Synonyms: inflammation of the conjunctiva or Mucous Membrane of the Eye; External or Simple Ophthalmia

This condition is very common in cats, chiefly on account of its characteristic association with feline distemper. In all animals, the conjunctiva seems especially vulnerable to congestive or inflammatory processes, because of its great sensibility to external or internal impressions and its ample blood and lymphatic supply. There are several forms mainly recognized:

 Feline eye Infection

-Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) (or Feline Calicivirus) are believed to be a general reason for conjunctivitis. A herpesvirus is the primary reason for irritation.

-Such bacteria as Streptococci, Staphylococci, Chlamydophila felis, and Mycoplasma could induce the secondary inflammation.

-Systemic infections are often ushered in by catarrh of the conjunctival mucous membranes, a fact which is well and frequently exemplified in cases of distemper.

Conjunctivitis in cats

 Non-infection

-The allergy could be causes of conjunctivitis.

-Mechanical and chemical influences of every kind are variously responsible for the condition, as examples of which may be enumerated sharp dust, pungent smoke, chemical fumes or solutions, blows, wounds, etc.. It could initiate the secondary contaminated by bacteria.

One or both eyes may be affected, and age appears to exert no influence upon the incidence of the disease. In the malady appears most frequently to be unilateral.

Conjunctivitis in catsSymptoms

Like catarrhs of other mucous membranes, conjunctivitis is accompanied by:

– increased redness, pink eye;

– swelling around the eye;

– tenderness of the membrane, with an abnormal flow of tears in the early stages.

The latter symptom is often more apparent than the former, though, as the condition increases in severity, the inflammatory phenomena are also augmented, while the mucous discharge becomes mucopurulent or even purulent. Generally, there is great irritability of the eye, which the animal denotes by incessantly rubbing its face on the ground or with its paws. The swollen membrane protrudes into the palpebral fissure and impedes an easy view of the cornea. There is more or less fear of light and marked resistance to clinical examination.

Discharges continue to run down the cheeks, and after some time begin to excoriate and render hairless the areas over which they pour.

In some cases, there is marked edema of the eyelid. The cornea becomes opaque, and if the condition is long sustained, or if the discharges are not frequently washed away, bacteria may complicate matters.

Treatments.

The first procedure is to discover the cause and, if possible, remove it. The second important point is to ensure that no discharges are permitted to remain long in contact with the eye or its appendages. The warm water used for irrigating the eye. That may be used twice daily, but if the affection is particularly obstinate or tends to become chronic you should use an antibiotic. Prior to the instillation of any of these agents, it is very helpful to bathe the eye generously with a warm solution of black tea with chamomile to reduce the pain and inflammation. Some precaution against self-mutilation should be taken, or one’s best endeavors may be undone in a few moments. The cat should be in a darkened room and not be allowed to sit before a fire. Conjunctivitis in cats

If your vet achieved one of this diagnosis, you can use such treatments as:

Herpesvirus is often mild, but the cat stays a vector. In sever, cases can be used the antiviral therapy. As immune-stimulant sometimes applied L-lysine. Also, specific antibiotics are taken if a secondary contagion is represented.

The best therapy of Chlamydophila or mycoplasma conjunctivitis is antibiotics such as tetracycline eye’s cream or azithromycin oral antibiotic

The Eosinophilic or Allergic conjunctivitis is treated by corticosteroid salve or eye drops and drugs for decreasing the allergy.

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