Inversion of the eyelid in cats (entropion): causes and treatment. Diseases of purebred cats

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Our pets, especially cats, often get sick. And sometimes these pathologies become serious. Inversion of the eyelids in a cat is a rather serious and complex eye disease that sometimes requires surgical treatment. Inversion of the eyelids is a disease that consists in a pathological condition of the eyelid, when its edge is wrapped inward towards the eyeball. There are several degrees of inversion: with an average, in addition to the edge of the eyelid, its skin surface, which is covered with eyelashes and hairs, is also wrapped. In this position, the cornea of the eye is strongly irritated, resulting in inflammation of the visual organ.

Description of pathology

This disease occurs due to a disproportion in the size of the eyeball and eyelid. This is a fairly common occurrence, especially in rare breeds of cats. Also, the following factors can be the causes of eyelid inversion: a specific breed of cat, heredity,foreign bodies entering the organ of vision, corneal ulcers, dry eye syndrome, chronic diseases of the eyeball, conjunctivitis.

Complex of diagnostic measures

Diagnosis of an animal with entropion must necessarily be comprehensive, examination alone is not enough. As a rule, cats with suspected disease are given a Schirmer test, biomicroscopy of the anterior segment of the damaged organ is taken to rule out dry eye syndrome. A fluorescein test is also taken to prevent ulcerative keratitis.

To compile a complete picture of the symptoms, a number of the following measures are required: general and biochemical blood tests, urinalysis, ultrasound examination of all abdominal organs, assessment of the condition and functioning of the heart. If a bacterial infection is suspected, a bacterial culture is mandatory for successful treatment and further antibiotics.

Special membrane in cats

A cat has a thin, almost transparent film in its eye, which is located in the inner corner. It is called the nictitating membrane. It moisturizes the cornea, serves as a barrier to foreign bodies and microparticles, and also rids the eye of small insects, sand and household dust. This membrane is covered with lymphoid tissue, attached to the inside of the lower and upper eyelids, and slightly overlaps the cornea.

Functions of the eardrum

This membrane involuntarily straightens out, then folds,this is noticeable during blinking and when the pet's head is lowered. If the eye is irritated, the film swells and increases in size. The membrane lubricates the cornea with a special tear fluid that protects the eye from bacteria and fungal infections. Together with the tear, various specks and dead material are removed. Protecting the visual organ, the third eyelid itself can become inflamed and require urgent treatment.

Causes of pathologies of the third eyelid

It is very rare to notice this film on the animal's eye, but if it is clearly visible, then the nictitating membrane has fallen out or been displaced. If, along with this symptom, pupil constriction occurs, and the upper eyelid or eye descends into the orbit, this indicates damage to the optic nerve. In such a situation, you should immediately take the cat to the veterinarian. Entropion in cats is quite a common disease in our time. Unfortunately, the hereditary factor cannot be adjusted, because it is absolutely impossible to determine the specific gene that is responsible for the occurrence of this disease. According to statistics, inversion of the eyelid in cats is more common among purebred animals.

Entropion is accompanied by a set of characteristic anatomical features: friability of the eyelids, an abundance of folds in the eyes, deep eye sockets, too long or thin eyelid rib. Most often, it is because of these features that the century turns, and it begins to touch the eyeball. There is an opinion that the disease occurs in all cats, but practice has shown that volvuluscentury are more often exposed to animals that have a flattened muzzle. The brightest representatives of this type are Persian cats. They are distinguished by a similar anatomical structure. Treatment for droopy eyelids in cats is common these days.

Types of pathologies and symptoms

There are two types of inversion:

The primary factor is a genetic predisposition or a specific form of the eyelid, most often kittens and Persian cats are affected. First of all, the attending physician identifies the type of pathology, in accordance with which treatment is prescribed for a small patient. Inversion of the eyelids in cats is quite obvious, the main symptoms of this disease are redness of the eye, the cornea of the animal swells and swells, tearing begins, the shape of the eye and its incision become visually smaller, the periocular fur is moistened, mucous and purulent discharges are observed in the corners of the eyes, the animal experiences pain and sensations associated with inflammation of the cornea. In an advanced case, a corneal ulcer and reddening of the conjunctiva may appear. A past infectious disease can also cause entropion. In this case, treatment should be directed to the underlying pathology, after which the volvulus resolves on its own. However, as practice shows, torsion of the eyelid often requires surgical intervention

Preparation and operation

Operation for torsion of the eyelid in a cat is simple, but requires some preparation. What should be done beforeconduct: exclude any food from the pet's diet for 12-24 hours, leave only water in unlimited quantities. If the veterinarian prescribed some antiseptic drops or tetracycline ointment to the cat, then be sure to use them.

The need for surgery is not as scary as it might seem. During the operation, the wrapped eyelid is unfolded, then it is fixed with special sutures. If the disease is not very advanced, one operation is sufficient, but in a complex case, several procedures may be required. Older animals do not have the same elastic skin as younger animals, so an additional blepharoplasty may be required, in which excess skin is cut off, and then everything is fixed with sutures.

Prognosis for postoperative outcome

In the vast majority of cases, the prognosis for cats is quite favorable. However, a successful outcome is influenced by several factors: the age of the animal, breed, propensity to relapse and general he alth. Careful post-surgery care is essential. To prevent scratching the wound, the cat is put on a special collar.

If the animal scratches the eyes, the problem may recur, and then you will have to go to the clinic again. Seams should be regularly treated with special solutions prescribed by the attending physician. With proper care and successful healing, the sutures can be removed 10 days after the operation, and the cat will start again.your full life. Thus, we can conclude that eyelid torsion in a cat is a completely solvable problem that can be easily treated, without which the condition of a beloved pet can deteriorate greatly, as a result of which it can completely lose its eyesight. Therefore, you should not delay with this problem, but immediately contact the veterinary clinic.