3rd Eyelid...? (Nictating Membrane).

[ksmit454]

I noticed one of my cows today seems as if her 3rd eyelid was not retracting all the way. The flies have been awful but I try my best to keep them at bay for better health of my cattle. Is this a possible issue with irritation from flies? Are there any health issues related to the 3rd eyelid not retracting all the way? I will be sending a photo to my vet tomorrow if the condition persists.

 

[Chevy]

Hmmm... our cows just have 2 what are you talking about. Is your cow psychic? 3rd eye? Or You talking about the other end? I'm lost....

 

[Chevy]

Okay I google it I see now.

 

[Lucky_P]

Squamous cell carcinoma (cancer eye) often gets its start on the nictitating membrane.

 

[TCRanch]

Can you post a pic? This is the early stage of cancer eye. Vet removed the 3rd eyelid in both eyes as a precaution. That was in 2014; she's now 11 & raising her 10th calf, still in excellent condition.

 

[ksmit454]

It seems a bit swollen below the eye itself. And you can see the nictating membrane. No growths or anything but a small red spot. Going to send a photo to my vet to see her response and suggestion. Thanks!

 

[TCRanch]

Ummm, @ksmit454 that does not look good. See how her eyes are bulging? Compare your pics to yet another cow I had. I would definitely take her in ASAP but bulging eyes are generally lymphosarcoma. Your vet can do a blood test to confirm. And, edit to correct my earlier post: that cow had early cancer eye in 2017, not 2014. Cancer eye, if caught early & has not traveled to the lymph nodes, can be easily treated. BLV cannot. Yet another reason I now use only disposable syringes & needles when vaccinating the herd.

 

[ksmit454]

Ummm, @ksmit454 that does not look good. See how her eyes are bulging? Compare your pics to yet another cow I had. I would definitely take her in ASAP but bulging eyes are generally lymphosarcoma. Your vet can do a blood test to confirm. And, edit to correct my earlier post: that cow had early cancer eye in 2017, not 2014. Cancer eye, if caught early & has not traveled to the lymph nodes, can be easily treated. BLV cannot. Yet another reason I now use only disposable syringes & needles when vaccinating the herd.

I know it doesn't look good at all. Going to get her in the squeeze to look for foxtail... happened last year to this very same cow. Vet says it's a foreign body in the eye. I will ask her about the lymphosarcoma. Thank you for your information I really appreciate it. I know eye issues are more prevalent with white faced cattle too.

 

[ksmit454]

Well did a full sweep of the eye. Got nothing out. Applied terramycin ointment. I'll keep on eye on her and have the vet out if it continues. She's gentle enough I could put a fly mask on her... lol

 

[JKCattle]

Have your vet remove the third eyelid. Simple procedure and will buy the cow a few more years. Do it soon, though because those pre cancerous lesions blow up in mid to late summer and treatment then becomes more problematic.

 

[TCRanch]

Have your vet remove the third eyelid. Simple procedure and will buy the cow a few more years. Do it soon, though because those pre cancerous lesions blow up in mid to late summer and treatment then becomes more problematic.

Plus, my vet charged a ridiculously low $23. No meds, just removed both eyelids & cauterized them.