What to do if a cat has skinned eyelids. Eye diseases in cats

The presence of a third or inner eyelid in cats is an ancient natural feature. This eyelid has the function of protecting the eyes, preventing them from possible damage when foreign objects enter or come into contact with the eyeball.

Externally, the appearance of the third eyelid (or nictitating membrane) immediately becomes noticeable to the naked eye. This is a whitish or light blue thin skin located at the inner corner of the eye, of varying sizes.

A cat's third eyelid is important for maintaining the health of the entire ocular surface. In addition to cats, almost all types of mammals and birds can boast of the presence of such a unique organ.

Third eyelid in cats: causes and symptoms of the disease

The third (inner) eyelid is a conjunctival fold covering the side of the eye inner surface ordinary eyelids, and on the other side - the surface of the cornea. Its operating principle is similar to that of a windshield wiper. The eyelid effectively removes debris from the eye and promotes uniform distribution of tears over the surface of the cornea, protecting it from possible injuries. Tears help create an immunological defense against bacteria and fungus.

Some cat varieties - Persians, Britons, etc. - are prone to prolapse or protrusion of the third eyelid. The period from the second to the ninth month of life becomes especially dangerous. Due to the movement of the eyelids due to constant blinking, the enlarged eyelid will become injured and swell. In addition, due to its size, the eyelid will constantly touch the cornea, creating certain inconvenience for cats. By trying to rub the damaged eye on its own, the animal will only complicate the situation.

As for the symptoms of third eyelid prolapse, these include the following:

• tearfulness of the eye;
• the appearance of blepharospasms;
• the presence of mucus or accumulations of pus in the injured eye;
• a noticeable voluminous formation in the corner of the damaged eye (cherry eye syndrome).

Common causes of protrusion are:

• weakening of the ligaments that hold the eyelid in the appropriate position;
• eversion of the cartilaginous base of the eyelid.

It is necessary to correctly distinguish protrusion from adenoma (neoplasm). Removing an eyelid, unlike removing an adenoma, will lead to the development of such a dangerous disease as keratoconjunctivitis, which cannot be completely cured.

May be associated with third eyelid prolapse in cats the following types diseases:

Timely detection of the disease and initiation of professional treatment help preserve the cat’s quality of vision and even life.

Third eyelid in cats: treatment

Before asking your veterinarian how to treat protrusion, you can safely use phytomineral supplements containing the following herbs:

• ivy-shaped budra;
• cornflower;
• plantain;
• calendula.

What to do if you discover a protrusion in a cat? Contact the clinic immediately for help. It is not recommended to use drugs such as eye drops, intended for humans.

In some cases, the fallen third eyelid is restored after a few hours. If this does not happen, surgical intervention will be required. Course treatment at home may include the use of medications such as immunomodulatory drugs - fosprenil or cycloferon. They will help eliminate the viral infection.

The so-called nictitating membrane, which is responsible for irrigating the cornea with tear fluid and clearing it of debris, becomes visible due to various pathologies. Only a veterinarian can correctly determine the etiology of third eyelid prolapse. Independent treatment undertaken by the cat owner can lead to complications of the disease. The owner of the animal can carry out therapeutic measures at home, but only by strictly following the prescriptions and recommendations of a specialist.

The timing of seeing a doctor is also urgent: the accuracy of diagnosing the disease is higher at its early stage. It should be added that attempts made by the owner to treat the pet’s eyes before visiting the veterinarian can also negatively affect the establishment of the etiology of the pathological condition.

To understand how difficult it is for a person ignorant of cat diseases to find the correct cause of third eyelid prolapse, you need to list possible options formation of pathology. Here they are:

1. Infections of a bacterial, fungal or viral nature. These include mycoplasmosis, rhinotracheitis, chlamydia and other diseases. One of their symptoms is damage to the cat's eyes.
2. Diseases of internal organs, for example the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys. Sometimes the third eyelid falls out after a course of antibiotic therapy.
3. Inflammatory processes in the hearing organs.
4. Disturbances in the functioning of the central nervous system.
5. Infection of an animal with fleas or worms.
6. Consequence of injury. IN similar cases Only one nictitating membrane is damaged.
7. Reaction to foreign body entry. Inflammation occurs when tear fluid cannot wash it away.
8. Conjunctivitis caused by allergies to food and chemicals. Cats may be hypersensitive to pollen. Chronic, catarrhal or purulent conjunctivitis is a consequence of diseases of other organs.
9. Benign tumor of the third eyelid (adenoma).
10. Atrophy of the eyeball.
11. Genetic predisposition of animals of certain breeds, for example Persian.

This is a light, thin conjunctival fold at the inner corner of the eye. It is also called the nictitating membrane. It performs protective functions: moisturizes the cornea, prevents foreign microparticles or small insects and removes them when they appear.

In cats, the nictitating membrane is attached to the inside of the upper and lower eyelids and extends onto the cornea. From the inside it is covered with lymphoid tissue. The film expands and retracts involuntarily: either simultaneously with blinking, or floats when the animal’s head lowers or when the eye is irritated.

The scientific name for this membrane, found in the eyes of several mammals, including cats, is the nictitating membrane, which is also known as the third eyelid or fitting membrane. This is the tissue located around the cornea, conjunctiva and mucous membrane. The third eyelid is usually hidden out of sight in the central (also known as medial - near the nose) part of the eye socket.

Unlike the other two eyelids, which open and close by moving up and down, the third eyelid slides back and forth across the eye from the center outward. This is a moist membrane that may be pigmented (dark), or may have no pigment and therefore be pale or pink (due to blood vessels that pass through it).

The role of the third eyelid is to protect the eyeball from the penetration of any foreign object and from various injuries. It is also responsible for the release of fluid, the antiseptic properties of which can fight bacteria and microorganisms that can cause irritation and inflammatory process. If you notice a third eyelid in a cat, either in one eye or in both, this may indicate a malfunction in the body and disease.

Conjunctivitis Description: inflammation of the inner mucous membrane of the eye (conjunctiva). Often progresses from blepharitis. Main features: redness of the conjunctiva; mucous, serous or purulent discharge accumulating in the corners of the eyes; itching, burning, soreness; sticking of eyelids after sleep; photophobia. Treatment: symptomatic. Preliminary eye rinsing; the use of eye drops and ointments indicated for conjunctivitis; antibiotic therapy for fever.

Third eyelid prolapse “influx” of the eyelid onto the eye (sometimes up to one third of the entire visual area). Treatment: symptomatic or surgical. Elimination of the primary disease that caused protrusion of the third eyelid; eye drops or surgical excision of the pathological area.

Keratitis Description: inflammation of the cornea, provoked by injuries, bacterial infections or helminthic infestations. May be superficial, deep or ulcerative. Loss of vision or transition to a sluggish chronic form is possible. Main symptoms: photophobia; redness of the eye; corneal clouding; vessels appear; soreness. Treatment: symptomatic and elimination of the underlying disease. Washing the eyes with antimicrobial solutions, using eye drops and ointments, antibiotic therapy for purulent processes, microsurgery for deep or ulcerative keratitis.

Eosinophilic keratitis Description: The exact cause is not known, but a connection with disturbances in the immune system has been proven. Most often it does not cause discomfort to the animal. Main features: the presence of white plaques on the cornea, spreading from behind to the anterior wall; slight lacrimation; Cytology reveals a large number of eosinophils. Treatment: immunomodulatory and hormone therapy in combination with antibiotics under the strict supervision of a physician. Often, treatment of eosinophilic keratitis can lead to worsening general condition animal.

Dermoid Description: very rare disease, in which the internal mucous membranes or tissues of the cornea, sclera grow with connective tissue of the skin, including the presence hair follicles and hairs. It can be conjunctival, corneal or scleral. Main symptoms: detection of dermoid areas in the eyes (areas whose structure resembles skin with fur); lacrimation; constant irritation and friction of the sore eye. Treatment: surgical removal pathological areas.

"Creeping" ulcer Description: an inflammatory process that penetrates into the eyeball through an ulcerated cornea. Main features: severe pain; photophobia; purulent discharge; penetrating corneal ulcers; increased body temperature; clouding of the eye. Treatment: symptomatic or surgical, when the purulent process lyses (dissolves) the eyeball from the inside and requires its removal. Antimicrobial therapy (antibiotics, eye drops and ointments), pain relief (novocaine blockade or novocaine instillation), eye microsurgery to remove damaged areas of the cornea.

Uveitis Description: damage to the choroid of the eye, sometimes involving the ciliary body, iris or the entire vascular tract in the inflammatory process. Leads to blindness. Often confused with conjunctivitis. Occurs due to injury, bacterial or fungal infections, after corneal ulcers. Main features: excessive constriction of the pupil (miosis); accumulation of pus inside the eye chamber; hemorrhage inside the eye chamber; change in iris color; swelling of the eyeball; decrease in intraocular pressure. Treatment: it is treated very poorly and there is a high risk of being late. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory therapy, antispasmodics to relieve miosis, antimicrobial drugs. If conservative treatment fails, the eyeball is removed.

Iritis (iridocyclitis) Description: inflammation of the iris and ciliary body due to injuries, inflammation passing from the cornea, complications after eye surgery, infections brought in by the bloodstream. Often accompanied by conjunctivitis. Main symptoms: constriction of the pupil; soreness; dimming of the iris; turbidity of the fluid in the anterior chamber of the eye; photophobia; serous-purulent discharge when conjunctivitis occurs. Treatment: atropine to restore pupil contractions, novocaine blockade, antibiotic therapy. Good effect give eye drops and ointments with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.

Glaucoma Description: increased intraocular pressure with enlargement of the eyeball. Often it is not primary disease and accompanies other eye pathologies. Leads to irreversible loss of the animal’s vision if treatment is not started in a timely manner. It is often asymptomatic. There are open-angle and closed-angle. Main features: Typically, striking symptoms accompany angle-closure glaucoma: redness of the eyes; swelling of the eyelids; severe pain; nausea, vomiting, weakness; corneal clouding; redness (blueness) of the pupil when light is refracted. Treatment: normalization of intraocular pressure special drugs(pilocarpine, for example), diuretics to improve the outflow of excess fluid from the body, analgesic therapy, retrobulbar administration of chlorpromazine. IN in rare cases– extirpation of the eyeball.

Cataract Description: clouding of the lens. It is difficult to treat and often leads to blindness. The disease is associated with a disruption of substances in the lens with increased breakdown of protein components. Causes: injuries, infections, chronic inflammatory processes in the eyes. Main features: cloudiness of the eye - it seems to be covered with a whitish, cloudy film; dilated pupil that does not respond to light. Treatment: Conservatively, you can only slow down the degenerative processes a little (with eye drops for cataracts). Maybe surgery– replacement of a clouded lens, however, these operations currently exist only in theory, because There are few people willing to undergo such an extremely expensive procedure.

Degenerative processes in the retina (dystrophy, atrophy, detachment) Description: complex pathological processes, leading to degeneration of the retina with disruption of its functions, even death. Often found in Siamese and Abyssinian cats. There are many reasons: trauma, inflammation, metabolic disorders (lack of taurine) and retinal nutrition, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases. Main symptoms: night blindness; sudden complete blindness; severe pupil dilation and dullness. Treatment: symptomatic, which slightly inhibits degenerative processes. Complete cure impossible. Cat food is enriched with taurine. Concomitant diseases are treated.

Dacryocystitis Description: inflammation of the lacrimal sac with obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct due to its narrowing. It often occurs after prolonged conjunctivitis. Main features: mucous or purulent discharge; swelling in the outer upper corner of the eye orbit; soreness; edema upper eyelid; enlargement of the lacrimal gland until it can be felt; abscesses (accumulation of pus in the tissues around the eyes). Treatment: symptomatic or surgical. Symptomatic treatment trying to relieve inflammation and pain (novocaine blockade); Absorbable ointments (ichthyol, Vishnevsky) are used. Surgical cleaning of the lacrimal canal or extirpation of the lacrimal gland is possible.

Prolapse (or dislocation) of the eyeball (exophthalmos) Description: The main causes are injury or genetic predisposition of certain breeds (Persians). Main symptoms: the eyeball is located outside the orbit. Treatment: surgical in a hospital. Independent attempts at adjustment are prohibited! Depending on the causes and duration of the condition, the eyeball with exophthalmos may need to be removed.

Recession of the eyeball inward (enophthalmos) Main features: lacrimation; pupil reduction; the emergence of the third century; narrowing of the eye opening; visible location of the eyeball, as if inside the orbit; Possible loss of coordination of movement. Treatment: diagnostic and symptomatic. When epinephrine is instilled into the eyes, the time of pupil dilation is observed. If the problems lie outside the head and spinal cord, then the pupil will dilate in 15-20 minutes. Otherwise, the expansion will be noted no earlier than after 35-45 minutes. This is an aid in making a diagnosis. It is possible to eliminate the symptom of sunken eyeball after treating the underlying disease.

Panophthalmos Description: very rare and special serious disease, in which absolutely all parts and tissues of the eye participate in the purulent process. Main features: copious purulent discharge; enlargement of the eyeball; redness of all internal mucous membranes of the eye; corneal clouding; decreased or loss of vision. Treatment: surgical. The eyeball is removed, the orbit is septically treated, and then sutured.

Corneal sequestration Description: often affects cat breeds with physiological exophthalmos (Persians, Sphynxes). The area of ​​the cornea dries out, becomes thinner, becomes injured and dies (necrotizes). Main symptoms: squinting; increased lacrimation; presence of red-black or dark brown spots(sequesters); with significant sequester sizes – visual impairment. Treatment: microsurgical to remove spots on the cornea.

Causes of the third eyelid in cats

The causes of the disease largely depend on its type.

Let's look at the types of diseases listed above in more detail:

U healthy pet This nictitating membrane (“third eyelid”) is practically invisible - it is translucent and does not at all interfere with the animal’s watching or sleeping. It is visible for a short time when the cat is half asleep or when he tilts his head. A unique fold appears from the edge of the eye, quickly removes everything foreign in its path, distributes the tear fluid, which it itself partially produces, and disappears again.

It happens that the membrane does not return to its “original” position and becomes larger size. This should serve as a signal for the pet owner to contact the veterinary service.

ATTENTION! If the third eyelid in cats is not in order, treatment should be prescribed by a doctor!

Protrusion of the nictitating fold is a symptom of such complex internal diseases, How:

• infection caused by bacteria, virus or fungus;
• conjunctivitis;
• reaction to allergens;
• eye injuries;
• internal diseases (including gastrointestinal tract);
• helminthiasis.

What can be dangerous about third eyelid prolapse in cats? Treatment should be aimed at identifying the cause of the disease and eliminating it. Some owners diagnose their pets themselves and give them medications they deem necessary. As a result, time has passed, the disease has started, and further treatment will be longer and more complex.

Micro-wounds (from a bite or puncture) can cause inflammation of the third eyelid in cats, for example, when fighting with other animals. The cornea is damaged and the eyelid will take a long time to heal, so the cat may need surgery.

If the gastrointestinal tract is not in order, then the consequence is inflammation of the cat’s inner eyelid.

It is necessary to monitor the behavior of the pet. If he vomits, refuses food and diarrhea, then the reason is gastrointestinal disorders. In this case, veterinary assistance is required.

If you notice that your cat's eyes are closed with the third eyelid, treatment may not be necessary in the following cases:

• decreased immunity;
• mild form of cat flu;
• a temporary phenomenon that disappears in 1-2 days.

At similar reasons The mustachioed one should be watched. If he feels quite vigorous, then you just need to strengthen your diet with vitamins and useful microelements, for the flu - regularly remove discharge from the nose and eyes, apply eye drops.

In case of genetic pathology (protrusion of the lacrimal gland occurs in cats of the Persian and British breeds), the intervention of a veterinary ophthalmologist cannot be avoided. Surgically, he will move the gland to the place where it should anatomically be located.

We repeat once again - a veterinarian should and should be consulted. Only he will be able to determine what happened to the tailed patient and, based on the owner’s story about his behavior at home, about his diet and additional features diseases, prescribe the right medications.

· Conjunctivitis. This eye infection not only causes a third eyelid to appear, but also causes swelling, redness and watery eyes.

· Dehydration. When a cat is suffering from severe water stress, the appearance of this eye tissue is a sign of a serious health condition that should be treated by a specialist.

· Medicines, especially a tranquilizer called acepromazine, can cause the eyelid to bulge. After stopping the drug, everything returns to normal.

· Bruise. Any head injury (even a seemingly minor one) can affect the eyes.

· Foreign body. Anything that gets into your cat's eyes, be it debris, dust or anything else, will cause this membrane to appear as it acts as a mechanism to prevent further penetration of the foreign body into the eyeball.

· Cancer. The appearance of the third eyelid can be affected by the formation of cancer cells.

· Horner's syndrome. Neurological condition, called Horner's syndrome, can cause a third eyelid to appear. This condition often occurs after ear cleaning because one of the nerves that goes to the eye also passes through the ear. If eardrum damaged during cleaning, the nerve may become irritated, resulting in a syndrome that resolves on its own after some time.

· Genetics. Some cat breeds, such as Burmese, are more prone to developing a third eyelid.

Prolapse of the third eyelid is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• tear production increases;
• blepharospasms occur;
• mucus or pus is released;
• appears extensive education in the corners of the eyes.

The causes of protrusion may be the following:

• weakened ligaments that hold the eyelid in a certain position;
• eversion of the cartilaginous base.

Prolapse of the third eyelid in cats. It can begin as an independent disease, or as a secondary one, arising due to diseases of a viral or infectious nature. Signs: modification of the third eyelid (inflammation, lacrimation, swelling).

Causes - possible violations work on the part of the central nervous system; the appearance of neoplasms - which leads to a displacement of the third eyelid; reduction in the size of the eyeball (possible atrophy) - the third eyelid falls into the resulting space; the appearance of a painful sensation in the eye - the animal’s reflex is to cover it with the third eyelid;

Treatment - There are many causes of third eyelid prolapse in cats. To find out the root cause of this disease, put correct diagnosis, prescribe treatment, you must immediately show the animal to a specialist.

Treatment of the third eyelid in cats is a responsible process (the life of the animal is at stake) and complex. No pet owner can do this on their own.

Conjunctivitis is a disease of the mucous membrane of a cat's eyelids (inflammation of the conjunctiva). It is she who is responsible for the immunity of the animal’s eyes. Ophthalmologists divide conjunctivitis into: purulent, chronic, catarrhal.

Signs. To determine conjunctivitis in a cat, you need to slightly spread the eyelid with two fingers. There will be noticeable redness of the eye and membrane, lacrimation with purulent discharge, swelling, elevated temperature body, weakness, loss of appetite, photophobia. Sometimes there are small ulcers and even blisters.

The reasons may be foreign particles getting into the eye, an injury from a claw while scratching or received in a fight, an infectious infection, or vitamin deficiency. Also, conjunctivitis can occur against the background of changes occurring due to diseases of other organs and systems in the animal.

Treatment - First of all, you need to examine the cat's eye for the possible presence of foreign particles. Can be treated special ointments, solutions and drops sold in veterinary pharmacies. But in order not to harm your pet, you need to show the animal to a veterinarian.

Inflammation of the cornea of ​​a cat's eyes is an acquired form of inflammation.

Inflammatory eye diseases in cats include conjunctivitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis, iritis, inflammation of the nasolacrimal duct (yes, we must not forget that eye diseases in cats also include problems with the duct, orbit and other tissues surrounding the eye), blepharitis, panophthalmitis and others .

Non-inflammatory ones include bruises (and other injuries), a foreign body in the eye, entropion of the eyelid, prolapse of the eyeball, cataracts, glaucoma and others.

The course can be subacute, acute, chronic. And the symptoms of eye disease in cats do not disappear over time, but only fade a little. But this only increases the risk that the animal vision will decrease or other health problems will appear (especially if the cause of the cat’s eye disease is an infection).

Eye diseases in cats are primary and secondary. Primary is when the changes that have occurred in the eyes are the underlying disease. Secondary is when problems with the “mirrors of the soul” have already appeared due to a more serious health problem (for example, an infectious disease), then we can safely say that conjunctivitis is one of the symptoms.

Now let’s briefly go over the main eye diseases in cats.

Below is a classification of eye diseases in cats, symptoms characteristic of each disease, as well as an approximate treatment regimen.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis in cats is perhaps the most common eye disease.

Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyelids is called conjunctivitis. There are many types of it:

• Catarrhal;
• Purulent;
• Ulcerative;
• Follicular.

There are many reasons for this inflammation. The most common ones are a foreign body getting into the eye (grains of sand or hair, for example), vitamin deficiency, injuries, infections. In babies (especially kittens), inflammation from the nasal cavity (a seemingly harmless runny nose) quickly spreads to the eyes. Therefore, not only rhinitis is recorded in them, but also inflammation of the nasolacrimal duct and purulent conjunctivitis.

When an animal has conjunctivitis, the mucous membrane of the eyelids turns red, swells, and tears flow. Pus may also appear (but not immediately; first, catarrhal conjunctivitis, which, depending on the cause of its appearance, gradually or extremely quickly “turns” into purulent).

The first step is to determine what caused this inflammation? If it is a foreign body, then you just need to rinse the eye and, to prevent complications, apply tetracycline eye ointment to the lower eyelid a couple of times a day (eye ointment is always 1%!). You can purchase it either at a veterinary pharmacy or at a human pharmacy. This is not a scarce medicine at all and costs a penny. It is best if you always have it in your first aid kit.

Just don’t apply it to your finger and then to your eye. This creates an even greater risk that you will get an infection (your hands are not sterile, no matter how much you wash them at home laundry soap). And you don’t need to touch the “nose” of the tube to lower eyelid so as not to introduce pathogenic microorganisms into the tube of ointment.

So, the next time you apply it (even if not for tomorrow), you will introduce pathogens directly to the inflamed area. And instead of treating conjunctivitis in a cat or dog, it will become over-infected.

However, you should not self-medicate as soon as you see tears in your cat or whitish crusts in the inner corner of the eyes. Firstly, this way you can only “drown out” the symptom, while the underlying disease will rage with all its might. Secondly, you may not guess with the dosage or even the drug, which will lead to the transition to catarrhal acute inflammation mucous membrane of the eyelid into chronic, but already purulent or follicular.

Clinical signs of conjunctivitis in a cat or dog will subside, but will not disappear. And this will certainly affect visual acuity. Symptoms of purulent conjunctivitis, in addition to yellow crusts in the morning after sleep or obvious yellow (or even greenish) discharge, are an increase in body temperature. This is understandable.

And the clinical sign of such a pathology will be an increase in temperature. But whether it will increase only in the affected area of ​​the body or in the entire body immediately depends on the state of your pet’s immunity. the weaker it is, the higher the temperature.

Now about follicular conjunctivitis. Everything is much more complicated here. A simple tetracycline ointment or intramuscular antibiotics is not enough. The fact is that near the third eyelid (and it is located in the inner corner, this normally pink “skin”) the lymph nodes become inflamed. they enlarge, swell, and prevent the animal from blinking. It cannot be done without surgical intervention by a veterinarian. After the operation, the doctor will prescribe ointments and injections.

Keratitis

We’ve sorted out the inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyelids, but what is the name for damage to the cornea in cats? Keratitis. It doesn't matter whether it was caused by injury or infection. It would seem, how can one examine some kind of pathology on a transparent cornea, especially if the pet blinks or does not even want to open its eyes because it hurts? But some symptoms will still help you recognize keratitis in a cat.

This is lacrimation. With keratitis, tears flow constantly and very rapidly from the affected eye. large quantities. It’s as if the body is trying to “wash out” the lesion. The mustache will try to keep this eye closed, and if it is very bright in the room (or on the street), it will close its eyes completely. This is called photophobia.

Agree, it’s very difficult not to notice this. You can determine whether an infectious disease is the root cause of keratitis yourself. If they are guilty pathogenic microorganisms(bacteria, viruses), then both eyes are almost always immediately affected. With fungi it is more complicated; they do not immediately move to the second organ of vision. However, in any case, you need to seek veterinary help as soon as possible.

Without treatment, in almost 100% of cases, conjunctivitis is added to keratitis (since there are plenty of microorganisms in the air) and the pet already has another disease - keratoconjunctivitis.

That is, in addition to lacrimation and photophobia, clinical signs characteristic of inflammation of the eyelid mucosa also appear. Pus begins to come out very quickly.

If the cause of keratitis in a cat was not a wound (a scratch on the cornea can also appear from a foreign body under the eyelid, after a fight), then the transparent membrane of the eye ceases to shine, becomes cloudy, and discharge (often purulent) accumulates in the corner of the eye.

Third eyelid

The nictitating membrane in cats is a unique protective “device” provided by nature. If you are planning to treat a cat’s eye disease – prolapse of the third eyelid, then first find out about the functions of this amazing feature. With the help of the nictitating membrane, the eyes are always protected from various damage and contact with the cornea.

The membrane (inner eyelid) helps maintain the health of the mucous surface of the eyes. In addition to cats, some other mammals and birds are endowed with a similar protective organ.

Eye disease in cats - third eyelid: loss is manifested by the following signs:

• uncontrollable spasms of the orbicularis oculi muscle (twitching and closing of the eyelids);
• increased lacrimation and redness around the eye;
• purulent or mucous discharge;
• massive formation in the corners of the eyes.

This pathology is similar to adenoma. It is very important to distinguish between these eye diseases in cats, the treatment of which, if misdiagnosed, can provoke the development of a dangerous disease - keratoconjunctivitis, from which the pet cannot be completely cured.

If the white film does not disappear, it’s time to contact the veterinarian. A timely detected symptom and immediate treatment will help save your pet’s vision, save it from developing any disease, and maybe even protect it from death.

In a situation where the third eyelid is visible only in one eye, it is recommended to check the cat for the presence of pathologies such as:

• getting a foreign object under the nictitating membrane;
• traumatic injuries to the white film, cornea, cartilage or facial nerve;
• symblepharon;
• bacterial inflammation of the membrane.

It should be taken into account that membrane prolapse can occur in both eyes. The reasons for such a violation may be:

• bilateral conjunctivitis;
• fusion of part of the third eyelid with the eyeball;
• helminthiasis

Remember that a treatment regimen for cats’ eyes can only be selected and prescribed by a specialist with a veterinary education. Under no circumstances should you prescribe medications yourself, much less use eye drops and ointments intended for people. The only thing you can do at home is to rinse your eyes with warm boiled water or chamomile decoction.

Sometimes a fallen membrane will repair itself within a few hours. If this does not happen, you will have to resort to surgery.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis in cats is simply called inflammation of the eyelid. Blepharitis is also classified into “simple”, ulcerative, scaly, and meibomian. If you do not notice in time that the eyelid is red, swollen, and prevents the cat from opening its eyes, then you may not have time to start treatment in time.

Without a competent treatment regimen, “simple” blepharitis can easily and quickly turn into ulcerative blepharitis. First, a purulent plaque forms along the line of growth of the cilia, and under the plaque (more precisely, when it begins to fall off), ulcers begin to appear. It’s much more difficult to fight him.

The pet tries to scratch the eye, which can lead to injury, since clawed paws can easily injure the cornea or the same inflamed eyelid. As the purulent plaque and sores spread, blepharitis in a cat leads to loss of eyelashes. There is a high risk that the disease will “spread” to the conjunctiva, to the eye itself, which will lead to the development of a completely different disease - panophthalmitis. And here you will have to act very quickly if you do not want your pet to be left without an eye.

Panophthalmitis

Main signs of the disease

Treatment is the use of antibacterial, antiviral drugs, immunostimulants. If ulcers appear on the cornea, you need to show the animal to the surgeon. This disease in cats leaves scar tissue in the cornea of ​​the eye, leading to permanent clouding and blurred vision.

The life and health of pets, their longevity depends entirely on the love and attention of their owners. The longer you ignore health deviations in animals, the more serious and severe the consequences.

If you have these symptoms, you should immediately contact your veterinarian.

What is a cat's third eyelid? This is when the skin that is in the inner corner covers most of the eye. Subsequently, the organ of vision becomes inflamed, festers, and a white or blue film appears.

If any speck gets into the eyes, the condition of the sick cat may worsen. A veterinarian will be needed at home if a film appears on the kittens’ eyes. If this is not done in a timely manner, the cat may simply lose its sight.

In addition to the third eyelid, there are other eye diseases in cats that can be caused by various pathogens. For example, herpes virus, chlamydia. The disease should be detected promptly and the animal treated as quickly as possible.

If cats have watery eyes, formations on the eyes, or a thin white film, this is a clear sign of a serious illness. Also, an equally unpleasant eye disease in cats is the third eyelid, also called the nictitating membrane, which can cover most of the eye. This skin is usually located in cats only from the inner corner of the eyes.

Due to inflammation and irritation of the eyes in cats, suppuration begins when a white or blue film appears on the eyes. This irritation can be greatly worsened when a foreign object enters the eye. If a white film appears on the kitten’s eyes, and the owners forgot to invite a professional veterinarian, then the disease may become more complicated and the cat may simply lose his sight.

Often, the common cause of discharge from a cat's eyes is not the eye disease itself, but other diseases that cause the same eye problems.

It may be infectious various diseases, such as herpes virus or chlamydia. It must be taken into account that the disease must be identified in time and treatment must begin as soon as possible, thereby curing the pet’s eyes and prolonging its life.

Signs of the disease may be as follows:

• the cat rubs its eyes with its paw too often;
• the pet avoids bright light;
• the cat blinks too often;
• you noticed that the cat began to squint;

If you notice such strange behavior, then carefully examine the cat’s eyes; if there is an accumulation of pus there, redness and watery eyes, you should immediately run to the doctor, and the sooner this is done, the better. If a cat's eyes are half covered with a film and there is a blue tint, then this is definitely not a cataract, since it causes clouding of the lens.

U old cat the lens often has the same blue tint, but if it is transparent and clear, then the animal is healthy. The third eyelid, partially covering the eyes, is a common phenomenon, which does not mean blindness in the animal. This problem is quite common even in healthy, full-fledged cats.

Symptoms of the disease

The symptomatic manifestation of pathologies depends on the type of inflammation and the reasons that caused it. More often, eyelid prolapse occurs, the mucous membrane looks swollen and hyperemic, the eyes do not open or are closed.

Entropion is also accompanied by “closed”, “glued” eyelids.

Protrusion of the eyelid is often associated with a situation where the eyelid “goes away” (that is, there is inconsistency of symptoms).

All pathologies look like a red spot located at the site of the cornea.

It is difficult to describe the symptomatic manifestation of this disease - you should see it once, at least in a photograph, and then there will definitely be no questions left.

Having looked at several photos of cats suffering from this disease on the Internet, any owner, even a completely inexperienced one, will be able to diagnose and differentiate this disease in their beloved pet.

If you have any doubts about the health and well-being of your pet, we strongly recommend that you contact veterinary clinic seek qualified assistance from a doctor or specialist of another class.

Only a professional can accurately understand what processes disrupt normal functioning and depress the animal’s body.

After conducting all diagnostic and laboratory tests and carrying out the necessary tests, only he will prescribe the correct treatment and help you get rid of the disease in a timely and quick manner.

Look at your cat in bright light and examine the eyes. In a healthy pet, they should be clear and bright, and the area around the pupil should be white. Wrap the cat in a towel to prevent it from escaping, carefully thumb Pull back your lower eyelid a little – it should be pink inside.

· lacrimation;

· red or white inner eyelids;

dried pus in the corners of the eyes;

· slightly open eyes;

· cloudy eyes;

· third eyelid.

Panophthalmitis

Unfortunately, the animal will not be able to save its eye. To prevent the infection from spreading to the brain, the diseased organ of vision is completely removed and the eyelids are sutured. To prevent this from happening, do not give up on your pet’s excessive tearing (even if this is a predisposition of the breed), and do not spit on the crusts of pus in the corners of the eyes or on the fur under them.

As soon as something alerts you, or you notice a symptom, immediately contact your veterinarian-ophthalmologist. There is no need to rinse with decoctions, drip antibiotics, or smear everything. This will only “muffle” the clinical signs, making it difficult to make a final diagnosis. And this will affect the development of a treatment regimen. Without it, your pet's recovery is impossible.

Cataract

Cataracts cause the lens of a cat to become cloudy. It is more often registered in older pets, however, it can also develop in young kittens if the cause is an infection. The main symptom you may notice is blurred vision. The animal bumps into objects, walks carefully, slowly, and is poorly oriented in space, especially in new terrain.

Having established the cause of the disease, the veterinarian-ophthalmologist will prescribe drug treatment. Only if it does not help will surgery be prescribed. Self-medication is extremely dangerous. First, the animal may lose vision in that eye completely. Secondly, if the cause was an infection, then panophthalmitis, which was described above, may develop.

Inflammation of the nasolacrimal ducts

Another common eye disease in cats and kittens. It occurs due to the fact that the tubules that “connect the eye and nose” (to explain as simply as possible) become clogged. Many people had no idea about the presence of such tubules. But if you remember a crying person, you probably noticed that it was flowing not only from the eyes, but also from the nose.

The symptom is excessive lacrimation. It can be mistaken for a sign of keratitis or conjunctivitis because of this, but no ointment will help. The only way to help an animal is by probing. Yes, it is very painful, but after the procedure the cat immediately feels better. Literally without leaving the veterinarian's office, your pet will feel relief.

More antibiotics will be prescribed to prevent the development of infection. But usually after a week they are canceled and the cat is re-examined. And if everything is fine, then the mustache is considered recovered.

Wounds of the eyelids

They can be superficial (when there is only a scratch), deep (when several layers of skin are damaged) and through (the eyelid is completely damaged). Cats injure their eyelids much more often than dogs, especially fighters.

If the wound is superficial, then it will need to be washed and treated with an antiseptic (at least with iodine, but only if the wound is outside the eyelid!). if it is deep or through, then only to the veterinarian. It will be necessary to thoroughly treat it, remove all foreign particles from the wound cavity, and also apply sutures. If the wound is through, then you need to make sure that the cornea is not injured.

Turn of the century

Most often, the lower eyelid is rolled up. At the same time, its edge bends inward (towards the cornea), this is not just uncomfortable. This is very painful. Don't forget about the hard cilia that rub against the conjunctiva and cornea. As a result, chronic keratoconjunctivitis can easily develop due to volvulus (volvulus is less common in cats).

Glaucoma

There are three types of glaucoma in cats: congenital, open-angle and closed-angle. With this disease, the animal's intraocular pressure increases. A symptom of glaucoma that the owner may notice is a greatly dilated pupil. The vessels cannot withstand the pressure, so they burst. And areas of hemorrhage are visible both on the conjunctiva and on the eye itself. The apple increases in size and becomes very hard (the pressure inside goes off scale).

With open-angle glaucoma, areas of cloudiness are noticeable on the cornea, it is practically insensitive, that is, the reflex weakens. With angle-closure glaucoma, a ring-shaped closed opacification of the cornea is noticeable on the cat’s cornea, as well as a strong branching of burst or dilated blood vessels.

High intraocular pressure in a cat affects not only visual acuity, but also overall well-being. This is very painful, and you cannot do it without the help of a veterinarian (ideally an ophthalmologist). The veterinarian will determine the cause. In some cases, medications that dilate the pupil help. But if the cause of glaucoma in a cat or dog is associated with lens luxation, then surgical intervention is necessary.

It's just small part eye diseases in cats. There are so many types of injuries, burns, inflammatory processes. It’s impossible to talk about everything at once in one article.

Still have questions? You can ask them to our site's in-house veterinarian in the comment box below, who as soon as possible will answer them.

Bruises and mechanical injuries without breaking the integrity occurs as a result of impact with a blunt object or other mechanical damage(falls, bumping into non-sharp objects). Symptoms: bruising; hematomas (accumulation of blood clots in the tissues around the eyes); swelling with increased local temperature within the injury; changes in the size of the eyeball. Treatment: will depend on the severity of the damage and it is necessary to show the animal to a veterinarian. The eye is washed, if there is pain, 2% novocaine, antimicrobial drops or ointments are applied; cold may be needed for hematomas (only on the eyelid area, not on the eyeball). In case of complications, surgical intervention with removal of the eye is possible.

Wounds and open lesions cat fights, strong blows, falls on sharp objects, etc., which leads to rupture of skin tissue. Main features: violation of the integrity of the skin; obvious bleeding from visible injured areas, Treatment: washing the damaged area with hydrogen peroxide (without getting on the cornea), hemostatic therapy, sutures may be required, anesthesia, local antimicrobial therapy, surgical intervention for complex damage to the organ of vision (eye microsurgery or removal of the entire organ).

Blepharitis inflammation of the eyelids, provoked by injuries, bacterial or fungal infections, vitamin deficiency, disorders of the pancreas and liver, allergic reactions. Main features: redness of the eyelids; swelling; profuse lacrimation; photophobia; itching and burning; loss of hair and eyelashes around the eyelids. Treatment: symptomatic. Rinsing sore eyes with a decoction of chamomile or calendula, a solution of boric acid, manganese or furatsilin. The use of eye drops indicated for blepharitis. At purulent infection– antibiotic therapy.

Entropion of the eyelids Description: a consequence of some eye diseases (blepharitis, conjunctivitis, etc.), as well as a genetic predisposition of some cat breeds(Persians and sphinxes). Main features: visual turning of the eyelid into the eye; irritation of the eyeball in the form of redness; blepharospasm (reflexive closing of the eyelids and closing of the eye at the slightest tactile or light influence on it due to spasm of the teres muscle); ulcers on the cornea in places of constant contact with the eyelid; lacrimation. Treatment: surgical.

Eversion of the eyelids Description: a consequence of primary eye diseases in chronic course and the peculiarity of some cat breeds. It occurs very rarely - less often than bloat. Main features: spastic closure of the eye (blepharospasm); lacrimation; visible area of ​​the eyelid mucosa at the site of eversion; inflammation of the conjunctiva. Treatment: surgical.

Fusion of the eyelids Description: May be congenital or acquired. Physiological fusion is observed after birth. Acquired fusion is observed after injuries, prolonged blepharitis, chemical or thermal burns. Main features: inability to separate eyelids; the presence of a continuous strip of skin between the eyelids; the presence of a scar between fused eyelids. Treatment: surgical – eyelid separation, postoperative care.

Lagophthalmos Description: inability to completely cover the eye, which occurs with paralysis of the facial nerve, eversion and inversion of the eyelids, genetic shortness of the eyelids (“half-closed” eye). Main features: constantly slightly open palpebral fissure; lacrimation; lag of the lower eyelid from the eyeball. Treatment: surgical with preliminary use of antimicrobial eye drops and corneal protectors.

Ptosis Description: Involuntary drooping of the upper eyelid due to facial paralysis or orbicularis muscle atrophy. It can also be a consequence of inflammatory eye diseases. Main features: narrowness of the palpebral fissure; inability to raise the eyelid to normal level. Treatment: surgical.

Tumors and various neoplasms Description: the development of tumors in the eye area can be triggered by any disease in this area, as well as a genetic predisposition to cancer. Main features: visible neoplasms upon examination; lacrimation; painlessness. Treatment: surgical.

Diagnostics

Unless the etiology of why the third eyelid is inflamed in cats is precisely determined, treatment is unlikely to be effective. Therefore, in many cases, a specialist makes a diagnosis only after comprehensive examination pet, which often includes:

• general and biochemical blood tests;
• ultrasound examination (ultrasound);
• PCR diagnostics (before which they make swabs from the animal’s eye) and the like.

At the beginning of the appointment, the veterinarian asks the cat’s owner about characteristic symptoms diseases. The doctor often begins diagnosis based on medical history.

Before going to the clinic, an amateur felinologist can determine characteristic features some pathologies. Eg:

1. Conjunctivitis is manifested by redness and swelling of the eyeball and surrounding tissues, lacrimation and purulent discharge. The cat may develop a fever, general weakness and photophobia, and loss of appetite. The pet owner will see similar symptoms by slightly spreading his eyelid with his fingers.
2. Inflammation of the cornea is accompanied by lacrimation and sometimes clouding. The animal, in pain, rubs its eyes with its paw and shakes its head.

It must be repeated that it is better for the owner not to take independent actions to treat the cat. Such conditions can arise not only due to external factors (injury or blockage of the eye), but also internal reasons. It is necessary to seek help from a veterinary clinic as soon as possible.

The animal is examined in in a certain order, which allows you not to miss details or nuances when differentiating the diagnosis:

• assessment of vision of the damaged organ (preserved or not);
• overall assessment appearance and comparison of symmetrical features (the size and shape of the pupils, the size of the palpebral fissure, the size and changes in the eyelids, the size of the eyeballs);
• assessment of the condition of the eyeball (size, shape, presence of injuries, location in the pupil).

Treatment at home

Treatment of the third eyelid in cats is a complex and responsible process that no animal owner can perform independently.

Treatment at home with folk remedies does not demonstrate any effectiveness and, on the contrary, harms the condition of the animal.

Self-medication is not only ineffective, but also impossible.

This disease is often not treated with drugs and medications.

If you notice the first symptoms of pathological processes in the area of ​​the eyeball, you should immediately contact a veterinary clinic for qualified professional help.

Treatment of the third eyelid often includes a complex of surgical measures, that is, these diseases are treated surgically.

1. Prolapse (loss of the lacrimal gland)- the gland is surgically returned to its correct position, trying not to damage it and maintain functional activity.
2. Eversion (deformation and displacement) of cartilage, third eyelid rupture can also be treated surgically. For the operation, special suture material and special ophthalmic instruments are used to obtain surgical approach without damaging the mucous membrane of the eye.
   All operations involving the eyeball must be performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist or other qualified professional under the supervision of an ophthalmologist.
3. Third eyelid removal- one of the most radical measures to combat the disease, which is used exclusively in cases malignant neoplasms in the area of ​​the eyeball.

Prevention

Prevention of the disease is ineffective. The only one available method prevention, demonstrating an average success rate - trimming the cat's claws so that it does not injure the eyes.

How is inflammation of the third eyelid treated in cats? For infectious pathologies, the specialist prescribes therapy with antifungal and antiviral agents and medications that suppress the development of pathogenic microbes. The course includes painkillers, antipyretics, vitamins and immunostimulants. Sometimes intravenous infusions of pharmacological solutions are practiced.

Treatment of a disease caused by an allergy will be effective once the allergens are identified. The veterinarian will prescribe antihistamines. In some cases, therapy may be necessary to improve your cat's condition. hormonal drugs local and general action.

In most cases, injured eyes can be treated without any difficulties. Doctors first use drops to relieve pain, and then examine the affected areas of the cornea and surrounding tissue. To remove debris or foreign bodies, rinsing is used. Surgical assistance required only in special cases.

It is not needed to remove an adenoma if the tumor does not increase in size and does not bother the cat. Removing the tumor threatens the animal with such a complication as dry eye syndrome. Most often, for a benign tumor, maintenance therapy is prescribed.

At chronic forms diseases of the pet's visual organs, the owner is required to strictly follow the recommendations given by the veterinarian regarding the animal's diet, its diet, physical activity etc.

The nictitating membrane itself is not treated; the problem that caused it to fall out is treated. The only thing the owner of the animal can do on his own is to wash his eyes with warm boiled water, fresh tea or decoction pharmaceutical chamomile. The veterinarian should do the rest.

Adenoma is treated surgically by removing the cat's third eyelid.

Prolapse usually occurs in breeds with a flattened muzzle and is treated by surgical reduction of the lacrimal gland followed by treatment of the pathology that caused it.

Cartilage torsion (or eversion) is also treated surgically, by removing the broken part, followed by therapy.

Mechanical damage to the third eyelid (film rupture), if it does not heal on its own, requires surgical repair to ensure normal mobility of the nictitating membrane, the sooner the better.

Horner's syndrome (a neurological disorder) can also cause protrusion of the third eyelid. It can be caused by various other pathologies and is treated by treating the diseases that caused it.

Now, knowing the causes of pathologies of the third eyelid in cats, you will know how important it is to pay attention to your pets and promptly contact specialists if the slightest symptoms eye diseases. After all, they can be the result of more serious, hidden problems.

The blinking fold falls out and covers half the eye. This prolapse is a disease very similar to inflammation of the third eyelid in cats, as the symptoms are similar. The difference in reasons is only in the color of the conjunctiva. With prolapse, it has a clear gray or bluish tint. This is not a pathology, but a signal of a disease, including symptoms of allergy and foreign body contact with the mucosa.

The animal tries to “remove” what is bothering it and rubs its muzzle with its paws. His body reacts to this with secretions; even a tiny piece of garbage can cause inflammation, increased lacrimation and purulent discharge. In order for the speck to come out with pus, it needs to be provided with a “slippery” environment, for which the furry pet is given ointments, drops and antibiotics. After the treatment procedures, the nictitating septum will fall into place.

Benign formation Pink colour in the inner corner of the eyeball is often mistaken for inflammation of the third eyelid in a cat, but this phenomenon is an adenoma. It sticks out from under the eyelid and prevents the pet from closing its eyes tightly; its presence threatens that dirt and germs will get onto the always slightly open mucous membrane. The lacrimal gland is surgically put back into place and antibacterial and anti-inflammatory eye drops are prescribed.

Unfortunately, there are often cases when the veterinarian himself suggests removing the nictitating fold in case of adenoma.

ATTENTION! Removal of the lacrimal gland is fraught with disastrous consequences for the animal - a severe form of dry keratoconjunctivitis, ulcerative keratitis, blindness and lifelong purulent discharge.

Treatment of adenoma is possible, although it is labor-intensive and time-consuming, so there is no need to remove the cat's third eyelid.

You should also not “straighten” the fold yourself - this will not give the result that the owners expect, but can lead to complications, double infection, cataract and damage to the cornea.

Because of the various reasons that can cause the nictitating membrane to take up more space in the eye than it should, there are several types of treatment available, as it all depends on the source of the abnormality.

· If dehydration occurs, you should give your cat plenty of wet food and water to stop the process. It is also recommended that you take your cat to a veterinarian to prescribe maintenance medications and possibly IV drips.

· In the case of conjunctivitis, wounds, foreign bodies in the eyes, only a veterinarian's diagnosis can determine the next step. Eye drops and other medications may be prescribed.

· If the cause of the third eyelid is genetic, the veterinarian will use medical research to determine whether the third eyelid is affecting the cat's vision and causing discomfort.

Prolapse of the nictitating membrane can lead to a variety of diseases.

Among them are:

Adenoma

An adenoma is a benign tumor that occurs near the bridge of the nose. Its shape is similar to a bean. It has a pink color. The photo demonstrates this perfectly. Over time, the tumor only increases in size.

An adenoma can occur for a variety of reasons, the most common of which are eye damage and infectious diseases.

Due to this pathology, the pet’s eyes cannot be completely closed. And this leads to new injuries. In many situations, the adenoma is accompanied by discharge. On last stage the temperature will rise. The cat may begin to refuse food and become aggressive.

It is important to start treatment on time. If this diagnosis has been made, drug treatment may be prescribed. It will help relieve swelling. Removal of the tumor is only possible through surgery. Treatment should not be accompanied by removal of the membrane and lacrimal gland. Otherwise, “dry eye” syndrome will occur, which will be accompanied by chronic conjunctivitis.

Abnormal cartilage growth

As your pet grows, its eyeball may fracture its nictitating membrane. The cause of this pathology is abnormal growth cartilage. It cannot be returned to its normal position. In this case, the membrane is not able to function normally. As a result, a variety of inflammations appear.

Treatment of the disease involves antibacterial therapy. With its help it will be possible to relieve the inflammatory process. After this, treatment is accompanied by surgery. This operation should be approached responsibly, as the cornea can be damaged.

Glaucoma

Prevention of third eyelid prolapse in cats

Let's summarize the above:

• if a cat has prolapse of the lacrimal gland on only one side, this indicates a foreign particle has entered;
• both eyes are partially covered by the nictitating membrane - this is inflammation of the third eyelid in cats, the treatment of which depends on identifying the cause (if this is a sign of the disease, it must be confirmed by additional symptoms);
• the nictitating fold is enlarged, the reason is the anatomical pathology of the animal (consultation with a doctor is needed);
• third eyelid in a cat - no treatment is required, as this is a sign of reduced immunity.

1. Treat the cat with drops or ointments intended for humans.
2. Try to “return” the blinking membrane into place on your own.
3. If the veterinarian insists on removing the nictitating membrane, go to another veterinary clinic.

For prevention purposes eye diseases Take care of your pet more often, wash its bedding, and wash the room where it sleeps. Caring for his eyes should be daily. For this, there are effective rinses like BEAPHAR Oftal, which will help prevent irritation of the mucous membranes caused by dirt or dust.

Video on the topic

Simple preventive measures Amateur felinologists can significantly make life easier for their pets and prevent them from developing a third eyelid.

1. Regular treatment for fleas and worms.
2. Keeping it clean sleeping place, bedding and cat litter.
3. Timely vaccinations.
4. Weekly home inspection of the animal.
5. Preventative visits to the veterinarian – once every six months.
6. Proper feeding.

If the cat’s eyes still roll back and a white nictitating membrane comes out, immediately show him to a specialist.

Cat's third eyelid. How interesting our lives are. Human interest in nature will not dry up. It is fraught with many mysteries that people can endlessly guess. Everything is provided in nature, down to the smallest details. You're amazed! Animals are endowed with many abilities in order to survive in the wild. The structure of the organs makes it possible to protect against adverse factors environment. Cats are animals that live next to humans, so we should know who better than them. We like them not only because of the beauty of their fur and unusual coloring. They have amazing eyes too. They don't seem to blink at all, but rather close them when they fall asleep.

Due to the lack of functioning of the organ, tiny particles and dust enter the eyes. Nature took care of this and endowed the cat with a third eyelid. It looks like a thin fold in the inner corner of the eye. She is needed for to clean the mucous membranes of the eyes and moisten them with tear fluid. It becomes noticeable when the eye closes. By lightly pressing on the cornea, the appearance of this membrane is visible. At one end it comes into contact with the cornea, and at the other with the upper and lower eyelids. Inside it is covered with lymphoid tissue. It is often mistaken for follicular conjunctivitis. By removing it, the protective functions are reduced. T-shaped cartilage provides tight contact with the cornea of ​​the eye. At the base it is covered with tear-producing tissue. The animal cannot control the functioning of this organ. Its function is reflexive. The membrane does not come out at will. Thanks to its work, the eyes are protected from pollution. Exists many pathologies of this organ.

Third eyelid in a cat: causes, treatment

In a healthy animal, the membrane is not visible. It doesn't interfere with the cat's vision at all. A cat's third eyelid becomes noticeable when the eyelids close or the head tilts. Its purpose: to quietly remove everything foreign and take its place. It happens that the fold does not return to its original position, but increases in size, which makes it noticeable to the eye. If these symptoms appear, you should contact veterinary center. Self-medication is dangerous for the animal.

A change in the position of the nictitating membrane can be associated not only with diseases of the eye, but also with pathologies of other organs not related to the eyes:

• Bacterial or viral infection;
• Conjunctivitis;
• Allergic reactions;
• Eye injuries;
• Diseases of internal organs;
• Helminth infestations.

What are the dangers of third eyelid prolapse in cats? The owner notices that The cat's third eyelid has popped out. His actions are the same as those of most people. I don’t want to go to the doctor, so they go to the nearest pharmacy, buy medicine on the advice of the pharmacist, and begin treatment. Do the same with a cat. Animals are different from humans. They cannot tell what and how it hurts, so only a veterinarian should examine it. Salespeople in pet stores are not specialists and cannot advise anything intelligible. As a result of self-diagnosis and incorrect treatment, precious time is wasted. We have to correct mistakes that have been made, which affects the health of the animal.

Causes of third eyelid loss in cats

It is very important to avoid mistakes when making a diagnosis and to distinguish it from other pathologies. If the diagnosis is incorrect, real eye diseases appear. This can lead to keratoconjunctivitis. He is partially cured. It is not possible to make the animal healthy again. Damage to the third eyelid in a cat is not always associated with disease. It gets damaged during fights with other animals. These could be fights between cats. As a result, membrane damage may occur. The resulting wounds will require surgical treatment. The recovery will be long. Problems with the eyelid may be a consequence of diseases gastrointestinal tract. In any case, it is best to contact a veterinary center to avoid mistakes.

You may not need serious treatment if:
• Temporarily weakened immunity;
• Cat flu;
• Temporary manifestations of the disease, disappearing after one or two days.

In order not to miss diseases of the third eyelid in a cat, you need to monitor your pet. If the animal is cheerful and has a good appetite, include more vitamins and microelements in the diet. Remove nasal and eye discharge and use eye drops. At genetic predisposition(Persians and British breeds) can only be cured veterinarian - ophthalmologist. The gland is put into place surgically. Let us highlight the main points of all of the above:

• If the third eyelid of a cat becomes noticeable only in one eye, then the reason for this is the ingress of foreign bodies;
• Partial covering with a membrane requires additional examination to identify diseases of other organs. Further treatment will depend on this;
• An enlarged nictitating membrane may be a sign of anatomical pathology. A veterinarian should be consulted.

If you have problems with your pet, the cat has a third eyelid, it is prohibited:
• treat yourself. Apply ointments and drops to humans;
• get into the animal’s eyes, trying to return the membrane to its previous position;
• A proposal to remove the third eyelid gland is a sign of an illiterate specialist. Try going to another veterinary center. By following the lead of such a wretched doctor, you will end up with a cat suffering lifelong torment with its eyes, even to the point of blindness.

Third eyelid in a cat: adenoma

Third eyelid in a cat: adenoma, – appears with infections and eye damage. This benign tumor, which forms near the bridge of the nose. Has a light pink color. Because of her the cat cannot close his eyelids. Since the mucous membrane is not cleared of foreign particles and microbes, vision difficulties may arise. Removing the gland of the third eyelid surgically will not solve problems, but will add new ones. It is often proposed to restore the third eyelid gland to its place through surgery. The animal is then prescribed antibacterial and anti-inflammatory eye drops. This disease is treatable. It will be long and laborious and will require patience, but the animal will not suffer from the addition of new diseases. If the membrane is completely removed, the cat will suffer from diseases such as keratoconjunctivitis, keratitis. Blindness may occur. This happens due to the fact that the eyes are not moistened by tear fluid and are susceptible to pathogenic microorganisms.

Under no circumstances should you try to push the eyelid back into place.. Only a veterinarian should perform various manipulations with the eyes after full examination at the veterinary center. Careless actions, ignorance of anatomy and treatment methods will lead to damage to the cornea and cataract.

Prolapse, third eyelid in a cat

The disease resembles inflammation of the membrane. It goes halfway up the eye. The conjunctiva changes color and becomes gray or acquires a blue tint. It is not a pathology. It signals the onset of an illness and is the result of allergies and foreign bodies getting into the eyes. Pus and lacrimation appear. The animal scratches its eye with its paw, trying to remove foreign particles.

Third eyelid treatment in cats

For prolapse, the animal is prescribed ointments, drops and antibiotics. They provide hydration to the organ, which promotes better removal of all folk microparticles and impurities. As soon as everything healing procedures will be completed, the membrane will take its position. The prolapsed canal of the lacrimal glands is removed using the “Pocket” technique. The free space around it is sutured and the gland is fixed. Thus, she loses freedom of movement.

At adenoma of the eye prescribe treatment medications. This will make it possible to reduce the swelling. The tumor is removed surgically. Removing the entire membrane with the lacrimal gland is dangerous.

What to do if your pet has changes in his eyes? Of course, go to the veterinary center. You cannot use medications on your own. A cat's eyes are a very fragile organ that can be easily damaged, and restoring its health, especially its vision, can sometimes be very difficult. Don't waste time and experiment. Only a veterinarian can help an animal.

Paul Miller (University of Wisconsin-Madison).

Inner eyelid of cats(Tertia palpebra) is a fold of the mucous membrane at the inner corner of the eye. Its other name is third eyelid.

Previously, similar to the appendix or human wisdom teeth, it was assessed by some scientists as a vestigial organ. Veterinary research from the early twentieth century even described methods for removing this supposedly insignificant organ in order to facilitate examination. cat eye. Today it is already known for sure that the third eyelid of cats plays a significant role in the health of the outer part of the eye. Moreover, the inner eyelid is very important. It is present in almost all mammals, as well as birds. Its absence in some species, such as humans, and our close relatives the primates, is rather a biological curiosity, an exception to the general rule.

The structure of a cat's inner eyelid is quite complex. The nictitating membrane is a fold of the conjunctiva located on the eyeball in the medial corner of the eye. On the one hand it covers inner part eyelid (facing the eye), on the other - the cornea. The scleral (bulbar) surface contains dense areas lymphoid follicles in contact with the surface of the eye and a thin layer of liquid - the tear film. These structures function like the lymph nodes of the eye, protecting it from dirt and dust.

Between the two layers of the conjunctiva there is a T-shaped cartilaginous plate. The "top bar" of the plate reinforces the free edge of the third eyelid. It is curved along the surface of the cornea. The T-cartilage "trunk" is surrounded by lacrimal gland appendages, which produce much of the tear film fluid. Through tiny channels, the tear leaves the gland, and from the third eyelid it exits between the lymphoid follicles to the outside, spreading in a thin film over the entire ocular surface.

Like other animal species, the third eyelid of cats is quite large. It completely covers the cornea, acting in the same way as a windshield cleaner, removing debris while distributing the tear evenly across the cornea.

When a cat is awake, most of the third eyelid is hidden in the eye socket, with only a small part visible in the inner corner of the eye. However, when the cat sleeps or blinks, eye muscles cause the inner eyelid to passively move along the surface of the eye from the inner corner to the outer.

The movement of the cat's third eyelid is partly regulated by the sympathetic nervous system, as well as smooth muscles the innermost century. This fact is widely used in studies of the effects of drugs on the sympathetic nervous system.

The exact functions of the cat's third eyelid are not yet fully understood. Most of Scientists are inclined to believe that it is designed to protect the cornea from injury. Injuries could occur, for example, when the cat moves through long grass or while catching prey. In addition, the presence of lacrimal gland appendages allows the production of more tear fluid and, therefore, better rinsing of the eyes than in primates. Tear fluid, passing through the lymphoid follicles covering the third eyelid, is saturated with a number of immunological mediators, including secretory IgA and lactoferrin. Diverging on outer surface, tear fluid provides immune protection against bacteria and fungi that can live even on a healthy eye.

The third eyelid is also thought to help keep the surface of the eye moist, better retaining the tear film on the cornea. Loss of the third eyelid after injury or treatment of neoplasms often results in chronic irritation of the cornea and remaining conjunctiva. In fact, the question that should be asked is not “Why does a cat need a third eyelid?”, but “Why doesn’t a person have a third eyelid?” In fact, in our case it has shrunk to a vestigial fleshy bulge at the inner corner of the eye. Today, the exact reason why a person's third eyelid has disappeared is unknown. This may be because humans do not typically catch prey with their teeth (like cats) or eat vegetation from the ground (like horses). Thus, the third eyelid does not provide any benefit to a person to provide additional eye protection.

We've all noticed that cats have a third eyelid - a translucent fold that is normally hidden in the inner corner of the eye. But people don’t have such an organ - why does a cat need a third eyelid? In our new article we will talk about the structure of this organ, what functions it performs, and also what pathological conditions third eyelid can occur in cats.

Eyelids are movable folds of skin around the eyes that all vertebrates have. They prevent damage to the eye, moisten the cornea with tear fluid, clean the eyeball, and help focus vision. Humans and their closest primate relatives have only two eyelids - the upper and lower. However, cats also have a third eyelid, or nictitating membrane.

The third eyelid is a fold of the conjunctiva, within which there is a small T-shaped cartilage. It is located in the inner corner of the eye and is an integral part conjunctival sac. On the inside of the third eyelid is the seromucous gland, which produces part of the tear fluid that washes the cornea of ​​the cat's eye. The nictitating membrane contains both striated and smooth muscles– this means that a cat can blink its third eyelid either actively or involuntarily.

The nictitating membrane in cats is quite large and covers the entire cornea of ​​the eye. Passive blinking occurs simultaneously with the closure of the upper and lower eyelids: from the inner corner of the eye, the third eyelid straightens, distributing the secretion of the lacrimal glands and clearing debris from the cornea.

Another aspect of the protective function of the third eyelid is its participation in the formation of the cat’s immunity. The nictitating membrane contains clusters lymphoid tissue. Thanks to them, some immunoglobulins enter the tear fluid, protecting the surface of the eye from pathogenic microorganisms.

What pathological conditions can be associated with the third eyelid in a cat? Let's take a closer look at some of them.

Prolapse of the third eyelid

In cats, the third eyelid is usually invisible. If you see a nictitating membrane on your cat that covers part of the cornea, it means that your pet has suffered a prolapse of the third eyelid. The protrusion can be unilateral or bilateral - that is, the third eyelid can be visible in one eye or in both.

The causes of prolapse of the third eyelid in a cat can be very diverse. The first group of reasons is directly related to your pet's eyes. This various inflammations eg conjunctivitis, corneal irritations chemicals or foreign bodies. Protrusion in this case can be either unilateral - if the problem is associated with one eye, or bilateral - if the cause affects both eyes (for example, bilateral conjunctivitis or damage to both eyes by a chemical substance).

The second group of causes of protrusion of the nictitating membrane are neurological disorders. If the loss of the third eyelid is combined with a narrowing of the pupil of the same eye, drooping of the upper eyelid, you need to contact veterinarian. Such symptoms are associated with damage to the nerves leading to eyeball and auxiliary organs of the eye. Prolapse of the third eyelid in this case can also be either unilateral or bilateral. This syndrome is caused by various reasons, for example, it can occur as a result of otitis media, the presence of a tumor in the brain or chest.

The third group of reasons is systemic diseases. These may be diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, general weakness due to infectious diseases, helminthic infestation. In this case, prolapse of the third eyelid is caused primarily by feeling unwell cats.

Treatment of third eyelid prolapse in cats

Treatment of nictitating membrane protrusion is primarily associated with identifying and eliminating the cause of this condition. If the cause of prolapse of the third eyelid in a cat is an eye disease, for example, inflammation - conjunctivitis, then during treatment all attention should be focused on it. The same applies to two other groups of causes of protrusion: neurological disorders and systemic diseases. Symptomatic therapy is also used.

In itself, prolapse of the third eyelid is not dangerous, but may indicate the beginning serious illness. Therefore, a cat with such a symptom should be shown to a specialist as soon as possible.

Third century inversion

Inversion is the inversion of the third eyelid cartilage with or without prolapse of the lacrimal gland. This pathology is rare in cats. Reasons for third century inversion this moment unknown.

If you notice that your cat has a rolled-up third eyelid, you need to take her to the veterinary clinic. An inverted third eyelid irritates your pet's cornea, rubbing it, and if left untreated can lead to corneal inflammation and ulceration. You can rid your cat of this problem with surgical correction.

Lymphoid hyperplasia of the third eyelid

This pathology consists of the proliferation of lymphoid tissue on the inner side of the third eyelid. This usually occurs as a result of chronic conjunctival irritation and/or infection. Treatment is symptomatic: hormonal therapy is used in combination with surgical compression of the lymphoid follicles.