Emergency Guide: How to Treat Cats with Watery, Thick E
When a cat's eyes are producing thick, gooey discharge, it's often a sign of conjunctivitis, which can be caused by a variety of factors such as mechanical irritation, allergies, bacterial infections, or viral infections. It's important to closely monitor your cat for any additional symptoms, like sneezing, runny nose, swollen gums, or decreased appetite, as these can help in determining the underlying cause and guiding appropriate treatment.
Understanding Cat Conjunctivitis: A Closer Look
1. Viral Conjunctivitis: This is the most common form, often triggered by viruses such as herpesvirus and calicivirus, with feline herpesvirus (rhinotracheitis) being particularly prevalent. Besides the increased eye discharge, cats with viral conjunctivitis may exhibit symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, decreased appetite, lethargy, red gums, fever, excessive sleepiness, and mouth ulcers. If your cat shows any of these signs, it's crucial to seek veterinary care promptly.
Additionally, cats infected with chlamydia, mycoplasma, or Pasteurella can present with similar symptoms, including increased eye and nasal discharge, decreased appetite, and sneezing. PCR testing is necessary to diagnose these specific infections and guide treatment.
2. Bacterial Conjunctivitis: This type is often caused by bacterial infections such as Staphylococcus aureus, Gramnegative bacteria, or Streptococcus, leading to purulent conjunctivitis. Symptoms include excessive eye discharge, watering, redness, and difficulty opening the eyes.
What to Do When Your Cat's Eyes Are Discharging?
Firstly, if your cat doesn't have any other unusual symptoms, you can start with antibiotic eye drops.
1. Gently flush your cat's eyes with sterile saline to remove any pus or debris.
2. Apply Baytril (sulfamethoxyazoletrimethoprim ophthalmic suspension) to provide local antibacterial and antiinflammatory action. Administer 3 to 5 times daily, 1 to 2 drops per application.
3. Fit your cat with an Elizabethan collar to prevent it from scratching its eyes, which could lead to further injury and infection.
However, if your cat is showing signs of respiratory infections, such as sneezing or a runny nose, it's best to take it to the vet immediately for a thorough examination to identify the specific pathogen and tailor the medication accordingly.
For those unable to visit a vet right away, consider the following steps:
1. In addition to the above, alternate with an antiviral eye drop, such as Acyclovir or Penciclovir, 3 to 6 times daily, 1 to 3 drops per application.
2. Administer Floxin (doxycycline hydrochloride tablets) orally for systemic antiinflammatory effects, once daily. For kittens, Clavamox (amoxicillinclavulanate potassium) is recommended due to its lower side effects.
3. In multicat households, ensure proper isolation to prevent the spread of highly contagious respiratory diseases, including feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus, and chlamydia.
4. Maintain a clean and hygienic environment to reduce potential irritants, allergens, and infection risks; regularly clean your cat's living area, including bedding and toys.
If home remedies do not improve your cat's condition, it's essential to seek veterinary care. Viral conjunctivitis often requires additional oral or injectable antiviral medications, along with nutritional support to boost your cat's immune system.
