Cat Eye Care at Blue Oasis Pet Hospital
What are some common cat eye problems?
The most common cat eye problems we probably see are things like conjunctivitis or eye infections, uveitis or inflammation of the eye, cataracts, and corneal ulcers are the most common.
How can I tell if my cat has an eye infection?
Eye infections are often characterized by significant redness of the eye. You may see some swelling of the conjunctiva or the pink fleshy portion of the eye. Discharge is very common, like yellow or green mucoid discharge. Squinting or sensitivity to light are all things that can manifest with conjunctivitis.
How should I clean my cat's eyes?
Cleaning your cat's eyes, if needed, can be done gently with a warm compress or moistened rag to gently wipe away any discharge that you may see.
What should I do if my cat's eye is red or swollen?
If your cat's eye is red or swollen, you can first take a look to see if there is anything you can see in your cat's eye, like hair or an object stuck in it. We would recommend calling your veterinarian to see if there are any further tests that need to be done and what treatment may be needed.
How can I prevent eye problems in my cat?
Prevention of eye problems can be done for certain conditions. If your cat is a carrier of a virus called feline herpes virus, sometimes supplements can help with their immune system to be able to fight off flare-ups of the virus.
What causes watery eyes in cats?
Watery eyes are most commonly caused by viral infections or conjunctivitis. The most common is feline herpes virus, which is carried by many cats and can flare up during times of sickness or stress. Usually, the herpes virus will come and go, and the discharge will tend to be more watery and thin.
How can I safely administer eye drops to my cat?
Administering eye drops to your cat can be difficult, for sure. It always helps if you have a friend or spouse, or family member to help you. We recommend often wrapping the kitty in a towel or blanket to keep them safely still while you're administering the eye drops. I generally recommend when you're administering it to just gently evert their lower eyelid to allow you to place the drop or ointment inside the eye.
What should I do if my cat has a foreign object in its eye?
If there is a foreign object in the eye, you can start by gently flushing out the eye with some tepid water. However, we would always recommend having your cat seen with any foreign object in the eye.
Can cats suffer from dry eye and how is it treated?
Cats can suffer from dry eye, which we test for by using a Schirmer tear testing system. We treat dry eye with numerous medications, typically some form of lubrication, as well as an immune-modulating drop that helps with tear production in the eye.
Can eye problems in cats be a sign of a more serious health issue?
Eye problems in cats can definitely indicate systemic problems sometimes. With conjunctivitis, whether it's bacterial or viral infections, this can also affect their respiratory system, leading to upper respiratory infections. Anterior uveitis or inflammation of the front portion of the eye can sometimes indicate systemic infections, such as fungal, bacterial, or viral diseases, sometimes even cancer.
How can I tell if my cat is having vision problems?
Vision problems in cats may be seen by simply noticing that the cat is not able to get around like it once could. Hesitance to jump on or off surfaces may be a sign. Trouble navigating places that they should be very familiar with, especially at night, can be one of the first signs of vision troubles.
Are there specific breeds of cats more prone to eye problems?
Some breeds of cats that are predisposed to eye problems include Persian cats and Siamese cats.
More About Cat Eye Care
What are some signs of conjunctivitis in cats?
Conjunctivitis in cats, or an eye infection, can manifest as several symptoms. Mostly, we think about redness of the eye, swelling of the conjunctiva or the pink fleshy portion of the eye, discharge in the eye, squinting, and sensitivity to light.
What are the symptoms of a scratched cornea in cats?
A scratched cornea or a corneal ulcer in cats can have many symptoms similar to conjunctivitis. You may see excess redness of the eye, swelling of the eye, discharge, a lot of squinting due to pain or blepharospasms, and they can also be very sensitive to light.
What are cataracts in cats and can they be treated?
Cataracts in cats involve an increased opacity or density in the lens of the eye, which can cause vision troubles. They can be treated, typically by referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist for surgical consultation.
What is feline glaucoma and what are its symptoms?
Feline glaucoma is a buildup of pressure in the eye, usually due to a loss of aqueous outflow. This results in very high pressure, which can cause increased globe size or bulging of the eye. In chronic cases, you may see redness, discharge, discomfort, and squinting. Diagnosis is made by checking the eye pressure through tonometry.
What are the treatments for feline eye ulcers?
Treatment for feline eye ulcers is multimodal. Typically, we combine one or more topical antibiotics for the eye, as ulcers can become infected over time. We also administer a hyaluronic acid topical to aid healing and may prescribe oral antibiotics and pain medications. If the ulcer does not heal with medical management, debridement of the abnormal corneal epithelium may be recommended.
What should I do if my cat's eye is cloudy or has discharge?
Cloudiness or eye discharge can indicate a more serious problem, so it is recommended to have your cat examined by a veterinarian. Diagnostics may be needed to determine the issue. If your cat is experiencing an eye problem, do not hesitate to contact a professional for advice.
If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at (615) 975-2583 , or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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