/>When the animal care staff at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Zoo first noticed that Tian Tian (tee-YEN tee-YEN), the 10 year-old male giant panda, was suffering from an inflamed third eyelid in his right eye, the initial treatment was with a topical medication. When they realized that this did not resolve the inflammation, doctors performed an examination under anesthesia. Histopathology lab test results confirmed that it was nothing more serious, although the cause is unclear.
Dr. Nancy Bromberg, a veterinary ophthalmologist from SouthPaws Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Center in Fairfax, Va., removed the affected tissue. Veterinarians are now treating Tian Tian with antibiotic eye drops, and he is responding well. Following Sunday’s surgery, Tian Tian also had a complete physical, which showed he is in good health.
A panda’s third eyelid is rarely seen and usually covers the eye protectively when the outer lids are closed. The membrane contains a tear gland that helps lubricate the eye, but because each eye has two such glands, Tian Tian is expected to make a full recovery. Dogs and cats have a similar third eyelid. Tian Tian is one of three pandas at the National Zoo’s Fujifilm Giant Panda Habitat: Mei Xiang (may-SHONG) is an adult female, and Tai Shan (tie-SHON) is the 2-year-old cub born to Mei Xiang and Tian Tian.
For more information about the Zoo’s pandas, please visit http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/.