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What if my pet doesn't have a third eyelid? Is it a health problem?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 1 year and 1 month old

Today i noticed something about Scivo that i found odd, he has no third eyelid! when he sleeps there is nothing there nor when he blinks should i be concerned about this and does it cause any health problems?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on December 7, 2016

That is a fairly rare condition and it is not related to any particular eye problem unless the absence of the eyelid is linked with other concurrent abnormalities (absence of lacrimal gland for example, malformation of the eye globe and others). A check up at your local vets or eventually a picture of the eye would be very useful to understand if any other abnormality is present.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jeffrey Milner
Veterinarian
Published on June 25, 2017
I imagine you are referring to the slight extension of the third eyelid out in the open. The reason you have not been able to get a definitive answer regarding this problem is because in most dogs with this issue, it does not tend to become problematic. Some pathologic processes that can cause this type of condition includes diseases of the extraocular musculature, nerve damage to the third eyelid, Horner's syndrome, and less commonly certain cancers of the orbit and eye. Most of these disease processes require the expertise of a veterinary ophthalmologist to diagnose. If this is something you are interested in pursuing, I would discuss that with your primary veterinarian. Hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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