Expert: Jessica - 2/19/2010

Question
I have a 3 year old Siamese mix male cat and I have noticed in the last few days that his third eyelids is not opening all the way when he opens his eyes.  Usually stays about a third of the way closed.  He has also been sneezing on occasion and has had some softer stools, but not really diarrhea.  I read online about torovirus, but wasn't sure if that could be the problem. Do you think it could just be torovirus, allergies, or something of more concern that I should take him to a vet for?

Answer
Hi Beth.  I think it would be a good idea to get him to a vet.  Toro virus is seen in cats occasionally, but it's usually seen in group settings and is much less common than some of the more serious upper respiratory infections like calici virus and feline herpes.  Cats do suffer from environmental allergies from time to time.  In same cases, allergies are clearly the problem, but in many cases, the diagnosis is made after treating adequately for infections doesn't clear the symptoms.  

The nictitating membrane can be exposed due to general stress, or it may be the result of an eye infection/trauma.  In either case, the vet may give you an eye ointment to keep the eyes lubricated and protected, and to fight infection if one is present.  It's important to keep the eyes lubricated when a condition is causing the third eyelid to protrude to reduce the risk of adhesion to the cornea.

Cats with a sneeze will usually be prescribed an antibiotic, even though sneezes are often viral in origin.  The thought process by most vets is that if they don't have a bacterial infection now, they'll get one while their immune systems are compromised fighting the virus.  I have to say I've found this to be wise.  

You should be sure to bring up the fact that your kitty's stools have been softer than usual, as well.  This, along with the exposed nictitating membrane, might be enough for your vet to believe toro virus is to blame.  It's also possible your cat has been staving off some gastrointestinal infection for a while, but now that he's come down with another illness, his immune system just isn't able to keep it controlled any longer.  These two symptoms can also be a sign of feline leukemia and feline AIDS, so if he hasn't been tested for these diseases, I would recommend having that done.  Most vets run the test right in house and can give you results in 10 minutes.  

I hope he's feeling all better soon!

Jessica