Showing 3rd eyelid... what does that mean?

jitsukitty

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my cats 3rd eyelid has been showing for over 2 weeks now.  i brought him to the vet as soon as i noticed it and they tested for an ulcer, which came back negative.  they told me to wait 6-8 weeks to see if it gets better, but its not and i feel my poor jitsu becoming very distant.  he eats regularly, but today had strange diharrhea.  his eye also discharges dark reddish-brown quite frequently.  ive made an appt with a new vet since mine seemed to know nothing of this case and gave us no meds.  my vet tells me not to worry and google makes me freak out.  i dont know what to do but i am nearly broke from all these vet appts!  any advice or info someone can give for free??
 

violet

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The third eyelid showing can have many underlying causes but a dark reddish brown discharge is a definite sign of an eye infection. (Easy to treat, responds very quickly to the right eye medication.)

How soon is your appointment with the new vet? If not right away please call them back and make sure your baby is seen immediately due to the eye discharge. That needs to be treated without delay.

In case you need more help from a vet who is specializing in eye diseases (and diseases that can affect the eyes) please check this list, hopefully you'll find one in your area.

http://www.blinddogs.com/eyevet.htm

Also, if you have a vet school in your state, call them if you have to, your baby can be seen there, or they can refer you to a specialist that might not be on the list I just posted for you.

If you scroll down a little bit you'll find a list of vet schools here

http://vetmedicine.about.com/od/veterinaryschools/Veterinary_Schools_and_Universities.htm
 
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catwoman707

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The third eyelid showing basically means for whatever reason the cat's health is compromised.

I hate to say this because it's not cheap but I would def. recommend a blood panel, if not the full blown version, at least the basics to start. This may show specifically what's happening.
 

violet

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The eye discharge and the third eyelid showing are most likely two different issues.

(Eye infection with the discharge you describe does not cause the third eyelid to show.)
 

reekajane

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Showing the 3rd eyelid has two different meanings. It means you cat has a fever/ infection- check to see if the nose is dry this will confirm that your cat is sick. It is also behavioral, it means your cat is very content ( happy). Check for a wet nose to confirm this This can be genetic and be seen in cats related to each other, their way of showing how happy their lives are. I have many many pics if you would like to see.
 

violet

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As a safety precaution it would make sense to repeat the FeLV/FIV test at this time.
 

orangetara2

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My cats third eyelid is showing but it's only a little bit. And it's as black as her fur. Please help?
 

zeusandheramum

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Hello all,
I'm aware that this is an old thread but I was wondering if Orangetara2 found out what was up with kitty? I have a similar problem with my boy, his third eye is showing and its lining is thick jet black. He's been a bit clingy, sleeping lots more, a bit uneasy with sudden movements around him and his third eye is bloodshot and eyes a bit cloudy. I took him to the vets 3 weeks ago with the same problem in his right eye and the vet said he had bumped it, it was bruised and gave me eye drops which cleared it up after a week. Now it's the same with his left eye.
 

stephanietx

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I would take him back to the vet.  The eyelid showing is a sign of illness and general not feeling well in your kitty.  He might have allergies or a little upper respiratory infection or eye infection. 
 

zeusandheramum

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Thank you! I know it's rude to boast but when it comes to my Zeus and Hera, I can't help but brag that they are the most gorgeous cats ever! But I am MASSIVELY biased so please don't take that rudely :) sorry for bragging!
 
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