Question about the eye

[NeptuneGD]

Neptune went to the vet the other day because hes third eyelid looked like it was swollen. My vet said that the cartlidge that holds the third eyelid is shaped like a T and the top part of the T is folded over and that is causing the swollen apperance. Now, two questions. First question, I forgot what the vet called the condition, and I mentioned it to the vet at work today (not the same vet I use) and she said it was a prolapsed eyelid. When I googled prolapsed eyelid, it said it was the same thing as cherry eye. My vet said do NOT get this confused with cherry eye, that is not what Neptune has. So now can someone explain whats what? Second question, the vet at work today also said it shouldnt be removed, it should be tacked, because he can have dry eyes if its removed. My vet didnt mention this, but I was going to ask him about it. Does anyone have any experiance with this or do you know more about it? Thanks

[bambee]

The third eyelid (also called the nictitating membrane) is a triangular shaped structure in the inner corners of a dog's eyes that sometimes partly covers the eye. It consists of a t-shaped cartilage and a tear gland. The third eyelid is important in protection of the surface of the eye, and in tear production.That could be the reason why the other vet said it must not be removed.

[NeptuneGD]

Yea, but what is it called when that T folds over, and why would my vet remove it if it was going to affect the eye that badly, does anyone have experience with this?

[weezyNollie]

Could it be Horner's syndrome?

[Vintage Boxers]

Ok i just googled, dunno if it will help...but here are some links

http://www.thepetcenter.com/gen/eyetrouble.html

http://www.animaleyecare.net/diseases/canine.htm

http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/course...chapter_5.html
**Eversion or inversion of the cartilage


Hope something helps!

S

[NeptuneGD]

Thanks both of you, weezyNollie, its not Horner's syndrome, it only affects the third eyelid, not anything else. Vintage Boxers, the third link is what I was looking for, thank you!! Eversion of the cartlidge is what Neptune has, its an outward curl of the cartlidge of the eye.

It does say not to remove the whole eyelid, but my vet wasnt going to do that anyways, just the top of the T. It kind of bothers me that the vet I work with called it a prolapse (cherry eye) after I explained the folding of the T and what not.

Im suprised no one else has had this problem with their dogs, it doesnt look to be extremly uncommon.