Detect and Treat Prolapsed Nictitating Membrane in Cats
This medical condition impairs your cat’s vision and in the worst case can even cause permanent damage.
What is the cat's nictitating membrane?
The nictitating membrane is also called the third eyelid. It is an extra conjunctival fold that is located in the corner of the nose. The cat's nictitating membrane protects the eyes from dirt and helps to moisturise them.
By the way, humans also have a nictitating membrane. In contrast to cats, however, it no longer fulfils a function in our society and is therefore much less pronounced.
Recognizing a prolapsed nictitating membrane in cats
Normally only a very small part of the nictitating membrane of your cat is visible in the corner of the quadruped's eye. However, if a prolapsed nictitating membrane occurs, it will protrude and cover part of the cat's eye.
This is usually quite easy to see, and you should notice it immediately when you look into the cat's eyes. Depending on the cause, the prolapsed nictitating membrane may be unilateral or bilateral in your cat.
Causes of a prolapsed nictitating membrane in cats
If you notice a prolapsed nictitating membrane in your cat, this can have several causes. In many cases eye diseases such as conjunctivitis in cats are responsible for the prolapsed nictitating membrane.
It can also be a symptom of a cat's cold or an infestation of intestinal parasites such as worms or giardia.
Other possible causes of a prolapsed micnea in your cat include Horner's Syndrome (as a result of a cat's ear infection) and Feline Dysautonia.
In some animals, excessive stress may simply be responsible for the prolapsed nictitating membrane. Regardless, in some breeds the eyeballs tend to be a little too small, which is why a prolapsed nictitating membrane is particularly common in these cats.
When should a cat with a prolapsed nictitating membrane go to the vet
Basically, it is not unusual for your cat's nictitating membranes to be visible from time to time. This is often the case, for example, when the quadruped is very tired or is dozing and his eyes are open.
If this alleged nictitating membrane prolapse occurs on both sides of your cat and disappears on its own, there is usually no need to worry. However, it is different if your cat suffers from other complaints in addition to the prolapsed nictitating membrane and therefore it is suspected that your quadruped has health problems.
Which symptoms are possible depends of course on the underlying disease that caused the prolapsed nictitating membrane. If your cat suffers from worms or giardia, for example, this can be manifested by diarrhoea and vomiting, as well as loss of appetite and weight.
If your cat has a cat cold, you will notice discharge and encrustations on the nose and eyes, among other things. Your cat is also likely to cough and sneeze and may even develop a fever.
If your cat has a prolapsed nictitating membrane as a result of conjunctivitis, symptoms such as red and swollen eyes, excessive lacrimation and sensitivity to light are common.
Treatment of a prolapsed conjunctivitis in cats
As different as the causes of a prolapsed nictitating membrane in cats are, as different are the necessary treatment measures. Therefore, the veterinarian will first of all find out the responsible basic disease and, depending on the result of his diagnosis, decide which therapy is appropriate.
If your cat suffers from giardia or worms, the treatment is mainly aimed at eliminating the intestinal parasites. Since conventional worming treatments often put a lot of strain on your cat's organism due to chemical agents, we recommend gentle deworming with I love my cat Vermal in this case.
If the prolapsed nictitating membrane in your cat was caused by conjunctivitis, treatment with suitable eye drops or ointments is carried out, while cat rhinitis requires other measures.
In addition to antibiotics, it may be advisable in this case to administer a preparation to strengthen the cat's defences. For this purpose we recommend that you rely on I love my cat Immun. This natural food supplement provides your cat with valuable nutrients that support the functioning of the immune system.
High quality eye drops for cats with prolapsed nictitating membrane
Regardless of the exact cause of the prolapsed nictitating membrane, it makes sense to do something for your cat's eye care. With Eye Care Drops from I love my cat you can gently cleanse the eyes of your four-legged friend and thus contribute to a speedy recovery.
Prognosis for cats with prolapsed nictitating membrane
Ignoring an existing nictitating membrane in your cat for a long period of time can cause permanent eye damage and may have other consequences depending on the trigger.
It is therefore essential that you contact a vet as soon as possible. If you do so and follow the advice of your vet, your cat's dysphasia should disappear quite quickly and your pet should soon be fully recovered.
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