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	Cat with Third Eyelid Problem Q: My 5yr old healthy cat's third eyelid is covering one third to one half of his eyes. We have taken him to the local vet who has prescribed Fucitaclmic (apply to both eyes twice daily) and to return after 5 days of treatment. What could be the causes? I would appreciate an early response. Thank you Miss Kirsty Williams (a very anxious pet owner)

A: Dear Kirsty, A cat's third eyelid can come up due to problems with the eye itself, or as a non-specific sign that the cat is off colour in some general way. Since your vet prescribed cream, there must have been signs of inflammation or infection in the eye, but if it's not improving quickly or there is a discharge, you could always go back before the five days. This may be conjunctivitis, but really I cannot tell without seeing the eye, only direct examination is going to be of any help. As I said, it can also be a non-specific sign of illness, by which I mean that it is really not a definite symptom of any particular ailment. Sometimes a mild virus infection will cause it, sometimes a nerve problem (there will be other signs), more serious things tend to be one eye only, sometimes no cause ever becomes apparent and it simply goes back to normal on it's own. If he has gone off his food or is behaving differently from usual, then go back to your vet for a check over. If he's fine, then don't worry. Really, without seeing your cat it is pointless for me to guess exactly what's going on, so go back to your own vet now, or at the five days specified, if you need reassurance. June Third-Carter B.V.M.S., M.R.C.V.S., Vet.M.F.Hom. for PetPlanet.co.uk

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