Second Eyelid Protrusion Issues

by Erin
(Cleveland, Ohio)

When I found my cat, he was about 8 weeks old and had feline herpes virus. Due to poor nutrition and overall bad health, his eyes really took a hit. Now, he is about 3 years old and in his left eye, his second eyelid is constantly protruding from the bottom right of his eye. It is always leaking red fluid (similar to the fluid seen in dogs that have squished faces or short muzzles). I have to wipe his face on a daily basis and at times it is very inflamed and looks painful. He will just lean into the cool paper towel to try to alleviate the irritation. I took him to a cat eye specialist and she said she had never seen this with a cat. My question is, is there any kind of anti-inflammatory eye drop or plain old anti-inflammatory medication that I could give him to relieve him of his discomfort? I feel so bad that there is nothing I can really do for him but wipe his face. I could add a picture if it is needed but I don't have one at the moment.


Dear Erin,

A picture of your cat’s eye condition would certainly help me to provide the best recommendation. However, a veterinary ophthalmologist should be able to provide the best information. If it has not been done already, your cat’s ocular pressure should be tested before beginning any new treatment regimen, as cats can have high or low ocular pressure associated with some eye conditions which can be worsened by some cat eye treatments.

To answer your question, however, there are definitely medications that work as an anti-inflammatory that may help your cat’s condition. Anti-inflammatory medications for eye conditions are available to be given orally or as eye drops. If, however, the inflammation you are seeing in your cat’s eye is the result of a feline herpes virus flare-up, the condition would likely be better treated with anti-viral medications. If it is a bacterial infection or viral infection, anti-inflammatories can be dangerous. Only a veterinarian who is very familiar with cat eye conditions can make this decision and dispense the appropriate medication.

Without knowing the exact condition or exact cause of the eye problem you are describing, I cannot say the best way to treat your cat. The things you are doing, however, to help alleviate his discomfort are all ideal. I would recommend finding another specialist for recommendations.

Best wishes,
Dr. Neely