Why is my senior dog's third eyelid showing and lethargic?
Doug Runte
2025-08-12 06:45:00
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This is called the nictating membrane, also known as the 3rd eyelid. It is normal to appear from time to time, usually when they are tired or resting. If you notice it more often, it could be due to illness or starting eye infection, just about anything making a dog lethargic or not quite right can make their 3rd eyelid appear. If the eyes look fine otherwise, it likely has nothing to do with an eye problem, and could be he's just feeling a bit under the weather. A non-retracting inner eyelid can indicate irritation, infection, or injury. Symptoms include redness, swelling, discharge, or discomfort. Immediate veterinary evaluation is recommended to prevent complications.
Bella Botsford
2025-07-30 17:24:45
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The third eyelid of the affected side may appear red and raised. Horner's syndrome is due to a dysfunction of the sympathetic nerves of the eyes and surrounding facial muscles. This is part of the autonomic nervous system, which helps to control normal functions such as blinking and muscle tone. There are many reasons for Horner's syndrome. The dysfunction may be caused by damage to the sympathetic pathway as it runs through the neck or chest. Other causes for an elevated or protruding third eyelid gland include: tetanus, facial nerve paralysis, facial muscle atrophy, and dehydration. However, Horner's syndrome is often classified as idiopathic, which means it is without a known cause. The onset of Horner's syndrome can be sudden and without warning. In some cases, the dog may have eye symptoms, as well as excessive salivation and/or difficulty eating on the affected side. Any dog can develop Horner's syndrome, although golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, Shetland sheepdogs, weimaraners, doberman pinschers and collies have a somewhat higher incidence.
Alexie Orn
2025-07-30 16:41:41
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Sometimes, when a dog is not feeling well, is dehydrated or otherwise ill, both third eyelids might be elevated. The third eyelid can be elevated any time the eye is painful, from a corneal ulcer or glaucoma, or dry eye. Often people see this and think that the eye is “rolling back into the head”. The eye is probably not rolling back, but the third eyelid is elevated and covering the eye. When an owner notes any sudden change in the appearance of an eye they should call their veterinarian immediately: redness, cloudiness, ocular discharge, squinting, rubbing the eye, change in vision, protruded third eyelid. Any of these conditions should mean an immediate call and rapid medical attention. DOES IT GET WORSE AS THE DOG GETS OLDER? Depends on the condition. While an exposed third eyelid may stay fairly quiet over time, it also may become more inflamed and be a source of irritation and discomfort. Tumors may develop on the third eyelid, especially as dogs get older, that can be either benign or malignant.
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