Cats' Conjunctivitis Types, Symptoms, & Medication Meth

Cat Conjunctivitis Symptoms:

What to Look Out For:

① Acute Catarrhal Conjunctivitis

This type of conjunctivitis often starts with watery tears that gradually thicken, resembling the consistency of juice. The cat's eyes may become increasingly red and swollen, resembling two cherries.

② Chronic Catarrhal Conjunctivitis

Less severe than the acute form, chronic catarrhal conjunctivitis results in slightly thicker conjunctiva and produces sticky secretions.

③ Chronic Suppurative Conjunctivitis

Characterized by puslike discharge from the eyes, with the eyelids sticking together. The conjunctiva becomes inflamed and swollen, often taking on irregular shapes. The cornea may suffer severe degeneration, leading to the formation of new blood vessels.

④ Acute Suppurative Conjunctivitis

This is an advanced stage of catarrhal conjunctivitis that leads to secondary infection, causing more severe symptoms. It's marked by the discharge of yellowgreen pus, with the conjunctiva turning bright red and becoming皱褶ed, often accompanied by keratitis. This is a common symptom in kittens and young cats. If conjunctivitis occurs before the eyes of a newborn kitten open, it's known as "Newborn Kitten Conjunctivitis." The characteristic sign is eyelids that appear stuck together, with a mix of bacteria and viruses.

How to Treat Cat Conjunctivitis:

(1) Eye Drops and Ointments: Prescription medications to suppress inflammation. For newborn kittens with conjunctivitis before their eyes open, gently remove the surface pus and mucus, then use eye drops like Rondosin Sulfacyl Sodium.

(2) Hair Trimming: If hair around the eyes can cause irritation, trim away any excess fur. Cats can typically expel foreign objects through blinking, but it's crucial not to forcibly remove anything from their eyes, as this can cause further injury.

(3) Eye Cleaning: Keep the area around the eyes clean by washing with boracic acid solution or a similar cleaner.

(4) Elizabethan Collar: If a cat is prone to rubbing its eyes, an Elizabethan collar can prevent it from scratching them. It's best to fit the collar properly to ensure the cat cannot reach its eyes.

(5) Treatment for Infections: If the cause is bacterial or viral, address the root cause first. Common causes include feline rhinotracheitis and feline calicivirus infection. In the case of rhinotracheitis, the cause is the herpesvirus, sometimes referred to as "herpetic conjunctivitis." Even if it appears to be cured, viruses often persist, and recurrence may occur, especially when the cat's immunity is compromised due to leukemia virus infection or feline AIDS virus infection.

For more questions about cat conjunctivitis, feel free to consult an online veterinary expert directly.