Member

Posts: 49
From:Los Angeles, California
Registered: Mar 2003

posted 03-05-2003 05:50 PM         

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Hi! Haven't had any responses to this post so I'm bumping it up, hoping someone out there can help me!

I have a 15 year old neutered male, perfect health, eating great, playing, responsive..NORMAL.
But overnight the "third eye" membranes in both eyes have popped up in the lower part of his eyes. No sign of respiratory problems: no sneezing, no tearing, no cough, stools normal, no nothing! I've heard this can be a viral auto-immune response of unknown origin and self-limiting (can disappear within two to 6 weeks of its own accord). ANYONE EVER DEAL WITH THIS?

[This message has been edited by seabiscuit (edited 03-11-2003).]

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Member

Posts: 49
From:Los Angeles, California
Registered: Mar 2003

posted 03-11-2003 08:16 PM         

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Bumping up my message originally posted 3/5/03

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Registered: Jan 2003

posted 03-12-2003 02:37 AM         

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Hi, All Iknow about a cat's third eye is that if it (they) is showing it means there is something wrong with its health.

If it is auto-immune system related, then I doubt at 15 years of age your cat would have the ability to throw it off as a young cat would. Unfortunately it's not something that can be diagnosed here, and I really think you need to see a vet.
It could be feline aids or many other conditions, which in cats is not as serious as in humans, but definitely needs monitoring by a vet.

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Posts: 49
From:Los Angeles, California
Registered: Mar 2003

posted 03-13-2003 12:42 AM         

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Thanks for your reply. Although my cat appears to be in perfect health with no symptoms whatsoever (except for this eye sign) I will definitely take him to the vet, rather than do a 'watchful wait".
Have you ever heard of HAW'S SYNDROME?
Third eyelid becomes elevated in otherwise healthy cats. I just read about it. Some info about a virus of unknown origin, and that the symptom virtually is self-limiting and resolves in 4-6 weeks witrhout any treatment. Even in older cats.
STILL, I'm not taking any chances, and will take him in for full work-up. Will let you know the outcome.

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Posts: 49
From:Los Angeles, California
Registered: Mar 2003

posted 03-16-2003 02:32 AM         

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Hi- Here's update on my 15-yr-old male kitty with third eyelid elevation.
Vet took major blood chemistries and urinalysis ( the most comprehensive work-up I've ever seen from a lab even by human standards!) and everything was spectacular. All values completely normal. Kidneys, liver, all salts, cholesterol, WBC, RBC the whole kit and kaboodle. Also negative for FeLV, FIV etc.
Normal thyroid T3 (RIA) and T4 (RIA) and FreeT4(RIA). They said he's amazing for his age.
So they feel it is what I mentioned in an earlier post. HAW'S SYNDROME. Thought to be caused by a problem with the autonomic nervous system.
It CAN occur in conjunction with gastrointestinal disease, esp. tapeworm, but this has been ruled out at this time. It appears that it may be viral, of unknown origin, and self-limiting, usually resolving all by itself within 4-6 weeks. The vet's advice is to keep an eye on him, and barring any new signs or symptoms, see if the membranes go down in a few weeks. If not, we might then go for a de-worming even if worms do not APPEAR to be present. There's been no diarrhea, or rectal signs of worms, and stools are totally normal...
So, we'll see. The good news is that he's healthy and in good shape. The bad news , regarding the third eyelids, is that they are going to take a while to recede and there's no way to speed up the process! Anyway, thought I'd let you all in on this.
HAW's is a rare sign but now we all know something new! Thank to you all for your concern and replies. I'm just so relieved he's okay!

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posted 07-25-2003 07:30 PM           

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Thank you for posting the info about your cat's elevated third eyelid. Our 7 year old Siamese mix, Peanut, is showing symptoms very similar to what you described. It was helpful to read your first hand account of dealing with this situation. Your information has comforted us by helping us know that this is not a malignancy but something that can be overcome. Thanks again!

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