My 12-year-old cat has a film over her eye. Is a vet needed?

Hello there, This white film is the third eyelid. This can be raised for eye pain, conjunctivitis, infections, or herpes viral flares. I also see that Gussie's eye is being held closed. This is called blepharospasm and is a sign of pain. Many cats will become lethargic during viral flares, so if Gussie has experienced herpetic conjunctivitis flares like this before it may be a self resolving situation. I do always recommend using some type of lubricating +/- antibiotic ointment or drop on their eyes during these flares to prevent an ulcer or serious secondary infection from occurring, as well as for pain relief and faster healing. These flares commonly occur during times of stress, such as a move or a new person or pet in the home. However, these flares can also be a signal of underlying immune suppression, such as that from disease or cancer. I'd recommend having Gussie seen by his vet tomorrow so that you can be sure there is no underlying disease predisposing to this. Hopefully it will just be an exam and picking up some eye medications for him.

What you are seeing in the inside corner of Nala's eye is a normal structure called the third eyelid (or nictating membrane). However, it is not normally up as much as Nala's are in the picture. There are a few possibilities of why a third eyelid will be up more than normal. Some drugs will make them go up more, tapeworms (https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951442) can sometimes make them go up in cats, and any irritation of the eye can make them go up. Since it appears to be getting worse, I would recommend having your veterinarian examine her to see if they can find a cause. If Nala is squinting or rubbing at her eyes, she should see a veterinarian ASAP. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and answered your question. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Poor Angel! This could be caused by a few things including getting something stuck in her eye, a viral infection or getting a scratch on the cornea. All of these conditions need to be addressed by the veterinarian and she is also in pain (that's why the eye is closed). She needs to wear an elizabethan collar at all times and have her examined today by the veterinarian. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

What you are seeing is Zoe's third eyelid, which is a normal part of a cat's anatomy. What isn't normal, however, is it being out while her eye is open. Normally it comes out when her eye is closed, and if it's out while her eye is open, that signals a medical problem such as an eye infection. An eye infection would also keep her from opening her eye as normal. The eye is such a delicate and important structure that any problem with it should be considered an emergency. That's because leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. I would have Zoe seen by a vet as soon as possible to have her eye examined and treated.

Cats with really painful eyes (such as from a scratch to the cornea or something stuck in the eyelids) will elevate their third eyelids to help protect the eye. Though some types of neck injuries can damage a nerve to works in the face and can also cause this to happen. Since I am concerned that this beautiful kitty is in pain, I would recommend taking her to the emergency vet. After the examination, discuss financial constraints with the vet to determine what can be done to alleviate pain but still fit within the budget you have set. Many times we are able to come up with plans B and C to do what we can to help the pet!

I would have Junor seen by a vet. This discharge can be indicative of an eye infection, and that requires an antibiotic eye ointment to treat. The eye is such a delicate and important structure that any problem with it should be considered an emergency. That's because leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. I would take Junor into a vet right away to have his eyes examined and treated.

Tinkerbell's eye lid does appear to have some sort of tear or ulceration. This could be related to trauma or a viral infection. Tears on the eyelid should be care for quickly. I recommend to have Tinkerbell examined by his veterinarian within the next day. Make sure to protect the area from rubbing by having him wear an elizabethan collar at all times. Rubbing the eye can make it worse. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.