Third eyelid...

Otis often has his third eyelid up. Usually if I'm petting him or if I wake him up suddenly. He never used to show it until he got sick about 2 months ago. He had seizures and was hospitalized and hasn't been quite the same since then. He's generally healthy and doesn't act sick at all but the third eyelid scares me from time to time. Is it common for the third eyelid to be up but not indicate any illness? I tried to look things up online but all the results that were googled were about haws syndrome. If anyone has any info or a website I can read that'd be great, thanks!

The third eyelid can appear if the cat is dehydrated, or if he has a fever. It will show when a cat is ill, or if there is an infection in the eye. If he had a stroke/seizure, he could have a temporary injury to his nervous system that may repair itself in time. In cats with epilepsy the third eyelid will show prior to an attack. What does the vet say?

I actually haven't asked a vet about it yet although I seem to be in there every other week so I will next time. I thought it might have something to do with the nervous system because he's been a little 'slow' since his seizures. I just came back from a vacation and he seems to be a lot more active than he was when I left 10 days ago. When he was sick he also damaged his liver and kidneys from being so dehydrated so he may be slightly dehydrated now but I don't think that's the case since we take precautions to make sure he's drinking enough. He hasn't had any other seizures since he was hospitalized either so that may eliminate a warning of another attack. For the most part his eyes are fine unless he's sleeping or really tierd (which is why I think your idea about the nervous system may be the best fit) but I may ask the vet to find out. Thanks

It is fairly easy to find out if he is dehydrated. While he is at rest, gently pinch his neck between two of your fingers, then release. if the skin stays tented up then please call your vet immediately- he needs subcu fluids. If it goes down in seconds, he has good hydration.

Yup, had quite a bit of experience with that one lol. That's why I said that he doesn't seem dehydrated. The only catch is that he urinates a really large amount so we're always on the look out for dehydration.

Well, he is fortunate you are in his corner.