Symptoms and treatment of third eyelid hyperplasia in dogs.

Overview

Third eyelid hyperplasia refers to the hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the glands located on the spherical surface of the nictitating membrane, turning outwards over the free edge of the nictitating membrane, and escaping from the inner corner of the eye.

Causes

The congenital cause may be due to congenital defects or underdevelopment of the connective tissue attachment between the base of the gland and the periorbital tissue or between the gland and cartilage. It is generally believed that the nictitating duct or orifice is blocked by inflammatory products or small foreign bodies and the glands are enlarged, thin and protruding beyond the free edge of the nictitating membrane and protruding from the corner of the eye.

The main symptoms

At the beginning of the disease, the conjunctiva of the affected eye was slightly flushed and tearful. Due to discomfort, some dogs scratched the affected eye with their forelimbs. One or two days later, on the edge of the third eyelid of the affected eye , a mung bean-sized, to soybean-sized pink flocculent was found protruding from the inner corner of the eye. As the disease progressed, the peanut grains were large. Its surface is smooth, moist and tough. In the initial stage, because the prolapsed glands are small, they tend to retract into the eyelids on their own.

Diagnostic criteria

The diagnosis can be made based on typical clinical symptoms.

Treatment method

Surgical resection is the main treatment method. During the resection, care should be taken not to damage the conjunctiva and nictitating membrane. Clean the affected eye with antibiotic eye drops, such as Olinji Eyecare or Shengluwei Antibacterial Eye Drops, then use a wound towel to clamp the hyperplastic gland.