Back
|
EVERSION OF THE THIRD EYELID Note for Pet Owners: This information is provided by Provet for educational purposes only. You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet. Topics on this Page: |
Description
This a condition in which the cartilage of the third eyelid (also called the nictitating membrane) rolls outwards or inwards and resembles a scroll. One or both eyes can be affected.
Everted 3rd eyelid. Photo from "Canine Medicine and Therapeutics " Third Edition and used with the permission of Blackwell Scientific Publications.
Breed Occurrence
German Shepherd Dog, German Shorthaired Pointer, Great Dane, Newfoundland, St Bernard.
It occurs in young dogs, but is rare in puppies.
Signs
The condition appears unsightly and can cause weeping of the eye if tears can't drain properly. Sometimes there is local discomfort due to rubbing of the eyelid on the surface of the cornea and, if left untreated, this could lead to the development of a corneal ulcer.
Treatment
Surgical removal of the affected piece of cartilage using a submucosal resection technique and taking care not to damage the free edge of the eyelid.
Updated January 2016
d>