All You Need To Know About Cat Eye Infections
If you own a cat, you must be aware that it can be at risk for developing cat eye infections, like feline conjunctivitis for one. Feline conjunctivitis is a condition wherein the pink membrane lining the inner eyelid and the white part of the eye becomes inflamed, usually due to invasion of either Feline Herpesvirus-1, Feline Chlamydia or Feline Mycoplasma.
Feline conjunctivitis often inflicts only one eye, and it may occur for a few months to several years. In many cases, the disorder presents by itself but there may be instances when it occurs alongside other eye infections such as corneal ulcer, corneal inflammation or Keratitis, or Uveitis also called intraocular inflammation.
It often pays to be able to recognize the accompanying signs and symptoms of developing cat infections. It is important to be aware of these so you can report the matter immediately to your pet’s veterinarian.
One thing that can tell you that your cat may be developing an eye infection is squinting. Severe squinting is often a sign of corneal ulcer or erosion, so if your cat resembles Popeye, don’t lose time; bring your pet to the vet at once. Unusual watery or mucous-like discharges, which may be clear, yellow, gray, rusty, or reddish, can also indicate a developing eye infection.
Always check the eyes of your cat, particularly the conjunctiva (it’s the pink membrane lining, actually). If it’s read or swollen, it’s probably infected. Observe, too the iris or the colored part of the eye; if it looks duller, your cat may be developing uveitis.
In some cases, sneezing and upper respiratory tract infections come with cat eye infections. So when your cat frequently sneezes, take a close look at its eyes and observe for the signs and symptoms of eye infection.
Feline Mycoplasma-induced infections respond to topical antibiotics, but those brought about by Feline Chlamydia may in fact recur. In certain cases, topic antiviral meds are also used.
You should be more concerned when your kitty is diagnosed with an infection that’s caused by Feline Herpesvirus-1 because it isn’t likely to respond with any topical antibiotic. Actually, almost every kitten has been exposed to FHV-1. The virus lies dormant inside the cat’s body, and flares up when the cat’s immune system becomes vulnerable, usually due to stress.
If truth be told FHV-1 conjunctivitis and Keratitis are eye disorders that cannot be cured, but it should give you enough consolation that they can nonetheless be controlled. It’s very important to control this condition because it can be very uncomfortable and painful for your cat. Controlling eye infections, especially those that don’t respond to antibiotics or antiviral meds at all, may be accomplished through the use of homeopathic remedies. These involve the use of natural products, usually a combination of burdock, rosemary, meadowsweet, and Chelidonium majus. Also, since cat eye infections often occur only when the immune system is weak, then it may be a good thing to add some essential supplements to your cat’s daily diet to boost its immune system
Sep 17, 2009 | 0 | Cat Care, Pet Care, Pet Health