Dachshund's Third Eyelid Wouldn't Retract After Twisting Suddenly
by Kim
(Lizella,Ga.)
Reader Question
I have a miniature Dachshund (Sadie). She is 8yrs old. Yesterday my daughter was holding her front legs off the ground (of course back legs were firmly placed on the ground). My son approached them from behind with a squeek toy. Sadie arched her back and turned her head to the right very suddenly. My daughter said that when Sadie turned her head back around front and center she continued blinking her eyes & that her third eyelid would not retract. At first it was the right eye but then the left eye started doing the samething off and on. Eventually it stopped but hours latter her right eye began doing it again. We placed an icepack on it for a little while & dimmed the lights. It got better during the evening and no sign of it this morning. This has never happened before & we are worried could her vision be affected. I shined a flash light in her eyes this morning & no sign of the third eyelid but noted some cloudiness to her len of her eyes. Is this normal or should we be concerned?
Answer from Our Team
A third eyelid that briefly comes up and won't retract can follow eye pain or irritation, or a nerve problem. In a Dachshund that twisted suddenly, it's worth thinking about neck pain from a disc problem, which can make a dog hold its head stiffly. Any sign of pain, reluctance to move or walking changes needs prompt attention.
A slightly cloudy or bluish look to the lens is common in middle-aged and older dogs (nuclear sclerosis) and usually doesn't affect vision much, but cataracts look similar. Mention both to your vet, and go back sooner if the third eyelid comes up again or she seems sore.
See dog eye infections for warning signs in the eye.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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