Nictitating or third eyelid membrane in dogs

The third eyelid or nictitating membrane protects the eyes of our dogs, as in cats, but it is not present in the human eye.Its main function is to protect the eye against external aggressions or foreign bodies that want to be introduced in it.Human, unlike animals, we have fingers to clean any particle that wants to enter our eyes and that is why we no longer have this anatomical structure.

In Animals and Pets Online we not only want to tell you about its existence, but also the most common diseases or problems of the nictitating membrane or third eyelid in dogs .We will see symptoms and solutions if necessary.

What is the third eyelid in dogs?

As we advance in the introduction, we find the third eyelid in the eyes of dogs and cats.In turn, like the other eyelids, has a gland tear that moisturizes it, also known as Harder's gland.This can suffer a very common pathology in certain races that is its prolapse, also known as "cherry eye." This prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid or cherry eye is more frequent in breeds such as chihuahua, english bulldog, boxer, pequines, Spanish cocker or Neapolitan mastiff, among others, due to the conformation of the eye.It can occur in any breed but, especially, we usually see it in puppies or young dogs.

Structurally speaking the membrane is a connective tissue hydrated by the gland mentioned.Normally it is not seen, but appears when the eye can or is in danger.There are races that may have a small pigmentation of the third p harp, something completely normal.However, it does not have hairs or skin that cover it, so sometimes it is not usually related to an eyelid.It also does not have muscles, it is in the medial angle (near the nose and under the lower eyelid) and it appears only when it is strictly necessary, as a windshield wiper of a car.Therefore, its function will begin when the eye feels attacked , as a reflex act, and when the danger disappears it will return to its place usual, hidden below the lower eyelid.

Privileges of the nictitating membrane

The advantages provided by this membrane will not only be of protection by eliminating foreign bodies that want to injure the eye or any painful principle, comoulceras, wounds or lesions in the eyeball.Also provides hydration to the eye thanks to its gland that contributes 30% in the formation of tears, and its lymphatic follicles will help fight infectious processes , since it will be exposed when the eye is damaged until it has healed completely.

Therefore, when we see a white or pink film that covers one or both eyes of the dog we should not be alarmed, it is simply the third eyelid helping to eliminate some eye aggressor.We must keep it in mind and know that You must return to your site in less than 6 hours , if you do not, we must consult a veterinary specialist to see what may be happening.

Prolapse of the third eyelid in dogs

Although we already mentioned this pathology in the first section, as well as the races most likely to develop it, it is important to go deeper into it, but first of all, I want to remember that it is not an emergency but if You will need veterinary attention.

As we indicated, the prolapse occurs when the membrane is visible , without returning to its usual place.The causes can be genetic or weakened tissues that the They are one of the most common conditions in veterinary ophthalmology, which does not cause pain to the dog but can cause other pathologies as side effects, with conjunctivitis and dry eye being the most common.

There is no treatment for the nictitating membrane in dogs based on drugs, the solution is surgical with a small suture of the gland again in its place.Also, the removal of the gland is not recommended, since we would lose a lot of the hydration of the animal's eye.

East Article is merely informative, at Animals and Pets Online we have no power to prescribe veterinary treatments or make any type of diagnosis.We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian in the event that it presents any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Nictitating membrane or third eyelid in dogs , we recommend that you enter our Eye Problems section.

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