Third Eyelid Prolapse in Cats 
© Mary Swift / stock.adobe.com
A nictitating membrane prolapse in cats can occur on one side or, as with this tabby, on both sides..
Experiencing a third eyelid prolapse in cats causes the inner corner eyelid to shift towards the centre of the eye. Various illnesses can trigger this change in the feline eye. Discover how to identify the cause and assist your cat in this article.
Table of contents
- What is a Third Eyelid Prolapse in Cats?
- Symptoms: What Does a Third Eyelid Prolapse Look Like in Cats?
- Diagnosis and Examination by the Veterinarian
- Causes: What Leads to a Third Eyelid Prolapse in Cats?
- Treatment: What to Do About a Third Eyelid Prolapse in Cats?
- Prognosis: What are the Healing Prospects?
- Prevention: Can a Third Eyelid Prolapse in Cats be Avoided?
What is a Third Eyelid Prolapse in Cats?
Unlike humans, some animals, including cats, have a third eyelid at the inner corner of their eyes. When this so-called nictitating membrane becomes dislodged and moves across to the middle of the eye, veterinarians refer to it as a third eyelid prolapse.
Is a Third Eyelid Prolapse in Cats Dangerous?
For many cat owners, it’s quite alarming to suddenly notice a white membrane covering their cat’s eye. However, the danger posed by the third eyelid prolapse largely depends on the underlying illness causing it.
A third eyelid prolapse does not always signal a serious disease. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian early to treat potential illnesses in good time.
Which Cats are Most Susceptible to a Third Eyelid Prolapse?
Any cat can experience a third eyelid prolapse. The shift of the eyelid occurs regardless of the cat’s breed, sex, or age.
Symptoms: What Does a Third Eyelid Prolapse Look Like in Cats?
When a cat’s white nictitating membrane slips from the inner corner of the eye to the centre, it indicates a third eyelid prolapse. It can occur on one side or on both sides.
Third Eyelid Prolapse is a Symptom, Not a Disease
A third eyelid prolapse isn’t a standalone ailment but rather a single symptom. It could be a result of various diseases. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis by a veterinarian is crucial for treatment.
Depending on the root cause of the third eyelid prolapse, other symptoms may include:
- Sunken or bulging eyeballs
- Red eyes
- Increased tear production
- Neurological disturbances
Should You Visit a Veterinarian for a Third Eyelid Prolapse?
Should you notice changes like a third eyelid prolapse in your cat’s eyes, it’s important to consult your veterinarian promptly. Quick action is essential to prevent possible long-term effects.
Diagnosis and Examination by the Veterinarian
A veterinarian can usually identify a third eyelid prolapse at first glance. To determine the underpinning illness, the vet will ask you detailed questions about your cat and conduct a clinical general examination. Subsequently, an assessment of your cat’s eyes and nervous system will be performed.
Although diagnostics may be time-consuming, they’re absolutely necessary for reliable recognition and targeted treatment.
Causes: What Leads to a Third Eyelid Prolapse in Cats?
A cat’s eyes are complex and closely connected to other bodily structures. Hence, various diseases can cause a third eyelid prolapse in cats.
Haw Syndrome
The Haw Syndrome is known to cause bilateral third eyelid prolapse in cats. Several possible causes are under discussion, but the most frequently debated are:
- Gastrointestinal problems: Chronic diarrhoea and the resulting release of so-called endotoxins can be a cause for the Haw Syndrome in cats.
- Infestation with worms: The body’s immune response following a worm infestation can lead to innervation disorder of the eye, disrupting the nerve tissue supply to the organ.
Feline Dysautonomia (Key-Gaskell Syndrome)
This represents a rare, congenital dysfunction of the nervous system that particularly occurs in designer breeds. The syndrome causes various symptoms in affected cats, including bilateral third eyelid prolapse.
Inflammations and Infections
Any type of eye inflammation can induce a third eyelid prolapse in cats. This primarily includes conjunctivitis (Conjunctivitis). A well-known trigger in young cats is the cat flu.
Injuries or Tumours
If your cat roams the local woods and fields as an indoor/outdoor cat, it’s easy for a splinter or similar foreign body to penetrate its eye.
Such foreign bodies, as well as tumours on the eyes, can cause injuries and thus contribute to a third eyelid prolapse in cats.
Idiopathic Third Eyelid Prolapse in Cats: How Long Does It Last?
Sometimes a third eyelid prolapse occurs without any apparent trigger. In such cases, however, the prolapse typically heals on its own within six to eight weeks.
Treatment: What to Do About a Third Eyelid Prolapse in Cats?
Since various triggers can cause a third eyelid prolapse in cats, the treatment must always be individualised.
- Foreign bodies and tumours, on the other hand, may need surgical removal.
- The Haw Syndrome requires administration of Phenylephrine in the form of eye drops.
- If worm infestation is present, deworming treatment is necessary.
Prognosis: What are the Healing Prospects?
Whether and how quickly your sick cat recovers entirely depends on several factors. These include the primary disease and the timing and nature of the treatment.
Therefore, it’s impossible to generalise the prognosis for your cat with a third eyelid prolapse. The sooner you have the prolapse examined, the better are the chances of properly caring for your cat.
© Sammy / stock.adobe.com
Prevention: Can a Third Eyelid Prolapse in Cats be Avoided?
Given its various triggers, it’s not always possible to prevent a third eyelid prolapse in cats. However, by regularly checking your cat’s eyes and attending veterinary preventive screenings, you can minimise the risk.
Inquire About a Possible Breeding Ban
Does your cat potentially or verifiably suffer from a hereditary disease like Key-Gaskell Syndrome, which could lead to a third eyelid prolapse? Then, avoid breeding with it to prevent designer breed issues.
This article from zooplus Magazine is purely informative. If your pet is experiencing discomfort, contact your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
Here are some purchase proposals curated by the zooplus editorial team
The products featured have been carefully selected by our editorial staff and are available at the zooplus online pet shop. The selection does not constitute advertising for the mentioned brands.
At the Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen I was extensively trained as a veterinarian and was able to gain experience in various fields such as small animal, large animal and exotic animal medicine as well as pharmacology, pathology and food hygiene. Since then, I have been working not only as a veterinary author, but also on my scientifically driven dissertation. My goal is to better protect animals from pathogenic bacterial organisms in the future. Besides my veterinary knowledge, I also share my own experiences as a happy dog owner and can thus understand and enlighten fears and problems as well as other important questions about animal health.
Senility in Cats: How To Recognise the Symptoms
Are you concerned about your ageing cat's lack of response to its name? Or are you startled by your cat's inability to locate its food bowl? Allow us to explain how you can identify early signs of senility in your cat and enable it to lead a lengthy and robust life.
Cat litter: Clumping or Silica Litter?
It’s not just the right type of litter tray that will make your cat happy, but also the right type of cat litter. The best litters are ones that are very absorbent and ideally neutralise odours too, but finding the perfect cat litter can be no easy task with so many varieties on offer from natural clumping litter made of clay, non-clumping litter, litter made of wood or silica.
Coconut Oil for Cats
Coconut oil is very popular among cat owners as it provides natural protection from ticks and other parasites. In addition, this on-trend product is said to have numerous benefits. We will give you tips and information on how and when coconut oil can be a practical alternative to conventional remedies.