3rd Eyelid Protrusion Following Dental

[Cagney2712]

Three weeks ago my cat had a routine dental cleaning. When I picked her up at the vets, the 3rd eyelid in her right eye was protruding halfway over her eye. The vet said it was likely because she was still coming out of the anesthesia.  Well,  it's been 3 weeks, and the 3rd eyelid is still protruding! My Vet is stumped, and said she's never heard of that happening following anesthesia for a routine dental.  We tried antibiotic/anti-inflammatory drops for a week,  but there was no change.
Other than the protruding 3rd eyelid, she's acting just fine, eating/drinking normal.  Any idea what's wrong,  and whether this may be a permanent condition,  or will resolve given  more time??  Or what else we can try???

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

If there were any extractions of teeth from her maxilla (the upper jaw) or even just deep cleaning and peridontal treatment, it is possible that a branch of the facial nerve (probably the zygomatic branch or others) which innervates the nictitans (third eyelid)could have been bruised or damaged.  Since nerves only heal at about 1/8 of an inch per month, it may take a long while before the innervation to the nictitans is completely healed and returns to  normal.  

If there is a secondary inflammation she may need a short course of anti-inflammatories, such as prednisolone by mouth.

I am glad that she is normal in every other way!

[Cagney2712]

Thanks so much for your feedback. I had a feeling it was likely due more to some sort of nerve damage than a reaction to the anesthesia, since only one eyelid was involved. Her teeth were in pretty bad shape, so while none were extracted, they probably did have to do a deep cleaning.  It doesn't seem to be bothering her, so I guess I'l just have to wait it out.