Cats' Red, Swollen Eyes & Tears: Effective Medications

When your feline friend's eyes are red, swollen, and inflamed, with frequent tears streaming down and difficulty opening them, and perhaps even脓性分泌物, it's a sign that something is amiss. Such symptoms can be alarming for pet owners, who might worry about improper treatment worsening the situation. But fear not, for feline eye inflammation is manageable, and with the right approach, you can help your furry companion find relief. Let's delve into what might be causing these issues and how to address them effectively.

Under normal circumstances, a cat's eyes may produce a small amount of tears and eye boogers due to foreign particles or greasy food. This is usually a temporary and easily manageable situation. However, if your cat's eyes continue to water excessively, become red and swollen, and produce脓性 discharge, it's a clear indication of inflammation.

Eye inflammation in cats can stem from a variety of causes, such as injuries, allergies, foreign body irritation, eyelashes that grow inward (entropion), or bacterial infections due to environmental factors. It can also be associated with contagious diseases like herpesvirus and calicivirus.

Here are some common symptoms of eye inflammation:

Conjunctivitis: Excessive eye boogers, red conjunctiva, difficulty opening the eyes, and excessive tearing.

Corneal Ulcer: Clouding of the cornea, redness around the cornea, photophobia, and excessive tearing.

Left untreated, eye inflammation can lead to corneal ulcers and even blindness, causing immense distress not only to your pet but also to you as the caring owner.

What to Do When Your Cat's Eyes Are Inflamed?

When dealing with your cat's eye issues, it's crucial to first consult a veterinarian to identify the root cause and recommend the appropriate treatment. Here are some common treatments and medications that might be suggested:

1. Antibiotic Eye Drops and Ointments: For bacterial infections, antibiotics are often the goto. Common antibiotics include Tetracycline, Neomycin, Levofloxacin, and Gentamicin, which help suppress bacterial growth and reduce inflammation. A recommended combination is Baytril (Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim) Eye Drops paired with Erythromycin Ointment.

2. Antiviral Eye Drops and Medications: If the inflammation is due to a viral infection, such as herpesvirus, antiviral eye drops and oral medications are necessary. For herpesvirus, eye drops containing Ganciclovir or Acyclovir can be used. Oral medications like Doxycycline or Clavamox (Amoxicillin/Clavulanate Potassium) can help control the infection, and supplementing with Lysine can boost your cat's immunity.

3. Supportive Care: Alongside medication, it's important to alleviate your cat's eye discomfort.

Clean your cat's eyes daily with a saline solution soaked in a cotton ball to remove discharge.

Feeding a balanced diet and ensuring your cat gets adequate nutrition can strengthen its immune system.

Maintain a clean and wellventilated environment to reduce the risk of bacterial and fungal growth.

Use an Elizabethan collar to prevent your cat from scratching its eyes.

Encourage your cat to drink more water to aid in metabolism and reduce symptoms of heat.

If your cat's eye inflammation does not improve or worsens, seek veterinary care immediately. After treatment, maintain your cat's eye hygiene to prevent recurrence.