Page 1325 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

65. The cat with abnormal eyelid

appearance

Michael E. Bernays

KEY SIGNS
● Misshapen or abnormal alignment of eyelid(s).
● Eyelid swelling or mass.
● Alopecia, erythema, crusting, discharge.
● Eyelid lacerations.

MECHANISM?
● Abnormal eyelid appearance can result from congenital abnormalities, inflammation, neopla-
sia, trauma or neurological disease.

WHERE?
● Eyelid skin.
● Eyelid margin.
● Conjunctiva.

WHAT?
● The most common causes of altered eyelid appearance include neoplasia, inflammation and
trauma.

QUICK REFERENCE SUMMARY
Diseases causing abnormal eyelid appearance
ANOMALY

● Eyelid agenesis/eyelid coloboma** (p 1323)
Absence of an identifiable eyelid margin, usually bilateral and involving the upper lateral lid.
Gradual transition from haired skin to conjunctiva, and often causing keratitis, corneal vasculariza-
tion, ulceration and increased lacrimation with wetting of the irritating hairs. Usually first noticed
in a young cat.
● Distichiasis (p 1329)
Cilia extending from meibomian gland openings at the eyelid margin. Rare.

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