Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Miniature Pinscher | 7 years and 6 months old
My dog's third eyelid is showing. I have looked it up and don't believe that it is a cherry eye. The third lid comes when he blinks or lays down. He also won't close his eye when I blow on his face and it won't close when I touch near it. his other eye is fine. What is this?!
1 Answer
Published on July 1st, 2018
It actually sounds like Oso could have facial nerve paralysis on that side that is making him unable to close his eyelid. The third eyelid is controlled by a different nerve so dogs with facial nerve paralysis will use the third eyelid to protect the eye. Facial nerve paralysis can be caused by a severe ear infection, or some neurologic diseases. I'd recommend seeing your veterinarian to see if this is a possibility. You may want to try applying an artificial tear ointment to keep his eye lubricated until you can see your vet
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