Cats third eyelid showing after anesthesia. But have you ever noticed your cat’s third eyelid and wondered why it’s showing? Several issues can cause the third eyelid to show. However, certain problems and conditions outside of these normal circumstances can result in its sustained appearance, like if the cat is dehydrated or injured. When A Cat Is Completely Relaxed. Its purpose is to further add moisture and protect the eye. Less than 2 weeks later got his ear bit by another cat and the vet had to give him a sedative and put a drain tube in the ear flap to release infection. Learn about the third eyelid in cats and how to tell when there’s a problem with it. Seeing a cat’s third eyelid without any other symptoms present is completely normal in a situation when she’s totally relaxed or tired. A licensed veterinarian discusses potential reasons like anesthesia or dental surgery. If the cat is awake and alert, the lids are carefully hidden in the inner corners of the eyes. When they start falling asleep, the muscles relax one after another, not all at the same time. This might last a few hours, which is normal, but if the membrane is still showing on your cat’s eye after 24 hours, call your vet. This can be with or without other symptoms. In healthy cats, the conjunctiva of the eyelids is not readily visible and has a pale pink color. Cat, large,polydactyl. He isn’t showing any signs of discomfort nor does he have anything else going on that I can see. As the Veterinary Partner points out, this condition isn’t associated with diseases inside or outside of the cat’s eyeball, and this is why you probably won’t be able to notice any other symptoms in your pet. Cherry eye may occur in one or both of your cat’s eyes. Learn why your cat's third eyelid is showing, from normal scenarios to health issues, and discover potential solutions. This vet approve article will give you a full understanding of cats' third eyelid. 14. Find out more here. Illness or Infection: Cats may show their third eyelid if they are unwell or have an eye infection. Stress or Anxiety: Stressful situations can sometimes trigger this Photo courtesy of MarVistaVet Prolapse of the Tear Gland of the Third Eyelid Unlike humans (who have two eyelids), dogs and cats have three. The third eyelid, called the nictitans or nictitating membrane, arises from the inner corner of the eye and covers the eye diagonally as shown. Your cat's third eyelid is still showing after surgery, and you're concerned. With Haw's paralysis, cats will elevate their third eyelids in response to illness, particularly intestinal irritation; the third eyelids may remain elevated for up to 4-6 weeks but will eventually go back to normal. g. Dogs have a protective third eyelid that usually stays hidden. If you notice your cat showing the third eyelid on both of her eyes, this could be a sign of Haws syndrome in her. Cats have a third eyelid called the nictitating membrane. Sep 23, 2025 · Your cat's third eyelid is still showing after surgery, and you're concerned. I did see a cat that permanently had half of his third eyelids showing, but usually it is a sign of some things where you need the vet to diagnose the situation. Bilateral protrusion is usually caused by decreased orbital mass (e. Other causes for an elevated or protruding third eyelid gland include: tetanus, facial nerve paralysis, facial muscle atrophy, and dehydration. However, when your cats are very relaxed, taking a comfy nap, or once they start waking up, you might see these lids, but for a very short time. Horner’s syndrome impacts the nerves of a cat’s eye if a cat is diagnosed with the condition. Read more about the symptoms and treatments in this vet-written article. Cat third eyelid showing. So, why would your cat’s third eyelid be showing? There are common causes that are worth exploring. If your cat is experiencing eye issues, such as squinting, rubbing, and showing his third eyelid, it’s important to understand what might be causing these symptoms and how to address them. The essential part of being a cat parent is taking care of your pet’s well-being, meaning estimating right how often to take her to the vet, and, of course, ensuring that she gets all the necessary vaccinations on time. Read more about why this happens, and what to do. The onset of Horner's syndrome can be sudden and without warning. 2 days ago. Concern: When should I seek veterinary care for my cat’s visible third eyelid? Lauren Jones, DVM, discusses entropion in cats, including symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options. This article talks about temporary after effects of anesthesia to serious disorders like Horner's syndrome, possible reasons for the elevated third eye. Nov 2, 2025 · It’s completely normal to see the third eyelid when your cat is sleepy, waking up, yawning or blinking. Dive into this vet approved article to understand why a cat's third eyelid can be showing. Oct 23, 2025 · Additionally, if your cat has been sedated or put under full anesthesia for a procedure, you’ll likely see the third eyelid more prominently. I visited him the same day hrs after the surgery and his third eyelid is up on the eye on the same side the ear surgery was on. This protrusion happens when your cat’s third eyelid is displaced and the underlying gland pushes outward and becomes visible. Some are serious, like conjunctivitis, and others are easily treated, like removing a foreign object. I have seen it happen to my cat before and it does look rather scary but it should retract itself after a day or two. Concern: How can I prevent my cat’s third eyelid from showing? Answer: Providing proper hydration, a balanced diet, and a stress-free environment can help support your cat’s eye health and reduce the likelihood of their third eyelid showing. Haws Syndrome. I've even seen my dog open his eyes during sleep (he was dreaming). It appears and retracts back at the inner corner of the eyes and is not something you should not be concerned about unless it remains visible after the cat is awake and relaxed. If you notice your cat's third eyelid is showing, there are a few causes for this. The third eyelid in cats is a common condition that can be treated with proper care. From minor irritation to serious health conditions, understanding why your cat’s third eyelid is showing is crucial for their well-being. Since the third eyelid is showing more often after the neutering procedure, it could be a response to stress or discomfort from the surgery. Cherry eye in dogs appears as a red lump in the corner of the eye. 2. This effect might be present for several hours after your cat has woken up out of sedation, but it should stop being visible in about 24 hours after the procedure. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and effective treatments for diarrhea in cats. Concern: Should I be worried if my cat’s third eyelid is showing frequently? When the third eyelid becomes visible while your cat is awake and alert, it can be a sign that something isn’t quite right. Confine your pet to a safe area until the cause of the problem is determined. You should be aware that there are potential anesthesia side effects in cats, and one of them is third eyelid showing. The underlying cause of the prolapse may affect vision, however. Vaccination. It can be common for your cat’s third eyelid to be exposed after going through general anesthesia due to extreme physical relaxation. Her third eyelid covered 1/3-1/2 her eye for most of the day for about a week. However, Horner's syndrome is often classified as idiopathic, which means it is without a known cause. I visited again today and the third eyelid is still up on that eye. The nictitating membrane (AKA: "third eyelid") moves over the cornea in much the way a windshield wiper moves over the window of a car to wipe away dirt. A cat's nictitating membrane can show for various reasons, from benign causes to serious diseases, affecting one or both eyes. They expand when your cat is chill. Why Is My Cat’s Third Eyelid Showing? Can parasites cause a cat’s third eyelid to show? Yes, parasitic infections, especially intestinal parasites, can lead to dehydration and malnutrition, which can contribute to a visible third eyelid. Your cats inner eyelids are just the opposite. If your cat's third eyelid is showing but they have no other symptoms, it could be due to a variety of reasons. Made a vet appointment on day 3 of this and the earliest slot they had was 3 days later. Almost all cats will eventually go into a medical procedure when they will be given sedation or anesthesia. In this article we talk about what is the Nictitating membrane aka the third eyelid, when it appears, what causes it, when to be concerned and visit the vet. Check out our vet-written article to learn about its causes, symptoms and treatment. Cat’s third eyelid showing? Recently (past couple of weeks), I’ve noticed my cat’s “third eyelid” is visible. Anesthesia. What are the third eyelid and third eyelid gland? Dogs have three eyelids, the third eyelid being an extra eyelid that sweeps back and forth across the surface of the eye providing protection and spreading the tear film. Seeing this membrane while they're sleeping is completely normal. There is one obvious symptom of cherry eye in cats and that is the appearance of a red mass sticking out of the corner of your cat’s eye. . Is your dog's third eyelid showing? A vet explains the main functions of the dog's nictitating membrane and some common causes of third eyelid protrusion. Then, you might be able to glimpse their third eyelid before it slides back into place. Cats have a third eyelid, or nictitating membrane, in the inner corner of the eye, which is also covered by conjunctiva. Injury: An injury to the eye or surrounding area can cause the third eyelid to become more prominent. 1 Third Eyelid Disorders Prolapse or protrusion of the third eyelid is a common presentation. Nov 6, 2025 · It’s normal for cats to have a temporarily raised third eyelid when they’re sleepy, right after they’ve woken up, and when they’re recovering from sedation or anesthesia. Learn about third eyelid showing in cats, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention tips from our expert veterinarian to ensure your cats eye health. If your cat's third eyelids are stuck out across their eyes, they may have Haw's syndrome. Learn more about your cat's third eyelid and when to worry if it's showing. It's also good to monitor if it persists or worsens. By staying vigilant about your cat’s eye health, providing a balanced diet, and creating a stress-free environment, you can help prevent eye problems and ensure your furry friend’s The elevation of the third eyelid may be due to a change in the way nerves are supplied to the third eyelid. Dehydration: Dehydration can sometimes cause the third eyelid to appear. A cat's vision is normal with this condition, but may be functionally decreased simply because the elevated third eyelids are blocking the cat's vision. The third eyelid is a membrane, located under the outer eyelids which can become visible if the cat has an underlying medical condition or is dehydrated. Learn what causes it, how it’s treated, and what to expect from surgery and recovery. Answer: Yes, it is normal for a cat’s third eyelid to show occasionally, especially when they are sleepy or experiencing eye irritation. Information for pet owners on two conditions affecting the third eyelid in young dogs - cherry eye and scrolled cartilage or cartilage eversion. We tried at Contrary to what you would think but a relaxed eyelid is open for a cat. Eyelid agenesis in cats is a rare medical condition. It’s more drastic when he is about to go to sleep or is sleepy. The two main eyelids are responsible for holding the eye in the socket and covering the cornea. Reply reply Tealeefer • Cats can gets Horner's Syndrome after facial damage or trauma. When you notice your cat's third eyelid, seemingly unrelated to relaxation or anesthesia, seeking veterinary advice promptly is crucial. Hostinger Horizons In summary, a cat’s third eyelid showing in one eye can be a cause for concern and may indicate underlying health issues that require veterinary attention. 13. Vomiting, lethargic & not eating or drinking his “3rd eyelid” is showing. Affected cats may have watery diarrhea that began before the onset of elevation What Is Cherry Eye in Cats? Cats have three eyelids and “cherry eye” is a term used to describe a prolapse (slipping) of the third eyelid. This might sound scary for pet parents whose cats are about to go under anesthesia for the first time. I've seen similar effects on several cats and dogs. Home Care for Protrusion of Third Eyelid in Cats Vision is not usually compromised unless the third eyelid covers more than half of the eye. Cats have a third eyelid called the nictating membrane, which helps to keep their eyes moist as they don't blink like humans do. Yes, some cats membranes don't retract all the way and you can still see them peeking out from the corner of the eye. Surgery may also be used to create new drainage pathways to the oral or nasal cavities. The nictitating membrane ("third eyelid") tends to close sooner than the external eyelid because the muscles of the eyelid relax later. , dehydration or cachexia) causing enophthalmos. However, if it protrudes, a dog may need medication and/or surgery to repair it. Here, we explain the third eyelid, how it helps cats, and the different conditions that can affect it. Learn common symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of Horner’s syndrome in cats. 7k12x, oefvkq, xccd4g, ngu9, dc0sg, wkse4, bhjb6, o5gzuc, 8zokk, uylj,