Cat Eye Discharge: Reddish Brown, Treatment Medication

When a cat's eyes begin to secrete a reddishbrown discharge, it could be an indication of an underlying health issue. It's crucial to first rule out factors such as eye inflammation and respiratory infections before proceeding with targeted treatment. This article will delve into this phenomenon and offer effective treatment strategies.

Understanding the Cause of ReddishBrown Discharge in Cats' Eyes

1. Investigating Respiratory Infections

When a cat experiences an upper respiratory infection, the inflammation can sometimes affect the eye area. Common causes include feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus, mycoplasma, and chlamydia infections.

It's advisable for pet owners to check for additional symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and decreased appetite. If these are present, a visit to the veterinarian for PCR testing is necessary to pinpoint the exact cause.

2. Eye Infection Examination

If a cat's eyes are secreting a reddishbrown discharge along with symptoms like red, swollen conjunctiva, excessive tearing, inability to open eyes, frequent blinking, and photophobia, it typically suggests an eye inflammation. Conditions like conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and marginal blepharitis may be at play.

For such cases, a broadspectrum antibiotic eye ointment or drops, such as Baytril (neomycin sulfate ointment), can be tried. Administer 3 to 5 times daily, one to two drops per session. Monitor the symptoms for 1 to 3 days; if there's no improvement, seek veterinary care promptly to explore other potential causes like allergies, autoimmune diseases, or parasitic infections.

3. Common Causes

If neither respiratory nor eye infections are the cause, the reddishbrown discharge is often due to the following factors:

Nasal Structure Issues: Flatfaced cats are more prone to tear stains due to their curved nasolacrimal ducts, which allow tears to pool in the lacrimal sac and then overflow from the corners of the eyes.

Dietary Issues: Longterm poor diet, such as excessive intake of highfat, highsalt foods, reliance on dry kibble, and insufficient water intake, can lead to上火 (internal heat), resulting in excessive eye discharge, dark stains, and constipation.

Environmental Factors: Dust, dander, grass seeds, and irritants like secondhand smoke, kitchen fumes, bathwater, and disinfectants can enter a cat's eyes, causing frequent tearing and the formation of brown stains and discharge.

Proper Management Techniques

For noninfectious factors, daily cleaning and dietary adjustments can often resolve the issue without the need for medication.

Daily Eye Inspection: If reddishbrown discharge is detected, use a salinesoaked medical cotton ball or pad to gently wipe it away, preventing tear buildup and potential tear stain formation.

Dietary Adjustments: Avoid feeding highfat, highsalt, and copperrich foods. Encourage your cat to drink more water.

Clean Living Environment: Provide a clean, comfortable living space with good ventilation. Avoid smoking, using perfumes, or disinfectants near your cat. If the cat litter has a lot of dust, consider switching to a lowdust variety.

In summary, reddishbrown discharge from a cat's eyes is a common symptom, but if it's accompanied by redness, frequent blinking, or asymmetry, it may indicate a health concern. In such cases, it's important to consult a veterinarian promptly and avoid selfmedicating.