Feline Agenesis: Simba’s Story

Feline eyelid agenesis is a birth defect where the lip of the eyelid is partial or non-existent, and severe cases warrant surgery. I first discovered this condition existed when I was fostering an adorable tabby kitten named Simba. He was five months old, but something was off with his eyes.

Specialist Visit

Simba barely had eyelids, and the part that’s hairless and holds your eyelashes was completely missing. I learned the condition is a birth defect called feline eyelid agenesis.

Next, I took him to an ophthalmologist.

The problem with agenesis was his fur was growing into his eyes and scratching them. The ophthalmologist noted a small dot on Simba’s eye, with red blood vessels running into it. This was a corneal ulcer, and likely caused from fur rubbing Simba’s eye.

Ulcers are very painful, and if left untreated, they can lead to blindness. His ophthalmologist prescribed ofloxicin drops to treat the ulcer. The ulcer had to heal before scheduling any surgery.

Long-term Prognosis

Reoccurring ulcers are not good. Pain is not good, and letting them go could cause blindness. His eyelid agenesis was very severe – almost the full length of the eye (often times it’s a smaller portion).

Simba needed reconstruction surgery by an ophthalmologist. The surgery involved removing pieces of gum tissues and attaching them to the eyelid. Why gums? Simply, they don’t grow hair.

The surgery was expensive, but necessary for him to have a healthy life. Through a GoFundMe and bake sale, I raised enough money for his entire surgery.

After I picked him up, I took him right home to rest. He was pretty sad, in his cone of shame.

It was not this exact one, but very similar. I’d take it off in short stints when I would lay with him, and he really enjoyed that.

The eyes were stitched and scabbed over, which took a few weeks to heal. Eventually, the scabs fell off and then it was adoption time!

Special Thanks

Dr. Stephen Gross performed the surgery and did a fantastic job helping me take care of my little lion.

Where is Simba now?

One of the front desk staff at the hospital fell in love with him and adopted him. Unfortunately, he died of occult heart disease without warning about a year after his adoption. When I received the devastating news, it broke my heart, but his story has educated so many others on this condition. He left behind a wonderful legacy that continues to help other kittens and cats.

Want to learn about another interesting eye condition in cats? Read about it here.