved part of the cartilage is removed, and the decision about the operation is made by the doctor. It identifies potential risks and can make a more or less accurate forecast.
Other diseases
Some diseases of the internal organ systems can lead to loss or enlargement of the third eyelid. Typically, the disease is in its acute stage during the period when it can affect the eyes. This:
- chronic somatic diseases, for example, renal failure;
- hormonal imbalances;
- damage by viruses (distemper, leptospirosis);
- recovery from anesthesia after surgery.
Each of these conditions requires treatment of the underlying cause. Viruses are especially dangerous - they can cause rapid death.
Symptoms of hair loss
The emergence of the third eyelid beyond its normal boundaries, as well as its swelling, is a serious cause for concern. The non-physiological position of the membrane is a signal of certain diseases or injuries. In addition to the fact that the third eyelid becomes visually noticeable, other symptoms are noted. In cases where the causes of the unpleasant phenomenon are directly related to the eyes, redness of the conjunctiva occurs, the release of an increased amount of tear secretion, the appearance of purulent discharge in the corners of the eyes, and involuntary spasm of the orbicularis oculi muscle. A burning sensation in the eyes affects the cat's behavior. She tries to avoid the light and scratches her eyes with her paws.
If the problem is caused by systemic or infectious diseases, then the cat will exhibit symptoms characteristic of such conditions. These include general weakness, decreased activity, loss of appetite, and increased temperature. If the problems are related to the digestive tract, then frequent or episodic vomiting and diarrhea are possible. As the process drags on, the animal loses weight and the condition of its coat deteriorates. In rare cases (with Horner's syndrome), paralysis or paresis of the limbs and facial nerve occurs.
Sometimes third eyelid prolapse is confused with lacrimal gland prolapse because these conditions are visually similar. To distinguish these problem situations and understand the solutions, it’s worth watching this useful video:
How to recognize the problem
Depending on the cause of the nictitating membrane, the veterinarian will select therapy. Self-medication is dangerous and can make the situation worse. If treatment is not started in a timely manner and therapy is selected incorrectly, there is a risk of complications and even loss of vision.
Symptoms
Prolapse of the third eyelid is manifested by enlargement, often by redness of the fold (the so-called cherry eye), lacrimation, and sometimes purulent discharge. The animal squints, rubs its eyes with its paws or scratches its muzzle on everything, and washes itself endlessly.
If a cat has a noticeable third eyelid, then problems with the digestive system cannot be ruled out. Observe the animal; if the film does not hide back on its own for several days, this is a reason to consult a doctor. Another cause for concern is the onset of the flu, when the eyes fester and the temperature rises.
The third eyelid should not always alarm owners - there are cases of its appearance due to physiology.
Signs of eye diseases
Often cats with prolapse of the third eyelid experience lacrimation, the pet constantly washes itself, is bothered by itching, squints its eyes, and blinks frequently. With close observation, you may notice spasms of the periorbital muscle, redness and swelling of the conjunctiva, mucous or even purulent discharge from the affected eye. Volumetric formations appear in the inner corners of the eyes, and the temperature may rise.
Prolapse of the third eyelid is dangerous for the animal due to the addition of a secondary infection. Therefore, if this pathology is detected in a pet, it is necessary to urgently show it to a veterinarian.
When everything is within normal limits
Sometimes the third eyelid is shown briefly (without discoloration, foreign discharge, or signs of inflammation) when the animal is sleeping. Normally, the membrane is visible when the animal tilts its head. This does not indicate illness and should not cause concern.
A kitten's third eyelid is observed in the first weeks of life, until the eyes open completely. Then it “resets” itself to its normal state. But if the film stretches over half the eye or completely covers it, you need to monitor the general condition of the animal and, if you suspect a disease, contact a veterinarian.
Causes
The rudimentary membrane of the third eyelid, when folded, is adjacent to the inner corner of the eye. Its movement at the moment of blinking cleans and lubricates the surface of the organ of vision. When a cat's eyes are half covered with film or it falls out, the animal experiences discomfort. Redness of the mucous membrane indicates the onset of third eyelid prolapse. The pupil constricts and this causes severe visual irritation. The cat is trying to hide from the light source.
There can be several reasons for eyelid loss:
- mechanical damage to an organ during a fight;
- allergy;
- nervous system disorders;
- helminthic infestations;
- damage to the base of the eyelid;
- muscle weakness;
- poisoning;
- conjunctivitis;
- inflammation of the ears;
- viral and bacterial infections;
- entry of foreign bodies.
Any cause of prolapse can cause severe consequences, so the appearance of a third eyelid should make the owner of the animal wary. Signs of illness require seeking qualified help.
Why is the appearance of the third century dangerous?
In addition to the fact that the pet experiences discomfort, scratches its eyes, blinks intensely, it can suffer from diseases of the internal organs and parasites. There is only one symptom, but the causes are different, and all of them are unfavorable for the cat’s body.
Untreated eye infections are dangerous: they can lead to blindness or affect the brain. Benign tumors (adenomas) are dangerous, as they lead to the same consequences.
Infection with worms is unpleasant, because the animal has itching in the eyes and under the tail, and has a poor appetite. Regular anti-parasitic procedures are recommended for all pets - even those that do not go outside.
Bacteria, fungi, viruses, allergies, as mentioned above, also lead to inflammation of the third eyelid in cats. Many infectious diseases can lead to irreversible complications and death, and allergies can develop into bronchial asthma.
Even when all the bad things are over, the third eyelid can fall out due to stress and weakened immunity of the animal, as well as after undergoing operations. Here you need to choose the right vitamins, under the guidance of a veterinarian, and create a calm, cozy atmosphere at home.
Following doctor's orders at home
When a diagnosis is made and therapy is prescribed by a professional doctor, strict compliance with all the veterinarian’s instructions is very important. It is of no small importance to provide the sick animal with good conditions, rest and adequate nutrition. It is advisable to exclude physical activity.
Conjunctivitis in cats: treatment at home
Several times a day, it is necessary to rinse the cat's eyes with the help of special preparations that relieve inflammation, stimulate self-cleaning and prevent the formation of tear stains.
After rinsing, special eye drops are usually used. Which ones exactly - the doctor decides. Drops are the most acceptable and convenient form of the drug, since gels and ointments are much more difficult to apply. Such medications should be placed under the animal’s lower eyelid with the index finger. To distribute the product evenly, massage the organ of vision.
Attention! Applying ointment or gel directly from the tube is prohibited! This may cause injury!
Gently washing a cat's eyes
Treatment of pathological processes
If the eye problem does not go away within a couple of days, you should contact your veterinarian. He will prescribe a treatment regimen and medications appropriate for the cause.
Prescription of drugs
Treatment of nictitating membrane prolapse is based on identifying and eliminating its main causes. If parasitic infestation is detected, then anthelmintic therapy is carried out followed by prophylaxis.
In case of allergic conjunctivitis, the animal is protected from contact with possible allergens and treated with antihistamines and hormonal agents.
Infectious diseases are treated comprehensively using local and systemic specific therapy with antimicrobial, antiviral and fungicidal (antifungal) agents. Additionally, antipyretics and immunomodulatory drugs are used.
Somatic diseases are treated with appropriate medications and corrected with medicinal foods. Foreign objects and foreign bodies are removed on an outpatient basis or surgically.
Treatment of an eye injury boils down to the use of anesthetic drops to alleviate the cat’s condition and prevent secondary infection. Treatment is carried out until the symptoms of third eyelid prolapse completely disappear.
Surgical intervention
Surgical treatment of the third eyelid in a cat depends on causes not related to diseases of the internal organs. It is required for adenoma, because because of this “pink bean” the animal cannot completely close its eyes, which means that the gates to infections and injuries are open.
When removing a tumor, they try to preserve the membrane at all costs, because it is responsible for the distribution of tear fluid and local immunity. During cartilage eversion, again, not all of the cartilage is removed, but only its convex part.
After the operation, antibiotic drops, healing ointments and an “Elizabethan” collar are usually used so that the cat does not harm itself with its paws - it does not scratch its face and does not wash itself for some time.
In general, there are not many indications for surgery and they occur infrequently. In other cases, one visit to the clinic and home treatment recommended by a veterinarian is enough.
What not to do
Self-medication and diagnosis by watching videos on the Internet have not yet helped a single pet. Therefore, if you have any alarming symptoms, you need to go to the veterinarian and start treatment.
Absolutely forbidden:
- use medications without a doctor’s prescription;
- try to remove foreign bodies from the eye yourself;
- try to straighten the third eyelid;
- violate the integrity, squeeze out, cut the “bean”;
- help the cat scratch its eyes.
Just an idea of treatment is not enough - you need skills, tools, equipment for diagnosis. This is only available at the doctor's office. And at home, the only safe manipulations are washing and instilling drops, and not all of them - only those that the doctor has approved.
Prolapse of the third eyelid in cats requires treatment in cases where the color, shape and size of the fold have changed. In other cases, you can consult a veterinarian by phone and do the rinsing yourself.
When no treatment is required
Treatment of a prolapsed third eyelid is in some cases unjustified. If a cat has the flu and has a low immune system, medicinal eye drops or ointments are not prescribed. Exceptions also include severe weight loss, dehydration, and the rehabilitation period after surgery or a serious illness. In all of these situations, it is necessary to regulate feeding and drinking regimen. The owner should follow all the veterinarian’s recommendations for caring for a weakened pet. After regaining strength, the condition of the eye analyzer will improve naturally.
Prevention of the problem
Breeders are advised to regularly examine their pets' eyes and the area around them, perform eye hygiene, and monitor the cat's diet and amount of fluid consumed. Good nutrition will protect your four-legged family friend from many diseases.
If an animal becomes ill with viruses, it is important to follow the care recommendations, remove mucous discharge from the eyes and nose, add vitamin complexes to the diet and provide the required amount of clean water. After your pet has recovered, you should definitely take it to the veterinarian so that the specialist can give recommendations on how to prevent relapses.
To prevent disease and reduce the likelihood of complications, vaccinate the animal in accordance with its age and health status, examine it after each walk, add vitamins to the diet, and do not expose it to stress. These simple recommendations will help maintain your pet's vision and well-being.
The article is for informational purposes only. Contact your veterinarian!
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