Haw's Syndrome in Cats

Cats are mysterious creatures with a variety of fascinating behaviors and traits. One such intriguing phenomenon is Haw's syndrome, also known as the third eyelid protrusion or "Haw's third eyelid." This condition may appear unsettling to cat owners, but it's a relatively common occurrence in felines. In this article, we will explore what Haw's syndrome is, its causes, symptoms, and potential treatments to help cat owners better understand and care for their furry companions.

What Is Haw's Syndrome?

Haw's syndrome refers to the protrusion of the third eyelid, scientifically known as the nictitating membrane or nictitans, across a cat's eye. This thin, semitransparent membrane is situated in the inner corner of each eye and usually remains hidden from view. Its primary function is to protect the eye and keep it moist by spreading a thin layer of tears across the cornea. When a cat blinks, the third eyelid moves in sync with the upper and lower eyelids to achieve this protective effect.
The formal terminology for this condition is "bilateral protrusion of the third eyelids." Despite having this condition, cats remain in excellent overall health, showing no indications of underlying eye diseases or any other signs of illness.

How Do Cats Get Haw's Syndrome?

The cause of Haws syndrome remains unknown, and it is not a contagious condition. There is no evidence to suggest that any specific cat breed is more susceptible to this syndrome than others.

There are several possible causes of Haw's Syndrome.

Mild virus: In the majority of instances, it is believed that a mild virus, such as a Torovirus, might serve as the underlying cause, although confirming this can be challenging. Transmission of this virus can occur from one cat to another.

Eye Irritation: Any form of irritation to the eye, such as foreign objects, allergies, or infections, can cause the third eyelid to protrude. This is the body's way of protecting the eye and providing additional moisture.

Illness or Pain: Cats may experience Haw's syndrome when they are unwell or in pain. It can serve as an indicator that something is wrong, prompting pet owners to seek veterinary care.

Stress or Anxiety: High levels of stress or anxiety can lead to Haw's syndrome. Cats may experience this response in situations such as visiting the veterinarian or during a stressful event.

Inflammation of the Nictitating Membrane: In some cases, the nictitating membrane itself may become inflamed or infected, leading to its protrusion.

Can Worms Cause Haw's Syndrome?

Yes, many cases are associated with a recent bout of diarrhea, most of which resolve in a matter of a few days. Haw’s syndrome has been linked to certain parasite infections (such as tapeworm infestations) and gastrointestinal viruses. But these aren’t present in every case – and neither is diarrhea – so the exact cause of Haw’s syndrome is still unknown.

Common causes of inflammatory gastrointestinal conditions which may lead to Haw’s syndrome include:

• Gastrointestinal parasites

• Viral infections (eg. torovirus)

• Bacterial infections

• Dietary intolerances

Symptoms of Haw’s Syndrome

The most noticeable symptom of Haw's syndrome is the protrusion of the third eyelid, making it visible in the corner of the affected eye. Other symptoms that may accompany Haw's syndrome include:

• Squinting or Blinking: Cats with Haw's syndrome may squint or blink more frequently to protect their affected eye.

• Watery Discharge: Increased tear production can result in watery discharge from the affected eye.

• Pawing at the Eye: Cats may paw at the affected eye due to discomfort or irritation.

• Lethargy: If Haw's syndrome is caused by an underlying illness, the cat may exhibit signs of lethargy or decreased activity.

• Diarrhea: While diarrhea is sometimes noted around the time that Haws syndrome occurs, diarrhea is not a symptom of Haws syndrome.

How to Treat Haws Syndrome in Cats?

Haw's Syndrome, unfortunately, does not have a known cure, but in many cases, it tends to resolve itself over time. While there is limited research on Haw's Syndrome in cats, one study found that around 62% of cats with elevated eyelids saw improvement within 4 weeks. In rare instances, when the third eyelid becomes excessively large and obstructs the cat's vision, your veterinarian might suggest using phenylephrine drops temporarily to help normalize the third eyelid. If your cat frequently squints or experiences eye discomfort, you can provide relief by using a cat eye wash.

	Puainta® Cat Tear Stain Remover, Antimicrobial Eye Wash for Dogs/ Cats Helps dissolve compounds discharged from the eyes and eliminate colored dirt such as tear stains Be of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory functions to clear eye fever, toxin, swelling and pain in eyes

Should I Take My Cat to the Vet for Haw's Syndrome?

If your cat has other underlying symptoms in addition to the third eyelid abnormality, such as diarrhea, or red, ulcerated eyes. Prompt consultation with your veterinarian is vital.

For cats with Haw's Syndrome, the primary focus is on managing any diarrhea symptoms, if present. Once the cause of the diarrhea is identified, your veterinarian will offer more targeted treatment. Typically, symptomatic treatment suffices, which may involve administering probiotics or prescribing a gastrointestinal support diet. In cases associated with intestinal parasites, your veterinarian may recommend a dewormer as part of the treatment plan.

Common cat dewormers may contain various active ingredients, each targeting specific types of intestinal parasites. Some of the active ingredients commonly found in cat dewormers include:

• Praziquantel: This medication is effective against tapeworms, which are segmented worms that can infect cats through the ingestion of infected fleas, rodents, or small prey animals.

• Pyrantel Pamoate: Pyrantel pamoate is commonly used to treat roundworms and hookworms in cats. These parasites are often transmitted through ingestion or skin penetration.

• Albendazole: Albendazole is an anthelmintic medication that can treat a broad spectrum of intestinal parasites, including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and some types of tapeworms.

• Moxidectin: Moxidectin is used in some dewormers to target heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and ear mites.

• Emodepside: This ingredient is effective against certain types of intestinal worms, including roundworms and hookworms.

• Selamectin: Selamectin is often found in topical spot-on treatments and is effective against heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, ear mites, and fleas.

Eye Drops or Ointments: If the underlying cause is an eye infection or irritation, your veterinarian may prescribe eye drops or ointments to alleviate symptoms.

Antibiotics: If an infection is present, antibiotics may be necessary to clear it up.

Stress Reduction: For cats experiencing Haw's syndrome due to stress or anxiety, implementing stress-reduction techniques such as providing a calm environment or using pheromone diffusers may help.

How to Prevent Haws Syndrome in Cats

At present, there is no known method for preventing Haws syndrome. Until we gain a better understanding of this condition, prevention remains elusive.

While diarrhea itself may not directly cause Haws syndrome, taking steps to prevent diarrhea can potentially reduce the risk of Haws in the future. One preventive measure is to ensure your cat does not access trash or consume food items outside of their regular cat food. For cats under 2 years old, implementing a routine deworming schedule can help reduce the presence of parasites, consequently lowering the likelihood of diarrhea and its potential connection to Haws syndrome.

FAQs

Is Haw's Syndrome Dangerous?

Cats affected by Haw's Syndrome typically exhibit good overall health, with no apparent indications of underlying eye conditions or other non-life-threatening health issues. However, it's essential to be aware that a protruding third eyelid can sometimes signal the presence of a serious underlying ailment, which should not be disregarded. It is of utmost importance that your veterinarian conducts a comprehensive examination of both eyes and performs a thorough physical assessment to rule out any other potential, more concerning causes for the condition. A protruding third eyelid can have various origins, and only after excluding these possibilities can a diagnosis of Hawes Syndrome be considered.

How Long Does Haw's Syndrome Last in Cats?

Cats affected by Haw's syndrome typically experience a retraction of the third eyelid within a few weeks. According to a small study, this recovery process usually takes around 47 days on average. If your cat's condition does not improve within 8 weeks, it is advisable to schedule a follow-up appointment with your veterinarian, as there may be an underlying condition requiring further evaluation.

Is It Possible for A Cat to Have 3 Eyes?

Yes, it is entirely normal for cats to have a third eyelid, which is formally called the "nictitating membrane" or "haw." The third eyelid is a thin, translucent membrane located in the inner corner of each eye. It serves several functions, including protecting the eye, keeping it moist, and helping to remove debris.

In healthy cats, the third eyelid is typically not visible and remains hidden beneath the lower eyelid. However, certain situations or health issues can cause the third eyelid to become more noticeable or protrude. This can be a sign of an underlying problem, such as illness, injury, or irritation, and should be evaluated by a veterinarian if it persists or if it appears to be causing discomfort or other symptoms in the cat.

Can Cats Die From Haw's Syndrome?

Cats affected by Haw's syndrome do not face life-threatening consequences, and Haw's syndrome itself is not associated with pain. However, if you notice your cat's third eyelid protruding and it appears to be causing discomfort, it is advisable to seek veterinary evaluation. The protrusion could be attributed to an alternative condition, such as trauma or a tumor located behind the eye.