Do dogs have eyelids? This mysterious third eyelid

VETERINARY OPHTHALMOLOGY
THIS IS THE MYSTERIOUS THIRD EYELID...
(functional purpose, anatomy and main pathologies)
Perepechaev Konstantin Andreevich,
veterinary ophthalmologist, Moscow.
www.konstantp.narod.ru
e-mail: [email protected]
The third eyelid is one of the most important protective and functional structures auxiliary apparatus eyes. When you touch the eye or press on the eyeball, the third eyelid instantly, like a barrier, covers the surface of the cornea, protecting it from damage. Interestingly, in a similar way, the third eyelid covers the cornea when the animal's head is lowered. At the same time, the eyeball, moving downward under the influence of gravity, stretches the muscular-ligamentous apparatus of the eye, and it is this stretching that is the factor initiating the protective movement of the third eyelid.


Picture 1. Appearance third century
From an evolutionary point of view, this is an extremely ancient mechanism that protects the cornea of ​​herbivores when they eat vegetation. In the thickness of the third eyelid there is an additional lacrimal gland, which ensures the production of 30% of tears. As the third eyelid moves, tears are distributed over the surface of the cornea, simultaneously washing away foreign particles and bacteria (Figure 1).

On the inner surface of the third eyelid there is a significant accumulation of lymphoid tissue, in the form of many follicles with general form bright pink bumpy surface

Figure 2. Follicular tissue of the third eyelid
(“raspberry”) is a powerful component of the immunological protection of the eye (Figure 2). The follicular tissue of the third eyelid, unfortunately, is VERY OFTEN mistaken by illiterate specialists for the focus of the inflammatory process and everyone begins to mercilessly destroy it possible ways, under the pretext of the diagnosis “FOLLICULAR CONJUNCTIVITIS” - this is illiterate and absolutely UNACCEPTABLE.

The internal structure of the third is quite complex.
At the base of the eyelid lies T-shaped cartilage, which, due to its rigidity and elasticity, supports the shape of the third eyelid, forming its internal frame. At the base of the cartilage, covering it on all sides, there is glandular tissue that produces tears (we have already talked about it) (Figure 3). This glandular tissue is additionally attached to the periosteum of the lower wall of the orbit (periorbita) by a thin elastic ligament. The third eyelid is covered by the conjunctiva (the mucous membrane of the eye). Its outer (palpebral) surface is smooth, and on the inner (bulbar), as we already know, follicular tissue is located. The movement of the third eyelid is carried out by smooth muscle fibers, it is autonomous and reflexive (i.e., the animal cannot consciously control the position of the third eyelid). The edge of the third eyelid adjacent to the cornea is very thin and elastic, it is this that ensures constant and uniform contact between the edge of the third eyelid and the surface of the cornea (similar to a brush


Figure 3. Internal structure third century
car wiper). The third eyelid may be pigmented (brown-black pigment) or completely devoid of pigment (pale pink), this is especially noticeable by the color of the edge of the third eyelid. The absence of pigment is not a pathology. It is believed that the non-pigmented mucous membrane of the third eyelid and conjunctiva is more sensitive to the damaging effects of the ultraviolet spectrum sun rays And irritating factors external environment.

The most frequently occurring pathologies of the third eyelid are largely due to its anatomical features:
ADENOMA OF THE THIRD CENTURY
In fact, the name of this pathology does not quite reflect the essence of what is happening pathological process. To be precise, “adenoma” is benign tumor, occurring in the tissues of various glands. In our case, we mean by this term prolapse (prolapse) of the third eyelid gland (Figure 4). This pathology occurs due to the fact that the thin, rather fragile ligament that attaches the gland to the periorbita of the eyeball is torn. Most often, this pathology occurs in dogs between 3 and 9 months, when there is active growth of both the animal as a whole and, accordingly, the eyeball and third eyelid. Often, the factor initiating rupture of the ligament holding the gland is injury to the third eyelid (self-injury during active head movements, scratching with paws), but it can also occur spontaneously. Dogs of brachiocephalic breeds (French, American and english bulldogs, pugs), dogs with a loose constitution and large head(Cane Corsos, Mastinos, Mastiffs, Newfoundlands) and Cocker Spaniels. This is explained by the loose retention of the third eyelid gland between the wall of the eyeball and the wall of the orbit in these breeds. Due to the structure of the orbit, in cats this pathology practically never occurs.
The prolapsed glandular tissue is injured by the blinking movements of the eyelids, swells, and rubs the cornea. If a dog scratches a prolapsed gland, the process is aggravated by the development of mucopurulent conjunctivitis, sometimes with necrosis of gland tissue and damage to the cornea. Attempts to set back the prolapsed glandular tissue are usually unsuccessful.
TREATMENT:
With a single prolapse of the third eyelid gland, if no more than 6-12 hours have passed since the incident, sometimes reduction brings success

Figure 4. Prolapse of the third eyelid gland
glandular tissue in combination with local application anti-edematous and anti-inflammatory drugs. In other cases it is shown surgical repair normal position third century (reposition). Exist various options this operation, but the criteria for the correct technique are as follows:
1. The prolapsed glandular tissue must be completely preserved.
2. The integrity of the third age must not be compromised.
3. Upon completion of the postoperative period, the mobility of the third eyelid (its functional characteristics) should be completely restored.
Must be remembered, the lack of skills and experience necessary to perform such an operation CANNOT SERVE as a justification for resection of prolapsed glandular tissue or the third eyelid, since these operations are inherently mutilating, disrupt the normal functioning of the eyeball, contributing to the development of the most severe pathology - sicca keratoconjunctivitis ("sicca" syndrome). eyes").
INVERSION (TURN, FRACTURE) OF THE THIRD CENTURY
This pathology also occurs during active growth eyeball and third eyelid (3-9 months), occurs in both dogs and cats. The cause of inversion is excessive lengthening of the “pedicle” of the third eyelid cartilage, which has a T-shape.


Figure 5. Third eyelid inversion
The cartilage seems to “break”, and attempts to turn it out, giving it a normal position, are useless (Figure 5). An inverted third eyelid is not able to perform its function normally; the developing inflammatory process can lead to significant hyperplasia of the tissues of the third eyelid. Today, this pathology is most often found in Great Danes, Central Asian Shepherds and Newfoundlands (often in combination with entropion of the lower eyelid).
TREATMENT: restoration of the normal position of the third eyelid by excision of the broken section of cartilage. This operation must be carried out extremely carefully; in small animals, it is advisable to use surgical magnifying optics. It is necessary to remove ONLY DEFORMED area of ​​cartilage. The anatomical integrity and functionality of the third eyelid must be fully preserved. Rough excision of the cartilaginous plate, poor adaptation of the cut edges, use of inadequate suture material can lead to irreversible deformation of the third eyelid and severe damage to the cornea.


Figure 6. Third century inversion

LOSS (PROLAPS) OF THE THIRD EYELID
Complaints from dog and cat owners that “the third eyelid suddenly came out and covered half the eyes” are found in veterinary practice Quite often and sometimes they baffle doctors general practice. This phenomenon most often not eye pathology, but a syndrome of certain diseases.
1. In case of unilateral prolapse of the third eyelid, it is necessary to exclude in dogs and cats:

Atrophy of the eyeball.
Inflammatory process/ neoplasm of the maxillary, nasal bones, orbit.
Retro and parabulbar abscesses and hematomas
Syndrome of impaired sympathetic innervation (Bernard-Horner syndrome)
Paresis/paralysis facial nerve.
In cats - a consequence of herpesvirus infection (symblepharon), unilateral viral conjunctivitis.
2. In case of bilateral prolapse of the third eyelid, it is necessary to exclude in dogs and cats:
Foreign body behind the third eyelid, damage to the cornea, trauma (bite, puncture of the third eyelid), inversion of the third eyelid, inversion of the eyelids.
Lesions of the central nervous system(hemorrhages, neoplasms in the area of ​​the middle, medulla oblongata and brain stem); syndrome of impaired sympathetic innervation (Bernard-Horner syndrome).
Severe intoxication, dehydration, cachexia.
In cats:
Consequence of herpes virus infection (symblepharon), bilateral viral conjunctivitis.
Worm infestations, hidden flowing viral infections(without pronounced clinical signs), stress.
As is clear from the above, there is no treatment for third eyelid prolapse as such. When the underlying cause of the disease is eliminated, the third eyelid gradually restores its normal position.

Prolapse and hyperplasia of the third eyelid gland

The third eyelid gland is an accessory lacrimal gland that encircles the pedicle of the T-shaped cartilage of the third eyelid. It is usually located medioventricular to the eyeball and is not visible, although it actively takes part in moisturizing the eyeball. Under certain conditions, this gland can increase in volume and fall out, i.e. appear between the cornea and the third eyelid as a round swelling. On the other hand, this swelling may be a consequence of neoplasm of the lacrimal gland or cartilage of the third eyelid.

Lacrimal gland prolapse usually occurs in young dogs brachycephalic breeds with loose subcutaneous fat, such as American bulldogs, sharpeis, chow chows, canne corso.

Regarding the various oncological diseases, then they are more common in older animals and do not have a pronounced breed predisposition.

Etiology.

The causes of prolapse of the lacrimal gland of the third eyelid are weakness of the ligaments that hold it in its normal position, eversion of the base of the cartilage of the third eyelid, neoplasms of the lacrimal gland (adenoma), hyperplasia of the gland of the third eyelid due to leukemia.

Symptoms

Sudden prolapse of an enlarged third eyelid gland between the third eyelid margin and the cornea is quite common in young dogs. Appears in the form of a periodically or constantly appearing round, intensely pink swelling with a diameter of up to 10-15 mm. In the inner corner of the eye. Neoplasia (tumors) of the lacrimal gland and cartilage of the third eyelid are relatively rare.

Treatment of this pathology is only surgical and should be aimed at fixing the prolapsed lacrimal gland to the periosteum of the zygomatic bone.

Removal of the gland or cartilage of the third eyelid is carried out only in as a last resort(in the presence of neoplasms), because After removal of the gland, there is a high probability of developing dry eye syndrome, pigmentary keratitis and, as a result, loss of vision and pain in the patient.

IN postoperative period the use of antibiotic-containing, anti-inflammatory drops for 7-10 days is indicated.

Looking into the eyes of his pet, the owner does not even suspect the presence of such an organ as the third eyelid, until he notices something unusual, something that was not there yesterday.

About inflammation of the third eyelid in a dog

Being part of the protective apparatus of the eye, it performs its function only when it is absolutely healthy. At the slightest pathology, it brings discomfort into the life of the animal (and the owner) and is a reason to immediately contact a specialist.

You cannot carry out treatment on your own; without finding out a clear picture, it will aggravate the situation and lead to irreversible consequences very quickly.

Inflammation- this is a collective concept in relation to the pathologies of the third century and is usually divided into:

  • third eyelid adenoma;
  • fracture (inversion, inversion);
  • prolapse (loss).

Adenoma of the third century

The term “adenoma” itself is most likely not very suitable, given that this disease has nothing to do with the tumor nature. In this case we are talking about prolapse of the gland.

The dog has an adenoma of the third eyelid.

Causes

The lacrimal gland of the third eyelid has a thin and not always strong ligament, which is attached to the periorbita of the eye. In view of various reasons(more often than injuries) it ruptures and the process of loss occurs.

The animal itself can injure the ligament during play, scratching with its paw, or an accidental blow.

A dog can injure its eye while playing.

Risk group

Bulldogs and pugs are at risk, keep an eye on them!

This most often occurs in puppies and young dogs under one year of age. Then it strengthens, becomes more elastic, and the pathology is forgotten.

The most susceptible to pathology are bulldogs and pugs, as well as those dogs whose heads are quite large: Mastino, Newfoundland, Cane Corso, Mastiff, and Cocker Spaniel. These breeds have a genetically determined feature when the gland is not held very tightly between eyeball and orbit.

Mastino dogs have genetic predisposition to pathology.

Signs

When the eyelids move, the prolapsed gland is subjected to mechanical stress, it swells, swells and rubs the cornea, which causes discomfort.

  1. The animal becomes restless and makes scratching movements, which further injure the gland.
  2. Upon contact with foreign bodies (dirty paw), contamination with pathogenic microflora occurs, which develops very quickly and causes.
  3. The microflora moves to the cornea, the process worsens and leads to necrotic changes.

If the dog comes into contact with the paw, purulent conjunctivitis may occur.

Treatment

It is necessary to provide assistance to the animal quickly, at the first sign. If no more than 5–7 hours have passed since the onset of the process, then the gland is reduced without consequences. Each additional hour of delay may lead to surgery.

During third eyelid surgery it is very important:

  • preserve the integrity of the prolapsed gland;
  • don't disturb anatomical structure third century;
  • carry out surgical intervention so that the mobility of the eyelid after restorative procedures is as complete as possible.

An inexperienced specialist cannot be trusted to perform such an operation, since incorrect resection often leads to functional disorders eyeball and persistent dry keratoconjunctivitis.

Treatment should only be carried out by an experienced veterinarian.

Entropion of the third eyelid in a dog

Mostly puppies up to 9 months of age are also susceptible to pathology.

In a growing body, the ocular cartilage sometimes grows faster than the rest of the body, and the rapidly growing “leg” of the cartilage pushes out the third eyelid, and the anatomy of the cartilage itself changes in the direction of bending.

The functioning is disrupted, which leads to swelling, redness and hyperplasia (enlargement of cells) of the entire eyelid tissue.

The dog has an entropion of the third eyelid.

Risk group

The most susceptible to pathology are puppies of Central Asian Shepherd Dogs, Great Danes, and Newfoundlands.

Newfoundland dogs are at risk.

Treatment

Shown surgical intervention by excision of the affected area cartilage tissue. The operation is performed using optics, since only the utmost care can guarantee the continued functionality of the third eyelid. Excision of that part of the cartilage that is not affected is unacceptable.

Surgery requires extreme precision.

Surgical intervention should be carried out using high-quality suture material so that the edges of the incisions quickly adapt and do not lead to deformation changes in the horny part of the eye.

Prolapse or prolapse of the third eyelid in a dog

A dog owner sometimes observes a situation where the third eyelid covers half of the eye. In this case, the pathology is not always associated with changes specifically in the third century. This situation is possible when:

  • inflammatory and non-inflammatory changes in: upper jaw, orbit of the eye, nasal bones, neoplasms;
  • and hematomas of the orbit of the eye;
  • violation of sympathetic innervation;
  • pathologies of the facial nerve (paralysis and);
  • entry of a foreign body under the third eyelid;
  • corneal injuries (scratching, biting, punctures).

The third eyelid may cover half of the eye due to injury to the cornea.

Treatment

From listed reasons it becomes clear that treatment should be prescribed only after an accurate diagnosis has been established.

Only after the diagnosis is established, treatment is prescribed.

Eyelid loss is a symptom, not a disease.

How to help your dog before seeing a doctor

From the reasons listed above, it becomes clear that a doctor specializing in ophthalmology can help the dog. However, it is not yet possible to do this; it is necessary to provide first aid and at least somehow relieve inflammation, reduce pain syndrome and animal anxiety.

Before contacting a veterinarian, you can help your dog yourself.

Drugs

In this case, the use of the following drugs is quite justified:

  • « Dexamethasone ». Eye drops based on corticosteroids with anti-inflammatory and antiallergic properties. For a dog, 1-2 drops in the third eyelid area 2 times a day is enough. Active substance quickly penetrates into tissues, but is contraindicated in purulent processes. After instillation, tears may leak.
  • « Tsiprovet" The active ingredient is the antibiotic ciprofloxacin. Possessing antimicrobial effect wide range, quickly relieves inflammation of an infectious nature.

Dexamethasone eye drops have an anti-inflammatory effect.

When instilled, 1-2 drops cause a burning sensation, the animal may worry, but it quickly passes.

Conclusion

It is up to the doctor to make the diagnosis and prescribe treatment. The sooner a qualified examination is carried out, the sooner your pet will be healthy.

If you notice symptoms of the disease, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Video about third eyelid gland prolapse in dogs

Diseases of the third century widespread in dogs. The most common are follicular conjunctivitis, adenoma and volvulus of the third eyelid. Over the past 10 years, 78 dogs with follicular conjunctivitis were examined and treated, 77 had adenoma of the third eyelid removed, and 22 animals were operated on for entropion of the third eyelid.

Follicular conjunctivitis- chronic non-infectious inflammation mucous membrane of the eyes, in which its lymphatic follicles are affected. At the same time, their infiltration and proliferation occur.

No specific cause of the disease has been established, contribute to its appearance, according to our assumptions, various factors, causing irritation of the conjunctiva. Mechanical irritants include all kinds of injuries, foreign bodies entering the conjunctival sac, entropion and eversion of the eyelids, trichiasis, etc. All this either directly irritates the conjunctiva or disrupts its protection from harmful external influences. Chemical irritants: air saturated with ammonia vapor, lime dust, smoke, prolonged exposure to direct ultraviolet and x-rays, long-term use medicinal substances. Conjunctivitis develops after dogs have been infected with distemper, as well as during the transition from neighboring organs and fabrics. Inflammation of the follicles can also occur with lesions of the blood and lymphatic vessels.

The main factor in the pathogenesis of the disease is swelling of the subepithelial layer. Irritants cause infiltration of the conjunctiva with leukocytes and plasma cells, swelling of the lymphatic follicles.

Hyperemia develops and grows connective tissue, as a result, small tuberous protrusions of the surface of the conjunctiva appear, the size of a poppy seed to a millet grain. Gradually, the number and size of lymphatic follicles increase; they appear on the entire surface of the third eyelid, especially on its inner side.

The early stages of the development of follicular conjunctivitis go unnoticed, and only when involved in the process large quantity follicles in an animal, blepharospasm, serous-mucous discharge from the conjunctival sac, edema and hyperemia of the conjunctiva are noted. Inflamed and hyperplastic bright red follicles are located on the inner surface of the third eyelid, less often on outer surface and the lower fornix of the conjunctiva.

Adenoma of the third eyelid (Harder's glands) is often found in toy and hunting breeds and is accompanied by catarrhal or follicular conjunctivitis. When the conjunctiva becomes inflamed, secretion increases and vascular reaction. In chronic conjunctivitis, the function of the superficial gland of the third eyelid increases, and its hyperplasia is observed.

Adenomatous growth of the third eyelid gland is manifested by a red, bean-shaped swelling protruding from the inside. Along with this, serous-mucosal discharge and redness of the conjunctiva are observed.

Entropion of the third century found in Great Danes, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers and less frequently in dogs of other breeds. Its main cause should be considered diseases that lead to hypersecretion of the gland of the third eyelid. At the same time, the amount of acid phosphatase in the secretion content increases. Lysosomes are activated and disrupted metabolic processes in the tissues of the cartilaginous plate, resulting in destructive and degenerative changes. The process ends with a fracture of the cartilage outward and its inversion. At the same time, the third eyelid changes its position and shape.

Upon examination, it is clear that the edge of the eyelid is turned outward, and a cartilage fracture is visible through the conjunctiva. The pigment border of the eyelid margin is not visible, the conjunctiva is red, edematous, the follicles are hyperplastic. In the inner corner of the palpebral fissure, a thick, mucopurulent exudate of a white-greenish color accumulates.

Dogs at follicular conjunctivitis treated different ways . Five animals were treated with novocaine blockade of the cranial cervical sympathetic ganglion according to S. T. Shitov, A. N. Golikov. However, this provides a temporary improvement.

The third eyelid (or nictitating membrane) is an anatomical structure located in the inner corner of the eye that performs a series of important functions:

  • Distributes the tear film (precorneal film) over the surface of the cornea
  • Protects the eyeball, works like windshield wipers on a car window and washes away small foreign bodies, dust, etc. From the surface of the cornea and conjunctiva.
  • At the base of the third eyelid there is an accessory lacrimal gland that produces 30% of the tear fluid.
  • On the surface of the third century is located lymphoid tissue, helping to resist infectious agents from the outside.

Usually, the main clinical sign which may be noticed by owners is a "prolapse" or protrusion third century. Normally, the third eyelid protrudes slightly from under the lower eyelid from the inner corner of the eye. With one pathology or another, we can see a significant part of it (the so-called prolapse of the third eyelid) or notice a change in its structure, color, volume.

Changes in the position of the third eyelid may be associated with its lesions or be a sign of disease in other organs and systems.

  • Prolapse of the third eyelid may be a sign of a nervous system disorder (Horner's syndrome, dysautonomia, tetanus).
  • The presence of orbital neoplasms will lead to displacement of the third eyelid from its normal anatomical position.
  • A decrease in the size of the eyeball (Congenital microphthalmia or acquired atrophy) contributes to an increase in the space where the third eyelid will freely extend.
  • Painful sensations in the eye area will force the animal to reflexively close it with the third eyelid.
  • General malaise, dehydration (eg prolonged diarrhea, vomiting) provoke protrusion of the third eyelids.

Often the owner complains about the abnormal position of the third eyelid in a dog or cat. An animal with Horner's syndrome develops a number of symptoms: the third eyelid loses its normal position and covers part of the cornea, the pupil on the affected side is narrowed, the eyeball lies deeper in the orbit, upper eyelid

omitted. Horner's syndrome does not develop due to eye disease, but due to a violation of sympathetic innervation, i.e. due to disruption of the conduction of a certain nerve. Most often, Horner's symptom develops with inflammation of the middle and inner ear

, but there may be exceptions.

Treatment is based on making a diagnosis - identifying the main cause of the innervation disorder. A common situation is the absence of pigment on the free edge of the eyelid. This is not a pathology!

The congenital absence of dark brown pigmentation stripes does not affect the function of this organ in any way, but can be mistaken for inflammation. It is important to ensure that the third eyelid is functioning normally and does not have any other abnormalities. In this case, the unpigmented edge is just a cosmetic feature of the particular dog or cat. Diseases of the third eyelid directly disrupt its structure, cause inflammation, and interfere with its normal operation

  • Eversion (crease) or eversion of the third eyelid. Curvature of the cartilage in the thickness of the eyelid, which leads to its turning outward. The problem has a breed predisposition (large and giant breed dogs) and is more common in at a young age(up to 1 year). Requires surgical treatment while maintaining the structure of the century!

Common in dogs large breeds at a young age and is associated with uneven growth of the third eyelid cartilage. May be complicated by prolapse of the lacrimal gland of the third eyelid

With this disease, the free edge of the third eyelid loses contact with the surface of the cornea, and part of the functions of the third eyelid is lost

  • Prolapse of the lacrimal gland of the third eyelid (prolapse of the lacrimal gland, “ cherry eye"). This gland produces one third of all tear fluid and its preservation should be a priority in the treatment of this problem. The gland lies at the base of the third eyelid and is attached by ligaments. In dogs with cherry eye, the ligaments are weak and stretched. This allows the gland to pop out. As a result, we see a red, rounded bulge (the same “cherry”) between the eyeball and the third eyelid. The gland becomes inflamed and, in addition, irritates the cornea of ​​the eye. It is necessary to set the gland in place and fix it there. To do this, a simple surgery. If this is not done, the gland will eventually stop producing tear fluid and keratoconjunctivitis sicca may develop (a similar problem occurs when the tear gland is removed). This pathology is more common in puppies and young dogs of large and giant breeds, in loose dogs (bulldogs), and in Chihuahuas. This disease is much less common in cats. (british cats, Siamese cats)

  • The third eyelid can be injured (in fights with cats, during penetration foreign bodies with sharp edges, etc.) Minor tears and tears can heal on their own. Others require surgical reconstruction. The main goal of treatment is to restore the function of the organ with minimal loss of its structure.
  • Inflammation of the third eyelid is rare independent problem and, as a rule, accompanies diseases of the conjunctiva of the eye. An exception is plasmoma of the third eyelid - atypical form pannus (chronic superficial keratitis). With this pathology characteristic lesions(thickening, redness, depigmentation) appear only on the third eyelid, and not on the entire surface of the conjunctiva. This disease is well controlled with local therapy, however, it requires systematic attention of the owners and supervision by the attending physician. This disease occurs in German Shepherds, Greyhounds, Greyhounds, Doberman Pinschers and their mixed breeds. It is believed that exacerbation of this condition can occur with excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation (frequent and prolonged exposure to the sun).

Prolapse of the third eyelid lacrimal gland- this is a pathology in which the lacrimal gland is displaced outward from its normal position, is pinched by the edge of the third eyelid and becomes noticeable in the corner of the eye.

Mostly dogs are affected by the disease, and cats are quite rarely affected. Among the dog breeds prone to it are:

  • cocker spaniel,
  • Shar Pei,
  • Cane Corso,
  • french/english bulldog,
  • pug,
  • Pekingese,
  • chihuahua,
  • toy terrier, etc.

This predisposition is associated with congenital enlargement (hyperplasia) of the lacrimal gland of the third eyelid and weakness of the ligament that retains it.

Causes

IN in good condition The lacrimal gland is located on inside third century and seems to be covered by it. For diseases various kinds (allergic reactions, chronic, breed predispositions, etc.) it increases in size and falls out. Then it is compressed (pinched) by the edging of the third eyelid, which causes severe redness and swelling of the tissue.

Symptoms

When the dog has prolapsed lacrimal gland of the third eyelid, a red-pink formation is observed. round shape in the corner of the eye, which provokes redness of the conjunctiva and lacrimation. At long absence After specialist intervention, purulent or mucous discharge from the eyes, dryness, swelling or squinting (blepharospasm) may appear.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis prolapse of the lacrimal gland of the third eyelid in dogs is diagnosed by a veterinary ophthalmologist based on visual inspection and biomicroscopy of the anterior segment of the eye.

Treatment

Prolapse of the third eyelid lacrimal gland is treated exclusively surgically. An operation is performed to realign the gland, after which anti-inflammatory and antibacterial eye drops are prescribed.

The idea of ​​the oncological origin of this pathology is erroneous, as is the not entirely correct concept of “adenoma of the third century.” If the third eyelid and the gland itself are removed, serious illnesses, For example, .