Skunk (with Beryl)

Skunk was diagnosed with upper eye lid agenesis, which is a condition where part of his upper eye lid did not form at all. Skunk was also diagnosed with microphakia, which is an abnormally small lens. When he first arrived at the shelter, it was difficult to assess how significant this defect would be and how it would impact him in regards to pain and comfort. As he has grown, under our dedicated foster care team, we have been able to further determine the extent of his condition.

Skunk will require a surgery known as 'Lip to Lid Blepharoplasty' for both eyes, where a small portion of his lip will be taken to attach to the defect in his upper eye lid to form a makeshift eyelid. This ensures no hairs from above the eyelid rub down on to the eye and cause irritation. He will not have a true upper eyelid, so he could still have some problems in the future with blinking with this eyelid, and could require eye medication/lubricant in the future. There is a risk that this surgery may break down or not be successful, which may then require a different surgery or long term medication.

Given the eye abnormalities that Skunk was born with, it is difficult to say whether there are additional other underlying conditions that Skunk could develop in the future. Reported cases of kittens with eyelid agenesis have been known to have a normal quality of life and generally has not been associated with other significant congenital abnormalities.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding Skunk, please don't hesitate to contact the shelter.