The Third Eyelid In Cats: What It Is, Photo, Causes Of Inflammation (including When They Close Their Eyes), Treatment And Prevention

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-17 22:26

The third is not superfluous: the blinking membrane of the cat

The sight of a cat dozing with half-closed eyes is familiar, sweet and cozy. In some cases, such a “dormant” look, caused by the covering of a part of the eye with the blinking membrane, signals that the cat urgently needs the help of its owner.

Content

• 1 What is the third eyelid in cats

• 2 In what cases the third eyelid can close the eye

  2.1 Photo Gallery: Blinking Membrane Prolapse

• 3 Own diseases of the third century

  • 3.1 Prolapse (loss) of the lacrimal gland

    1 Video: lacrimal gland prolapse

  • 3.2 Hall (eversion) of cartilage of the third century
  • 3.3 Trauma to the third eyelid
  • 3.4 Neoplasms of the third century
  • 3.5 Lymphoid hyperplasia of the third eyelid

• 4 When you need to urgently contact your veterinarian

  4.1 Inadmissible actions for pathology of the blinker membrane

• 5 What drugs for treatment can be prescribed

  • 5.1 Table: medicines for pathologies of the third century

    5.1.1 Photo Gallery: Medicines for the Treatment of Blistering Membrane Disorders

• 6 How to Perform Home Treatments for Cat Eyes
• 7 Features of the treatment of pregnant cats and kittens
• 8 Potential effects of third eyelid disease in cats
• 9 Prevention of inflammation of the third eyelid in cats and kittens
• 10 Expert advice

What is the third eyelid in cats

The third eyelid of the cat, or blinking membrane, is a gray-gray thin fold that hides in the inner corner of the eye. Normally, it is invisible, and only when the cat is dozing, falling asleep or bowing its head, you can pay attention to it.

It should be noted that in brachycephalic cats (British, Himalayan, Persian), the third eyelid is more pronounced than in cats with a normal skull structure.

The third eyelid is best seen when the cat's eyes are half-closed.

The blinking membrane is part of the conjunctival sac, which forms the epithelium of the mucous membrane of the eye. Its dimensions are very large and comparable to the area of the anterior surface of the eyeball. The structure of the nictitating membrane contains T-shaped and small cartilage, it also contains smooth and striated muscle fibers, the latter causing the possibility of voluntary movements. At the surfaces of the third eyelid, small accumulations of lymphoid tissue lie.

The inner side of the nictitating membrane contains the lacrimal gland, whose secret is used to wash the cornea of the eye. This gland is additional and secretes 10-30% of the total tear fluid.

The blinking membrane performs the functions:

• protective - together with the upper and lower eyelids, protects the eye from possible external damage;
• moisturizing - prevents the cornea from drying out;
• cleansing - removes the cornea from small particles that have got into the cat's eye;
• immune - lymphoid tissue is a zone of production of secretory immunoglobulins that protect the surface of the eye from the development of various infections.

During the closing of the eyelids, the nictitating membrane straightens out from the inner corner of the eye, distributes the tear along its front surface, and also removes small debris.

The third eyelid contains small cartilage, muscle fibers, lymphoid tissue; the lacrimal gland is adjacent to it

When can the third eyelid cover the eye

The prolapse (protrusion, prolapse) of the third eyelid is said when it is clearly visible in the usual vigorous state of the cat, in which it does not seek to sleep.

You should immediately pay attention to whether the blinking membrane has fallen out on one or both sides, there are any additional manifestations, and also to assess the general well-being of the cat:

• If the blinking membrane is visible in both eyes and does not bother the cat, then this signals the general poor health of the animal, and may also indicate the onset of an infectious disease, severe helminthic invasion, a disease of internal organs (liver, heart, kidneys, intestines), accompanied by severe deterioration in well-being. This symptom can appear in response to the effects of anesthesia or antibiotic therapy, with dehydration or exhaustion of the cat. It is accompanied by a decrease in activity, appetite, possible vomiting, diarrhea, fever.
• The prolapse of the third eyelid, in which the pupil narrows and the upper eyelid drops moderately, as well as the vessels of the conjunctiva dilate, and sometimes the eyeball sinks, indicates a violation of the sympathetic innervation of the eye and its auxiliary structures (Horner's syndrome). It can be caused by infections, for example, otitis media, as well as tumor processes with localization in the neck, chest, and skull. As a rule, the process is one-sided, but it can also occur from two sides.
• The prolapse of the blinker membrane accompanies eye diseases (conjunctivitis, keratitis, uveitis, dislocation of the lens, erosion and ulcerative defects of the cornea) and the ingress of foreign bodies into the conjunctival sac. It is found both on one and on both sides. There is discharge from the eyes, both mucous and mucopurulent, lacrimation, restless behavior of the cat, attempts to scratch the eyes with a paw, blepharospasm and pronounced inflammatory changes in the conjunctiva are possible. Also, other symptoms characteristic of the current eye disease are determined.

Thus, the prolapse of the nictitating membrane is a symptom that can signal a developing general disease, damage to autonomic nerve fibers, or an eye disease.

Photo gallery: prolapse of the nictitating membrane

Prolapse of the third eyelid with eye diseases: in this case, conjunctivitis caused by chlamydia with the addition of bacterial flora

Unilateral prolapse of the third eyelid may indicate a violation of the innervation of the eye

Bilateral prolapse of the upper eyelid while awake is common in systemic diseases.

Own diseases of the third century

There are a number of own diseases of the nictitating membrane.

Lacrimal gland prolapse (prolapse)

Lacrimal gland prolapse is rare but occurs in brachycephalic cats. This often happens during the period of active growth of the cat, at the same time the size of its eyes increases rapidly. The ligament that holds the blinking membrane lacrimal gland in its normal place - under the conjunctiva - is torn. The lacrimal gland extends into the inner corner of the eye, becomes available for viewing and looks like a small, pink, rounded formation. With displacement, the lacrimal gland is infringed, it swells and grows in size, conjunctivitis develops.

Lacrimal gland prolapse of the third eyelid often occurs during rapid growth of a cat

This worries the cat, when combing with the paws, the secondary flora is introduced, and the course of conjunctivitis becomes purulent. If the lacrimal gland is displaced significantly, as well as for a long time, then its blood circulation begins to suffer and the production of tear fluid decreases. Its pronounced deficiency will lead, in the absence of measures taken, to the development of keratoconjunctivitis dry. Also against this background, a crease (curvature) of the nictitator cartilage can occur.

Only surgical treatment is applicable - the displaced lacrimal gland is immersed in the formed conjunctival pocket and sutured with sutures using atraumatic needles and thin absorbable threads (the sutures do not need to be removed later). The operation takes no more than half an hour; in the postoperative period, antibacterial drugs of local and systemic action are used, as well as an Elizabethan collar if the cat rubs its eyes with its paw.

Video: lacrimal gland prolapse

Hall (eversion) of cartilage of the third century

By the hall of cartilage of the third century, manifestations are similar to the prolapse of the blinker membrane. There is a curvature of the cartilage, and part of it is visible when examining the inner corner of the eye. In this case, the lacrimal gland can both move and maintain a normal location. Treatment is also surgical - the curved and protruding part of the cartilage is removed.

The cartilage hall of the third century is corrected only by surgery

Third eyelid trauma

Third eyelid trauma is usually inflicted in fights. Initially, there is slight bleeding, secondary conjunctivitis develops, and there may be blepharospasm. Minor lesions heal on their own and without consequences for the function of the blinker membrane, but in cases when its torn part becomes mobile or cartilage tissue is visualized, a surgical operation is performed that restores the size and full function of the blinker membrane, as well as eliminates irritation of the conjunctiva with torn tissues and cartilage.

A rupture of the blinking membrane usually occurs in fights between cats.

Third century neoplasms

Neoplasms of the third century are also rare, but they are dangerous because of the malignancy of most tumors of this localization. A small formation is removed surgically and a histological examination is performed, specifying the nature of the tumor. With a more pronounced spread of the tumor process, it is necessary to remove the entire nictitating membrane. The established type of tumor influences further therapeutic measures and the prognosis for the cat's life. Therefore, in all cases of impaired mobility, changes in the structure, shape and color of the third eyelid, it is necessary to exclude the presence of a tumor.

Lymphoid hyperplasia of the third eyelid

Some veterinarians isolate lymphoid hyperplasia of the third eyelid - the lymphoid tissue contained in the thickness of the third eyelid grows under the influence of an infectious process or constant irradiation; when blinking, overgrown follicles injure the cornea. The cat has discharge from the eye, blepharospasm. When viewed on the surface of the third eyelid, overgrown follicles are identified as a rash or as small masses. Often, a similar proliferation of lymphoid tissue occurs on the inner surface of the upper and lower eyelids. Surgical treatment - curettage (scraping) of the overgrown lymphoid tissue, followed by the use of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.

When you urgently need to contact the veterinarian

If the appearance of the third century in a cat is at least somewhat unusual, the animal must be brought to a veterinarian for examination as soon as possible, even if at the moment this is the only manifestation of trouble. It is easier to identify the problem at an early stage, when the vast majority of diseases can be cured. This will keep your cat healthy and reduce the budget spent on treatment.

Only a veterinarian in a clinic will be able to carry out a full-fledged diagnosis, including a specialized ophthalmological one. The survey usually includes:

• collecting anamnesis - asking the owner what preceded the painful manifestations, how they developed in dynamics;
• examination of the cat, his eyes;
• general blood analysis;
• blood chemistry;
• to clarify the nature of the causative agent of inflammation, material is taken from the conjunctiva of the eye for bacteriological examination or PCR;
• Ultrasound of internal organs in cases of bilateral prolapse of the nictitating membrane;
• Eyeball ultrasound;
• CT, MRI - to clarify the nature of the lesion, it is possible to conduct an X-ray of the skull.

Ophthalmological examination:

• examination of the cornea, pupils with fluorescein staining;
• measurement of intraocular pressure;
• examination with the use of special optics of the internal structures of the eye.

Inadmissible actions for pathology of the blinking membrane

In case of pathology of the blinker membrane, the following are unacceptable:

• attempts at self-diagnosis and self-medication. The diagnosis can only be made by a veterinarian, often after a specialized examination. Self-medication can be dangerous and result in an aggravation of the disease and a deterioration in its prognosis.
• attempts to independently "straighten" the blinking membrane. They can lead to irreversible injury to the eyeball and necessitate its removal.

What medications for treatment can be prescribed

For the treatment of eye diseases are prescribed:

• antibacterial drugs in ointments and drops;
• medications that promote healing;
• hygiene lotions.

Table: medicines for pathologies of the third century

A drug	Group, composition	Application	Price in rubles
Bars, eye drops	Antibacterial preparation contains: chloramphenicol; furacilin.	It is used for the therapeutic washing of the eyes in case of their inflammatory diseases and injuries. After washing, 1–2 drops are instilled into each eye 4–5 times a day for a course of 1–2 weeks. Sold at a veterinary pharmacy.	135
Decta-2, eye drops	The combined preparation contains: antibiotic gentamicin; dexamethasone, which has anti-inflammatory effects.	in acute and chronic inflammatory eye diseases caused by bacterial flora and allergic reactions; for the prevention of inflammation in case of eye injuries. Do not use if there is a suspicion of the participation of fungal flora, glaucoma, corneal ulcer. Instill 2-3 drops 2-3 times a day for a course of 5-10 days. Sold at a veterinary pharmacy.	110
Iris, eye drops	Antibacterial preparation, contains gentamicin	It is used to treat bacterial eye infections; 1 drop is instilled into each eye 4 times a day, the course is 7-10 days. Sold at a veterinary pharmacy.	140
Tsiprovet, eye drops	Antibacterial drug, contains ciprofloxacin	treatment of bacterial eye infections, including those resistant to other antibiotics; preparation for ophthalmic operations; prevention of infection with eye injury. Not applicable to kittens under 7 days of age. Apply 1 drop 4 times a day for 7-14 days. Sold at a veterinary pharmacy.	140
Tetracycline eye ointment	Antibacterial drug containing tetracycline	treating bacterial eye infections; treatment of chlamydial conjunctivitis. It is not used during pregnancy, lactation, in small kittens, with severe impairment of liver and kidney function - since absorption of tetracycline into the blood is possible. Apply 3-4 times a day, the course is individual, determined by the doctor. Sold at a regular pharmacy.	from 42
Korneregel	Healing agent, contains dexpanthenol	An auxiliary agent used to accelerate the restoration of the cornea in inflammatory diseases of the eye, injuries, burns. They are applied by instilling 1 drop into each eye 5 times a day, the last application just before bedtime. Sold at a regular pharmacy.	476
Beafar Oftal	Hygienic Lotion	It is used to clean the eyes and hair around them.	455

Photo gallery: medicines for the treatment of diseases of the nictitating membrane

Tsiprovet is intended for the treatment and prevention of ophthalmic diseases of bacterial etiology in dogs and cats

Tetracycline ointment - a broad-spectrum antibiotic

Beaphar Oftal for dogs and cats gently cares for, cleanses the eyes and hair around them, prevents irritation from dust and dirt, stimulates the self-cleaning mechanism, prevents the appearance of dark tear stains

Bars eye drops are a combined antimicrobial drug intended for animal eye care

Eye drops Dekta-2 are intended for the treatment and prevention of ophthalmic diseases of bacterial origin in pets - cats and dogs

Korneregel is a drug that affects the processes of tissue regeneration of the organs of vision

How to do your cat eye treatments at home

Treatment of eye diseases in cats is performed at home, following the instructions of the veterinarian:

1. Limit the cat's mobility by wrapping it in a towel.
2. Rinse eyes to cleanse them using special products such as Beaphar Oftal or Furacilin solution.
3. If drops are used (Ciprovet, Levomesetin, Floxal) - turn the cat's head up, gently pull down the lower eyelid and drip the drops into the formed pocket between the eyelid and the eyeball.
4. If a gel or ointment is used, then place them with your index finger behind the lower eyelid and massage the closed eye to evenly distribute the drug. Do not apply the ointment directly from the tube, as sudden movement of the cat can injure the eye. Hands must first be washed and treated with an aqueous solution of chlorhexidine.

5. Use an Elizabethan collar after applying drops and ointments, as the cat will scratch his eyes with his paw due to the burning or tingling sensation caused by the medication.

   

   The Elizabethan collar will protect the cat's eyes from scratching them with the paw

Features of the treatment of pregnant cats and kittens

Kittens have a lot of inflammatory exudate in case of eye diseases, so the eyes are often "glued". You should moisten a gauze swab with a furacilin solution and wipe the eye several times with movements from nose to ear, and then carefully separate the kitten's eyelids. A separate swab is used for each eye. It is important not to allow kittens to stick their eyelids together.

You should pay attention to the annotations to medicinal products, for example:

• Ciprovet is not indicated for kittens under 7 days of age;
• 1% tetracycline ophthalmic ointment should not be used in kittens or pregnant cats, since there is a possibility of tetracycline absorption and impaired formation of bones, teeth, negative effects on liver function.

All medications used in kittens and pregnant cats must be approved by the doctor.

Potential effects of third eyelid disease in cats

Untreated diseases of the third eyelid in cats lead to the development and progression of secondary inflammatory processes in the eyeball, for example:

• initial conjunctivitis transforms into keratoconjunctivitis, and then into erosion and ulceration of the cornea of the eye;
• perforation of the corneal ulcer results in the loss of the eye;
• eye diseases cause severe pain and discomfort in a cat, reduce his visual acuity, quality of life and can lead to blindness;
• the spread of inflammation from the orbit area to the brain will be fatal.

Prevention of inflammation of the third eyelid in cats and kittens

Preventive measures include measures aimed at maintaining the level of general health of the cat:

• adherence to the cat's vaccination schedule;
• regular treatments for fleas and ticks;
• regular deworming;
• limiting pet contact with stray animals;
• balanced cat nutrition;
• timely detection and treatment of internal diseases;
• preventive examinations of the veterinarian.

Expert recommendations

The third eyelid of the cat is part of the adnexa of the eyeball and is involved in its protection, hydration, cleansing, and also supports local immunity. A change in the condition of the third eyelid is a valuable diagnostic feature because it is easily noticeable. The third eyelid can be involved in pathological processes affecting the entire eye with its accessory apparatus, and also has a number of its own diseases that are treated surgically. Since all conditions in which the third eyelid falls out are a serious threat to the cat's health, any change in the appearance of the nictitating membrane is a good reason to seek help from a veterinarian, and in a short time.