Cat with Closed Eye & Pus: Urgent Eye Care Needed!

When a cat's eyes exhibit puslike discharge and the eyes remain tightly shut, it's often a sign of an eye condition such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis, or keratitis, which may be caused by bacterial or viral infections. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to more severe complications, including conjunctival ulcers, corneal ulcers, and even blindness.

Now, what can you do to treat a cat with puslike discharge and eyes that won't open? Let's delve into this topic today.

Understanding the Symptoms of Cat Eye Inflammation

1. Conjunctivitis: The cat's conjunctiva becomes red and swollen, with puslike, mucoid, or yellowgreen secretions. The eyes may water excessively, struggle to open, or blink frequently.

2. Blepharitis: The eyelids around the eyes become red and painful, making it difficult for the cat to open its eyes, and there's an increase in eye secretions.

3. Keratitis: The cat may experience pain, difficulty opening its eyes, increased secretions, photophobia (sensitivity to light), and a cloudy appearance of the cornea.

Viral infections, such as herpesvirus or calicivirus, can also lead to eye inflammation, often accompanied by symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, lethargy, and decreased appetite. In severe cases, this can result in respiratory difficulties, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, and even blindness. Young kittens are particularly vulnerable, with a higher mortality rate, while adult cats can still suffer severe consequences if not treated promptly.

What to Do When a Cat's Eyes Have Pus and Won't Open

1. Initial Steps

Thorough Cleaning: Begin by gently rinsing the cat's eyes with sterile saline solution to remove the puslike discharge, dust, and other debris. This is crucial as the discharge can stick to the eyelids, preventing the eyes from opening and creating a breeding ground for bacteria beneath the eyelids.

Drying and Medication: After cleaning, use medicalgrade cotton balls or gauze to dry any excess moisture. Then, administer petspecific antibacterial and antiviral eye drops, such as Baytril (sulfamethoxazoletrimethoprim), three to five times a day, one to two drops per session, to alleviate inflammation and infection.

2. Further Measures

Seek Professional Help: If the cat's symptoms persist after three days of home treatment, it's advisable to take the pet to a veterinarian for a thorough examination. The vet may recommend PCR testing to identify the specific pathogen (such as herpesvirus, calicivirus, chlamydia, mycoplasma, or Bordetella infection). If a herpesvirus infection is confirmed, treatment with eye drops containing ganciclovir or acyclovir may be necessary.

Protective Measures: During treatment, fit the cat with an Elizabethan collar to prevent it from scratching its eyes and causing further damage.

Preventive Measures

Regular Hygiene: Regularly clean your cat's eyes to maintain good eye health and prevent issues.

Allergen Avoidance: Keep your cat away from allergens like pollen and dust mites.

Balanced Diet: Provide a healthy diet and avoid feeding highsodium foods.

Vaccination: Ensure kittens receive vaccinations at the recommended age of two months to prevent respiratory infections.

It's important to note that puslike discharge and eyes that won't open in cats can also be due to allergies, eye parasites, structural abnormalities, or liver metabolic disorders. If antibiotic eye drops do not improve the condition, it's crucial to consult a veterinarian promptly to avoid more severe complications.