How to help your furry pet cope with conjunctivitis. How and how to properly treat conjunctivitis in cats

By getting a cat at home, you gain a friend. A friend who will love you for who you are, and in return ask only for care and affection.

Very important monitor your pet's health. So that he has proper nutrition, proper care, timely vaccination and so on. And monitor the health of your visual organs so that they do not develop various diseases is an important part of your care. Otherwise, your pet may be at risk of diseases such as conjunctivitis.

Conjunctivitis in a cat

All people who have or have had cats have ever encountered a disease such as conjunctivitis - an inflammation of the conjunctiva. People call it sour eyes. The phenomenon is common and quite unpleasant. In addition, the consequences can be quite severe.

It is important to understand that any self-medication can lead to even more serious consequences. Therefore, even if there are slight suspicions that your pet is unwell, the best solution would be to visit a veterinarian!

So what is it? First of all, it is worth noting that conjunctivitis, as an independent phenomenon it is quite rare . Usually it can be a consequence, for example, of another disease, or mechanical damage to the eye, or something else. A veterinarian will help you determine more accurately.

Symptoms in a cat

Swelling of the eyelids is one of the most important symptoms of conjunctivitis.

The symptoms of the disease are as follows:

  • Inflammation;
  • Swelling of the eyelids;
  • Tearing;
  • Blurred eyes;
  • Eversion of the eyelids.

Other symptoms may also appear, however, this is enough to sound the alarm.

Conjunctivitis in cats has a lot of a large number of species. These are, for example, catarrhal, purulent and others.

How and with what to treat conjunctivitis

Treatment for this disease is possible at home. It is quite rarely an indicator for hospitalization of an animal.

Cat on eye examination at the veterinarian

At the first suspicion that your pet is not completely healthy, you need to contact a specialist who will already conduct a competent examination and do everything necessary tests and prescribe the necessary course of treatment.

The course of treatment can be quite long and not always pleasant for you and your pet. But it is important to remember that these measures are necessary, and the health of your cat is yours. the main objective and care. After all, a healthy pet is the best indicator of your love for it!

It is important to remember that no matter what type of conjunctivitis your cat has, Both eyes need to be treated ! Otherwise, recovery is not at all guaranteed. And the infection can spread to a healthy eye.

Two eyes are infected. In the case of one sore eye, the second is also treated and prevented.

Mandatory procedure in in this case is regular rinsing eye antiseptics. Afterwards you can. Often prescribed antibiotics, in the form of ointments or drops. In severe cases, the veterinarian may prescribe a course of treatment with drugs that are administered by.

How to treat conjunctivitis at home

The market for veterinary drugs is now very extensive. And for the treatment of your pet, the most various drugs. Antibiotics, homeopathic, domestic or imported, expensive or cheaper.

First of all when choosing medications it is necessary to follow the recommendations of a specialist. He will help you choose exactly the remedy that is best suited for your specific situation.

When treating conjunctivitis, it is also possible to use so-called folk remedies. Like, for example, tea leaves. But - in no case should you use such products on your own, without first consulting a veterinarian. And also, under no circumstances should they replace basic medications!

Ointment, drops, injections and complex treatment

Ointment for conjunctivitis

After spending everything necessary research and after performing tests, the veterinarian decides what exactly to prescribe to the cat in this particular case - ointment, drops, injections or complex treatment.

Regardless of stage, severity and type For conjunctivitis, your veterinarian may prescribe the following medications:

  • Furacilin;
  • Potassium permanganate;
  • Chamomile decoction (for a calming effect).

At the onset of the disease may be shown:

  • Levomycetin;
  • Tetracycline;
  • Sofradex.

These are products that contain antibiotics.

If the animal shows signs lesions of the eyeball, then novocaine or hydrocortisone is most often prescribed.

Also, when various types conjunctivitis, treatment with drops containing silver.

In the most complex and severe cases it is prescribed additional course treatment with intramuscular injections.

Summing up

Conjunctivitis is a very common disease in cats.

Due to the fact that conjunctivitis, unfortunately, is a fairly common disease, the likelihood of recurrence is quite high. Therefore, it is still necessary to have a fairly clear idea of ​​how to treat it. This is also necessary in order to treatment at home was competent and effective.

So here you go short list drugs and their purposes:

  • Lidocaine and novocaine - for pain relief;
  • Dexamethasone and hydrocortisone - relieve swelling, reduce inflammation;
  • Floxadex, ciprofloxacin and sofradex - eliminate suppuration and its consequences;
  • TES-normine and aloe - help with chronic or sluggish forms.

In this case, serious treatment is required

Possessing, even if not very extensive, but structured knowledge and being able to use it in a timely and correct manner, you can help your pet no worse than any professional.

Folk remedies

We all know that folk remedies quite often prove to be no less effective than pharmaceutical drugs. That’s why we won’t forget about them.

Typically in folk medicine the following remedies are used:

  • Chamomile;
  • Tea leaves;
  • Almond oil;
  • Eyebright.

This is, of course, far from full list folk remedies. And almost every caring owner has his own little secrets in treatment that will help his pet well.

Video about treating conjunctivitis in a cat using drops

Conclusion

To summarize, we can say that by following simple rules and remembering a small amount of information, help your pet It will turn out to be not so difficult. Of course, it is necessary to maintain hygiene and the general safety of your pet. It is necessary to closely monitor the cat's health, vaccinate, and so on. But none of us are immune. There is always a risk of getting sick, but the main thing is to provide competent and timely assistance.

Causes of cat eye inflammation

Just like in humans, there are many reasons for conjunctivitis in cats. It can be:

Conjunctivitis can be observed in a very small kitten (photo) and in adult cat, even if she doesn't go outside. Before treating and in order to cure an animal, it is necessary to determine the causes and duration of the disease. If this cannot be established, then it is better to start treatment with rinsing cat eyes(several times a day).

Types and signs of feline conjunctivitis

Although conjunctivitis in kittens and cats also differs by type, they still have common symptoms:

  • various discharge from the eyes;
  • redness;
  • lacrimation;
  • photophobia;
  • cloudiness on the eye;
  • abnormal eye movements;
  • change in eye color, etc.
  • Now let’s look at the symptoms inherent in different types of conjunctivitis in a kitten:

    Catarrhal conjunctivitis (photo). It has acute and chronic forms. The first is characterized by complete or partial closure of the eye, redness and swelling of the conjunctiva, serous or mucous discharge. When transitioning to a chronic form, the discharge decreases, the conjunctiva becomes thickened, and eversion or inversion of the eyelids may be observed. The treatment is long, but it can be cured.

    Purulent conjunctivitis. Inflammation develops due to the activation of staphylococci and streptococci. They are constantly in the conjunctival sac and wait to reproduce favorable conditions(low stability of the conjunctiva). In principle, this form is similar to catarrhal conjunctivitis, only the symptoms of inflammation are more pronounced, and the discharge is purulent in nature.

    Phlegmonous conjunctivitis. The main symptom is damage to the entire conjunctiva, including the subepithelial layer. The conjunctiva becomes so swollen that it begins to protrude out of the cat's eyes in the form of a ridge. This form applies to severe inflammation. It is difficult to cure.

    Follicular conjunctivitis. Inflammation, in which the localization of the process is observed on the inside of the third eyelid due to the accumulation of lymphatic follicles in the conjunctiva, similar to mulberries. This form is chronic. The treatment is long-term.

    Before treating conjunctivitis in your pet (photo), it is advisable to consult a veterinarian. He should prescribe treatment aimed at eliminating the causes of inflammation.

    How to help an animal?

    Feline conjunctivitis is accompanied not only by ocular but also physical discomfort. And if it is not treated or not completely cured, it can lead to partial or complete loss cat's view. Therefore, it is very important to carry out timely and correct treatment.

    Where to start healing procedures? The first thing to do is wash the cats eyes. It is necessary to treat until full recovery. The following can be used as a solution:

  • Strong tea.
  • Furacilin (1:5000).
  • Potassium permanganate (1:5000).
  • Chamomile or calendula decoction.
  • It is advisable to do rinsing every 3-4 hours; you need to act carefully so as not to damage the cat’s eyes. After the procedure, a special ointment is applied under the eyelids, which can be purchased at a veterinary pharmacy. But you can add tetracycline, erythromycin and others eye ointments. They can also cure a kitten.

    Treatment can be carried out eye drops. They can also be special for cats. If it is not possible to purchase them, then you can use Levomycetin, Tobrex or Actipol. Installations should be done 3-4 times a day, 2-3 drops.

    In most cases, conjunctivitis is a contagious disease! Therefore, it is necessary to isolate sick cats from other pets. After contact with them, be sure to wash your hands.

    In some cases it may be necessary intramuscular injection antibiotics. For swelling of the eyes conjunctival sac a solution of hydrocortisone (0.2 ml) and novocaine (1 ml) is instilled. When transitioning to a chronic form, in addition to ointments, it is advisable to instill silver-based preparations into the eyes.

    To quickly cure a kitten, you can give it special medications that help remove toxins from the body and restore it. Medicines intended for humans can also be used here.

    In general, treatment depends on the severity of conjunctivitis and the cause of its occurrence. For example, if the cause is an allergy, then you need to look for allergens and exclude contact of cats with them.

    How to put drops in a cat's eyes (video):

    Do you have cats, have you encountered similar problems? Did you like the article and did it help you? Write your reviews and comments!

    Conjunctivitis in cats: treatment, symptoms, causes

    Conjunctivitis is an inflammatory process that affects the inner mucous membrane of the eye, called the conjunctiva. If you notice that your cat is constantly trying to rub (scratch) the eye, which is swollen, watering profusely, and mucous or purulent discharge accumulates in the corners of the eye socket, welcome to the veterinarian - these are signs of developing inflammation.

    Causes of conjunctivitis

    The causes of inflammation of the inner mucous membrane of the eye can be anything. Moreover, sometimes conjunctivitis is not a separate disease, but accompanies many systemic viral or microbial infections.

    One such example is chlamydial conjunctivitis in cats. Inflammation with feline chlamydia affects not only the organs of vision, but also the entire upper Airways- throat and nasopharynx. First, one eye becomes red and swollen, and after a few days the second one joins it. Redness progresses to increased blood flow to the conjunctiva. The brightest and most severe clinical symptoms appear between 8-13 days, then the symptoms subside over the next 2-3 weeks. With a weakened immune system, symptoms can persist for a very long time, despite treatment.

  • Catarrhal in acute course. The eye swells, there is lacrimation, which turns into the release of a thick and cloudy exudate (liquid). Discharge accumulates in the corners of the eyes, forming lumps, and after a long sleep they can stick together the cat’s eyelids due to drying. If such conjunctivitis is not treated, the acute form will become chronic.
  • Catarrhal chronic. Discharge in the eyes occurs in small quantities, but regularly. They are often found in corners when they are already dry. Inflammation with edema are clearly expressed. Due to prolonged lacrimation, inflammation spreads to the eyelids until hair loss around the eyes.
  • Follicular conjunctivitis in cats, this is the most severe form of the disease. This form the disease is accompanied by a narrowing of the eye itself; pus flows from all sides from behind the eyeball, accumulating under the lower eyelid, and not just in the corners; swelling of the eyelids; severe redness of the mucous membrane and the eyeball itself; increased pain and muscle spasm of the eyelids.
  • Parenchymal inflammation covers almost the entire orbit. In addition to swelling and redness of the mucous membranes, conjunctival bleeding is noted. If timely treatment is not provided, the cat may be completely blind.
  • The diagnosis is usually made by pronounced clinical signs diseases. IN in some cases held laboratory analysis ocular discharge to determine the exact pathogen to improve the effectiveness of antimicrobial therapy.

    If the owner suspects that his beloved mustachioed pet has developed conjunctivitis, perfect help will immediately contact a veterinarian. If this is not possible or you need to wait time, you can alleviate the animal’s condition at home.

    Eye wash
  • boric acid solution (0.5 tsp boric powder per 1 cup of chilled boiled water).
  • To relieve pain under the lower eyelid, you can drip 2-3 drops of 2% novocaine (often available in a human first aid kit). This will not only numb the eyeball, but also relieve some swelling. Drip no more than twice a day.

    An incorrectly selected drug used for self-medication can distort the clinical picture of the disease, which will further complicate the diagnosis procedure. correct diagnosis veterinarian

    Drug treatment of conjunctivitis in cats

    Only a veterinarian can determine how to treat conjunctivitis in cats! Therapy is carried out on both eyes at once, regardless of the difference in their damage and even if one side is visually healthy.

  • There is one difference: for purulent and follicular eye lesions, as well as chlamydia, along with local antibiotic therapy, general antibiotic therapy is carried out - antimicrobial drugs orally or intramuscularly.
  • First, the eyes are washed as described above, then medication assistance with conjunctivitis is:

  • Pain relief.
  • Corticosteroid therapy.
  • Local antimicrobial therapy (eye drops and ointments).
  • General antibiotic therapy.
  • Marat 03/06/2016 05:01 03/06/2016 0

    Inflammation of the eyes in a cat.

    Race Foster, DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine). Michigan and Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Associations.

    Additional Information:

    The symptoms of conjunctivitis in a cat depend greatly on the causes of the disease. Typically, both with allergies and with infection, redness of the eyes or bulging of the conjunctiva ("fleshiness") is observed. This is caused by swelling and an increase in the amount of fluid, as well as the size and number blood vessels in the tissue of the conjunctiva. To reduce eye strain, the cat begins to secrete fluid (“cry”).

    What is conjunctiva and conjunctivitis?

    The conjunctiva is a thin mucous membrane that covers not only the eyeball, but also inner side century On the upper eyelid it is thicker, like a cushion. On the conjunctiva there are ducts of accessory lacrimal glands so that the eye does not dry out. In addition, tears perform a protective function, washing away small foreign bodies. Remember, when a small grain of sand gets into your eye, without any effort or desire on your part, tears flow in a stream. The grain of sand is washed out, does not rub anything, does not interfere.

    In addition to the upper and lower eyelids, there is also a third. It can be seen in the inner corner of the eye. Normally, it is practically unnoticeable, but if the conjunctiva on it becomes inflamed, then it is extremely difficult not to notice it. So what is conjunctivitis of the eyes (in dogs, in cats, in people - everything is the same)?

    It's simple. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the very conjunctiva that lines and protects the eye.

    Conjunctivitis in kittens

    If the discharge from the eyes is yellow and white colors- it could be conjunctivitis. Then you can wash the kitten’s eyes with a decoction of chamomile and cotton pads. You can use one percent tetracycline ointment and apply it to the lower eyelid two to three times a day.

    If a red-brown substance is released from the eye, you can use drops of “Tsipromed” or “Tsiprobid”. You need to drip one drop twice a day, for a week. How to treat conjunctivitis in a kitten? First of all, consult a doctor.

    Also, in addition to chlamydia, the cause may be a foreign body getting into the kitten’s eye or a burn. If the kittens were somewhere in a draft, they could easily get blown out and get sick. First one eye becomes inflamed, then the other. The animal will react painfully to light. In addition to eye inflammation, inflammation in the nose and throat may appear. Pneumonia may occur. The eyes will constantly water - this is the syndrome of “conjunctivitis” in kittens.

    In addition to Tsipromed and Tsiprobid drops, you can periodically wash the sore eyelid with a solution of boric acid or boric petroleum jelly. You can also wash your eyes with a cotton pad soaked in strong tea.

  • The animal's eyes are red, itchy or inflamed.
  • Yellow or green discharge accumulates in the corner of the eye.
  • The skin around the eyes is swollen.
  • Eyes are much stronger than they look. Dogs and cats' eyes always come into contact with something, from the sharp end of a foxtail to irritating pollen in the air, this can cause one or both eyes to become swollen, red, watery, or a condition called conjunctivitis in dogs and cats. .

    Cleanse your eyes with eyebright. The medicinal plant eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that nourishes and soothes irritated eyes. Veterinarians recommend mixing five drops of eyebright extract with a cup of saline solution and placing a few drops in each animal's eye. Alternatively, you can soak a cotton swab in the solution and gently dab your pet's eyes with it once or twice a day.

    The reasons that contribute to the development of conjunctivitis in dogs and cats are different. These include chemical irritants such as household cleaners, pesticides, medications and other harsh chemicals. Mechanical irritants - grains of sand, wood chips, glass fragments, various eye injuries can also cause inflammation. And finally, we cannot fail to mention allergens (pollen, dust), as well as fungal, viral and bacterial infections.

    It occurs in both acute and chronic forms of the disease. The acute form is manifested by complete or partial blepharospasm (closing of the palpebral fissure), the conjunctiva becomes swollen and reddened, and copious discharges are released from the eyes, first serous and then mucous.

    Purulent conjunctivitis

    Follicular conjunctivitis

    Symptoms of conjunctivitis in cats

    There are several types of conjunctivitis in cats: acute catarrhal and chronic catarrhal, purulent and parenchymal, as well as follicular.

    Acute conjunctivitis is characterized by following signs: swelling of the mucous membrane of the eye, lacrimation, which subsequently becomes thick and cloudy. The discharge at the inner corner of the eyes looks like mucous threads or lumps. They get on the skin around the eyes, the skin becomes irritated, and the hairs in this area begin to fall out. Mucous secretions often dry out on pets' eyelashes and stick them together. If there is no treatment, the disease becomes chronic.

    Chronic catarrhal conjunctivitis is characterized by weak discharge of cloudy fluid from the cat’s eyes and its accumulation in the corners of the eyes. Continuous lacrimation provokes the development of inflammation skin near the eyes and hair loss.

    Purulent conjunctivitis usually affects two eyes and is accompanied by the following symptoms: lack of appetite in the pet and depression of the entire body condition, increased body temperature and pain in the eyeball area. Discharge from the eyes is purulent, dirty yellow in color, and has an unpleasant odor. The cat's eyes are swollen, the membrane of the eyeball is red and protrudes beyond the orbit. Inflammation can spread to the cornea of ​​the eye.

    Parenchymal conjunctivitis, in addition to the conjunctiva, involves other areas of the eye in the process. In this case, the pet’s eyelids are swollen, and the membranes of the eyes are red. Accidental touching of the eye is accompanied by bleeding of the conjunctiva. If this form of the disease is not treated, the cat will go blind.

    Follicular conjunctivitis is the most severe form of the disease, which is characterized by the following symptoms: narrowing of the eyes, purulent discharge, fear of light, prolonged closure of the eyelids or blepharospasm, inflammation of the follicles inside the eyelid in the form of small red clusters of a round shape, painful sensations in the eyeball area, the appearance of dirty gray film on the conjunctiva.

    To correctly determine the type of microorganisms that caused conjunctivitis, you can have the discharge from the eyes tested at a veterinary clinic.

    Treatment of conjunctivitis in cats

    Treatment for the disease depends on its type. It is necessary to treat two eyes at the same time, regardless of whether two or one eye is affected.

    Treatment should be carried out under the supervision of a veterinarian.

    For all types of conjunctivitis, eyes should be washed antiseptic solutions furatsilin or potassium permanganate.

    At the first stage of the development of the disease, eye drops and ointments based on antibiotics (chloramphenicol and tetracycline) are used. For swelling of the eyeball, a solution of novocaine and hydrocortisone is instilled into the conjunctival sac.

    The chronic form of the disease is treated by placing ointments under the eyelid or instilling silver-based solutions. Antibiotics can be used in the form of emulsions or ointments.

    Purulent and follicular conjunctivitis is treated not only locally, but also with antibiotics through injections. Several times a day, it is necessary to wash the cat’s eyes with a solution of boric acid and apply antibiotic-based ointments. To relieve pain and speed up your cat's recovery, you can give her a novocaine blockade.

    Conjunctivitis is a serious disease that can cause unpleasant consequences for your pet, so take immediate action at the first sign.

Shiny fur, a snow-white row of teeth, and beautiful eyes of a pet indicate that its owner is a very caring and responsible person. Nevertheless, sometimes troubles happen with pets - conjunctivitis is quite serious problem, requiring a lot of attention and prompt action. How to treat conjunctivitis in a cat?

What to do when your pet’s eyes are “running”? Every owner must monitor the health of their pet - balanced diet and appropriate care, vaccinations, and so on. And of course, monitor the health of the eyes - vision for a cat is of no small importance.

The conjunctiva in a cat is a thin mucous membrane that covers both the surface of the eye and the lining, inner surface of the eyelid. It is on this that they are located tear ducts, preventing the eyes from drying out, protecting against the ingress of foreign, small bodies.

among the people similar phenomenon They simply call it souring of the eyes. This phenomenon is not uncommon, quite common and unpleasant, causing very serious consequences for the cat’s health. How independent problem– occurs very rarely, more often it is a consequence of another disease, injury or some pathology. The main thing is not to hesitate and show the animal to the veterinarian.

Reasons for the development of conjunctivitis in furry cats

If treatment is prescribed without establishing the exact cause of the disease, it may progress to chronic form and recur periodically in the form of relapses. Gradually, the disease can spread to the iris and the entire eye, which in the worst case scenario causes decreased vision.

Symptoms of conjunctivitis

There is a certain number of symptoms that relate to conjunctivitis of any kind. This:

  1. increased lacrimation;
  2. the animal constantly washes itself to clean its eyelids;
  3. available different types discharge;
  4. in the morning your pet's eyes become numb;
  5. the cornea is covered with a cloudy film;
  6. The pet is afraid of light and often squints.

Diagnostic measures

The cat doctor examines the furry cats and prescribes a series of tests. In this way, the causes that contribute to the appearance of conjunctivitis in cats are determined. A biochemical analysis will probably be taken; in addition, samples of discharge from the conjunctiva will be studied.

During diagnosis, the veterinarian visually determines the nature of the discharge, which helps determine the root cause of the pathology. The allocations are as follows:

  • serous discharge usually accompanies a viral infection;
  • mucous type - for allergies;
  • purulent appearance - bacterial infection.

It is very necessary to do tests for chlamydial conjunctivitis. Chlamydia is treated exclusively with antimicrobial drugs.

Treatment of conjunctivitis

It is important to treat a cat for this pathology in strict accordance with all doctor’s prescriptions. After the diagnosis is made, medications will be prescribed that will get rid of the source of the disease, as well as symptomatic treatment.

Drug therapy

This type of treatment is prescribed by a veterinarian after diagnosis. Curing conjunctivitis in a cat is not so difficult if you approach the problem responsibly. It is necessary to treat not one eye, but both at once. Principles of conjunctivitis therapy;

  • anesthesia;
  • antibiotics;
  • washing;
  • corticosteroids;
  • drops and ointments.

But purulent, chlamydia, follicular conjunctivitis require the use of antimicrobial medicines. If the doctor finds out that conjunctivitis is a consequence of another pathology, then it is better to immediately remove this problem.

Eye wash

One of the most common treatments for conjunctivitis in pets is washing with herbal decoctions. To do this, you can take calendula and chamomile. The broth should be neither cold nor hot. Optimally, a lukewarm liquid, close in temperature to the cat’s body temperature, that is, 38-39 degrees. You can also use a popular remedy - strongly brewed and strained tea (of course, without sugar and cooled).

Veterinarians strongly advise rinsing the furry dog’s eyes with a solution of furatsilin at the rate of one gram per five liters of warm water. However, in a smaller volume, calculating the correct concentration will be difficult. Potassium permanganate is not recommended for treatment - it dries out the mucous membrane and can cause burns.

Ointments for conjunctivitis

Treatment of conjunctivitis must continue with special ointment. When rinsing is done, ointment should be applied to the eyes. For this purpose, it is recommended to buy tetracycline or erythromycin ointment at a veterinary or regular pharmacy (only for the eyes). The ointment should not be applied with your fingers, but with an appropriate glass rod, which must be doused with boiling water before use. The place where the ointment is applied is under the eyelid. Cats often resist this treatment, so you can apply some ointment to the lower eyelid. When the cat blinks, it will be evenly distributed in the right place.

Drops

Drops for conjunctivitis are another effective option for treating cats with conjunctivitis. Like any other medicine, they should be used after washing the eyelids (dosage - 2-3 drops every 3-4 hours). Although using drops is much more convenient, they can leak quite quickly. In any case, before using eye drops, you should consult a veterinarian about which remedy is best for your fluffy, and not self-medicate. During the treatment process, animal owners should be patient, then their efforts will certainly be crowned with success.

Treatment with antihistamines

It is acceptable to use various types of therapy folk methods, but after the doctor’s approval and not instead of prescribed medications.

Traditional methods of treatment

Traditional medicine at home uses in its recipes medicinal plants . Most often used pharmaceutical chamomile, almond oil is no less popular. Medicines are also made from eyebright, and even from tea leaves.

This little list goes on. Every owner who cares about the health of their pet has more than one recipe that will help their pet cope with the disease. It is advisable to treat conjunctivitis in a cat at home after consulting a doctor. This is a must.

Based on the diagnosis, the veterinarian prescribes a course of therapy for the cat, which includes: ointments, drops, injections, or a whole range of medications. The choice of medications and dosage are determined taking into account the severity of conjunctivitis. Usually, the doctor prescribes:

  • furatsilin solution;
  • potassium permanganate;
  • A decoction made from medicinal chamomile is used as a sedative.

If the disease of eye conjunctivitis in kittens is on early stage, development in the course of therapy include drugs including antibiotics:

  • Levomycetin;
  • Tetracycline;
  • Sofradex.

Preventive measures

Conjunctivitis is a highly contagious pathology. However, the occurrence of conjunctivitis can be prevented if certain preventive measures are followed.

If the painful process has affected the eye, you will need to use novocaine or hydrocortisone. Silver-based drops are highly effective. If the disease has taken difficult character, you will need to administer intramuscular injections.

Conjunctivitis of any kind is quite contagious; it poses a danger not only to animals, but also to humans. Looks disgusting in the photo. Therefore, after treating an animal, you should thoroughly wash your hands with soap; the risk of infection is very high and everyone around you is exposed to it.

If you follow simple rules, you can quickly and without much difficulty cure this disease in cats. In this case, it is necessary to observe hygiene rules and take various preventive measures. Any cat can get sick, purebred or not. The people most often affected by conjunctivitis are Persians and British breeds. They should be closely monitored and at the first sign contact a veterinary clinic. Severe conjunctivitis in your kitten is very contagious to others.

Everyone around you is susceptible to infection. For this reason, the pet must be temporarily isolated. Carry out procedures only with gloves; after contact with the animal, you must wash your hands thoroughly.

A pet is 100% dependent on its owner. He does not know how to get his own food and cannot use natural “medicines” if he gets sick. That is why it is necessary to closely monitor his well-being and respond in a timely manner even to minor symptoms. Cat lovers often notice that their pets' eyes begin to water. This is not a small thing at all. The disease is called conjunctivitis. In cats it occurs quite often and can cause irreversible consequences.

Description of the conjunctiva

On the surface of the eyeball and the inside of the eyelids there is a thin mucous membrane. This is what is called the conjunctiva. The membrane secretes a liquid mucous substance, in addition, several lacrimal glands emerge here. All this allows you to protect your cat’s eyes from drying out and microtrauma. On the upper eyelid, the conjunctiva is thickened, which makes it possible to distribute tear fluid during blinking. The cat's third eyelid is also part of the conjunctiva. In a healthy state, this is an inconspicuous fold. During illness, it increases sharply and can close the pet’s eye.

What is conjunctivitis called?

Doctors view conjunctivitis as a symptom of more complex diseases. Therefore, treatment is always taken very seriously. Having discovered conjunctivitis of the eyes in cats, the veterinarian always conducts an examination to understand what problem needs to be dealt with. Most often, it is possible to get rid of conjunctivitis only when the underlying disease is cured. This requires time and effort from the doctor and the animal owner.

How is the diagnosis made?

First of all veterinarian will examine the animal and prescribe tests. This is the only way to determine the reasons why conjunctivitis occurred in a cat. Most likely, a blood biochemistry test will be taken, and a sample of discharge from the eye will also be sent for analysis.

When making a diagnosis, the doctor can visually determine the nature of the discharge; this also helps to identify the original cause of the disease. Discharges from under the conjunctiva are:

  • purulent, which means the likely cause is a bacterial infection;
  • serous type (cloudy liquid) - accompany a viral infection;
  • mucous type - appear during allergic reactions.

It is especially important to analyze secretions for chlamydial conjunctivitis. Since chlamydia can only be cured with specific antimicrobial drugs.

Form of conjunctivitis in cats

Eye conjunctivitis in cats, the treatment of which we are considering, differs in the form of the disease:

  • acute form - symptoms appear suddenly, clinical signs of inflammation are bright, copious discharge;
  • subacute form - clinical signs of conjunctivitis are noticeable, but they are somewhat weaker than in the acute form;
  • chronic form - the development of the disease is slow, the clinical manifestations are poorly expressed over a long period of time.

Having diagnosed conjunctivitis in cats, treatment is correlated with the form of the disease.

Symptoms of the disease

There are a number of common symptoms characteristic of conjunctivitis of all types:

  • The mucous membranes of the cat's eyes are inflamed and red.
  • The lacrimation increased.
  • Various types of discharge are observed (depending on the type of conjunctivitis).
  • The cat often washes itself, trying to clean its eyes, or rubs them with its paws.
  • After sleep, the eyes become sour.
  • The animal squints and is afraid of bright light.
  • In some cases, the cornea is covered with a cloudy film.

Types of conjunctivitis in cats. Catarrhal acute

Depending on the clinical manifestations Veterinarians distinguish several types of conjunctivitis. To understand how to treat conjunctivitis in cats, you need to understand the difference between the types. Let's start with catarrhal type, occurring in an acute form. One or both of your cat's eyes will be swollen and watery. Gradually, lacrimation will be replaced by a thick and cloudy exudate, which will begin to accumulate in the corners of the eyes. Lumps will appear that will begin to dry out during sleep and stick together the eyelids.

Catarrhal chronic conjunctivitis

Advanced catarrhal conjunctivitis in a cat goes from acute to chronic. Eye discharge becomes less abundant, but constant. They often accumulate in the corners of the eyes in dried lumps. Swelling and inflammation of the eye are clearly visible, which is due to prolonged discharge may spread to the eyelid. Sometimes hair falls out around the eye.

Purulent conjunctivitis

Purulent conjunctivitis in cats always affects both eyes. The clinical picture is classic, but additionally there is a lack of appetite, a sluggish state of the animal’s muscles, and rare blinking, as this process becomes painful. The cat may have a fever and severe swelling of the eye sockets, the conjunctiva and eyeball become red. Pus with an unpleasant odor is released.

Follicular conjunctivitis

The most complex look The disease is follicular conjunctivitis. In this case, narrowing of the eye and severe swelling of the eyelids occurs. The mucous membrane and eyeball become red. Purulent discharge flows from all sides of the eyeball and accumulates under the lower eyelid. The animal's eye area is very painful; muscle spasm of the eyelids occurs.

Parenchymal inflammation

The process covers the entire eye socket. Swelling, redness and conjunctival bleeding are observed. Parenchymal conjunctivitis in cats can lead to vision loss. The animal must be shown to a doctor as quickly as possible.

Allergic conjunctivitis

The clinical picture of allergic conjunctivitis is somewhat different from other types of the disease. The swelling is almost invisible or completely absent. But the lacrimation is profuse, but the discharge is completely transparent. If the animal is not prescribed antihistamine therapy in a timely manner, allergic conjunctivitis can develop into any of the above types of diseases.

Drug treatment

Drug treatment can only be prescribed by a veterinarian after examination. Both eyes need to be treated at once. General principle Treatment of all types of conjunctivitis is similar:

  • washing;
  • anesthesia;
  • corticosteroids;
  • local antimicrobial agents in drops or ointment;
  • antibiotic;
  • Auror's retrobulbar block.

However, chlamydia, purulent and follicular conjunctivitis require additional antimicrobial drugs.

If it is determined that conjunctivitis is a symptom of another disease, then the main problem is first eliminated.

Helping your pet at home

It is unlikely that the owner will agree to leave the pet for a long period of time in veterinary clinic to cure conjunctivitis. In cats, treatment at home should be carried out with medications prescribed by a doctor.

The condition of the animal greatly facilitates eye rinsing, but the procedure must be performed as carefully as possible. The clinic will prescribe washing with a weak solution of potassium permanganate, a solution of furatsilin or boric acid. Traditional medicine suggests washing with a decoction of chamomile or calendula. In any case, the animal must be held in your arms, first soften the dried crusts with a swab or cotton pad, then rinse the eye with a new swab, removing discharge.

Some owners use an eyebright decoction for rinsing and compresses, which is prepared from three teaspoons of herbs and 0.5 liters of water. The product is simmered over low heat and infused for half an hour.

It is important to understand that conjunctivitis is a complex problem. You cannot change the prescribed treatment without permission. It is only permissible to supplement it folk remedies, and it is advisable to consult a specialist. And if the animal is not treated, it may lose its vision.

Pedigree cats

Both a purebred animal and an ordinary “noble cat” (a yard cat taken into the house) can get conjunctivitis. But there are several breeds that suffer from this inflammation most often. These are the Persians, sphinxes and british cats. Animals of these breeds must be monitored with special care and contact a veterinarian at the first signs of inflammation.

Can a cat infect its owner?

Conjunctivitis is contagious. The owner, other household members, guests, and other pets are all at risk of infection. Therefore, the animal should be temporarily isolated, and all treatment procedures should be performed with gloves. After contact with a sick cat, be sure to wash your hands with soap.

Conjunctivitis is an inflammatory process that affects the inner mucous membrane of the eye, called the conjunctiva. If you notice that your cat is constantly trying to rub (scratch) the eye, which is swollen, watering profusely, and mucous or purulent discharge accumulates in the corners of the eye socket, welcome to the veterinarian - these are signs of developing inflammation.

Causes of conjunctivitis

The causes of inflammation of the inner mucous membrane of the eye can be anything. Moreover, sometimes conjunctivitis is not a separate disease, but accompanies many systemic viral or microbial infections.

The clinical manifestations of conjunctivitis depend on the course of the disease:

  • acute the course is accompanied by a sudden onset and clear clinical signs of inflammation with copious discharge;
  • subacute the clinical course is slightly weaker than acute;
  • chronic the course is characterized by slow development, long course and mild clinical manifestations.

General symptoms of all conjunctivitis in cats:

  • inflammation of the mucous membranes in the eyes, their active redness;
  • increased lacrimation;
  • various types of discharge - from mucous to yellow-green purulent;
  • the cat’s constant attempts to “wash” the eye or scratch (rub) it;
  • sour eyes after sleep, sticking with dried pus;
  • pain when blinking, squinting, fear of light;
  • sometimes a cloudy film on the cornea is visible.

By the nature of eye discharge, you can easily determine the causative agent of the disease with further identification original cause inflammation:

  • purulent discharge is due to the presence of a bacterial infection;
  • serous(cloudy and liquid) discharge accompanies viral infections;
  • mucous discharge is usually accompanied by allergic conjunctivitis in cats.

If conjunctivitis is not a primary disease, then the clinic will be dominated by symptoms of another primary disease, and conjunctivitis will become concomitant.

One such example is chlamydial conjunctivitis in cats. Inflammation with feline chlamydia affects not only the organs of vision, but also the entire upper respiratory tract - the throat and nasopharynx. First, one eye becomes red and swollen, and after a few days the second one joins it. Redness progresses to increased blood flow to the conjunctiva. The brightest and most severe clinical symptoms appear between 8-13 days, then the symptoms subside over the next 2-3 weeks. With a weakened immune system, symptoms can persist for a very long time, despite treatment.

The diagnosis of such conjunctivitis is made after laboratory microscopy of discharge from the conjunctiva, during which chlamydia is detected. Treatment will be effective only if this type of bacteria is identified and specific antimicrobial drugs are used.

Types of feline conjunctivitis according to individual clinical symptoms

Conjunctivitis in cats, depending on clinical course, It happens:

  1. Catarrhal in acute course. The eye swells, there is lacrimation, which turns into the release of a thick and cloudy exudate (liquid). Discharge accumulates in the corners of the eyes, forming lumps, and after a long sleep they can stick together the cat’s eyelids due to drying. If such conjunctivitis is not treated, the acute form will become chronic.
  2. Catarrhal chronic. Discharge in the eyes occurs in small quantities, but regularly. They are often found in corners when they are already dry. Inflammation with edema are clearly expressed. Due to prolonged lacrimation, inflammation spreads to the eyelids until hair loss around the eyes.
  3. Purulent conjunctivitis often affects both eyes at once. In addition to the classic conjunctival clinic, the animal experiences a decrease in appetite, lethargy, low frequency of blinking due to pain, jumps in general body temperature, severe swelling of the orbit, clearly purulent discharge with a repulsive odor, bright red conjunctiva and the eyeball itself.
  4. Follicular conjunctivitis in cats, this is the most severe form of the disease. This form of the disease is accompanied by a narrowing of the eye itself; pus flows from all sides from behind the eyeball, accumulating under the lower eyelid, and not just in the corners; swelling of the eyelids; severe redness of the mucous membrane and the eyeball itself; increased pain and muscle spasm of the eyelids.
  5. Parenchymal inflammation covers almost the entire orbit. In addition to swelling and redness of the mucous membranes, conjunctival bleeding is noted. If timely treatment is not provided, the cat may be completely blind.
  6. Allergic conjunctivitis differs from all other types in the absence of pronounced swelling and profuse lacrimation with transparent discharge. If antihistamine therapy is delayed and the potential allergen is not eliminated this type Conjunctivitis can develop into any of the above.

The diagnosis is usually made by pronounced clinical signs of the disease. In selected cases, laboratory analysis of eye discharge is performed to determine the exact pathogen in order to increase the effectiveness of antimicrobial therapy.

First aid for a cat with conjunctivitis

If the owner suspects that his beloved mustachioed pet has developed conjunctivitis, the ideal help would be to immediately contact a veterinarian. If this is not possible or you need to wait time, you can alleviate the animal’s condition at home.

Eye wash

The first thing to do is to gently rinse the affected eye with a faint pink solution of manganese or boric acid. With the same solution, cotton swabs or cotton pads are used to soften and carefully remove the resulting purulent dried crusts. For washing use:

  • pale pink solution of potassium permanganate;
  • Furacillin solution (0.5 g of powder per 2.5 liters of warm boiled water);
  • boric acid solution (0.5 tsp boric powder per 1 cup of chilled boiled water).

From funds traditional medicine To wash the eyes, you can use weak decoctions of chamomile or calendula (1 tsp of herb is infused in 0.5 liters of boiling water, cooled to warm state). Can only be used after cleansing local drugs prescribed by a doctor.

To relieve pain under the lower eyelid, you can drip 2-3 drops of 2% novocaine (often available in a human first aid kit). This will not only numb the eyeball, but also relieve some swelling. Drip no more than twice a day.

That's it on my own first aid cat with conjunctivitis is over. You cannot self-medicate and put any drops into a cat’s eyes without knowing the exact cause of the infection. Treatment at home for conjunctivitis is possible only with medications prescribed by a veterinarian.

An incorrectly selected drug used for self-medication can distort the clinical picture of the disease, which will further complicate the procedure for making a correct diagnosis for a veterinarian.

Is conjunctivitis contagious?

Conjunctivitis in cats is contagious, so contact of all pets with a sick animal should be excluded, and all manipulations with a sick pet should be carried out using medical gloves or after washing your hands thoroughly with soap.

Drug treatment of conjunctivitis in cats

Only a veterinarian can determine how to treat conjunctivitis in cats! Therapy is carried out on both eyes at once, regardless of the difference in their damage and even if one side is visually healthy.

  • The basic principle of treatment for all primary conjunctivitis is almost the same.
  • There is one difference: for purulent and follicular eye lesions, as well as chlamydia, along with local antibiotic therapy, general antibiotic therapy is carried out - antimicrobial drugs orally or intramuscularly.

If conjunctivitis is a concomitant symptom of some other disease, then none of the known medications will cure it unless the underlying disease is eliminated.

First, the eyes are washed as described above, then medical assistance for conjunctivitis consists of:

  • Pain relief.
  • Corticosteroid therapy.
  • Local antimicrobial therapy (eye drops and ointments).
  • General antibiotic therapy.
  • Tissue therapy for protracted chronic processes.
  • Retrobulbar blockade (according to Auror).

Anesthesia

Corticosteroids

Veterinary antimicrobial eye drops and ointments

Leopard

1-2 drops in each eye 3-5 times a day for 7-14 days. Repeat the course after a week if the conjunctivitis is chronic.
Side effects: -
Contraindications: -

Price: 95-120 rub.

Iris

1-2 drops up to 4 times a day for a course of 7 to 10 days.

Side effects: -
Contraindications: individual reactions to gentamicin.

Price: 69-85 rub.

Tsiprovet

1-2 drops of solution in both eyes for 1-2 weeks.
Side effects: -
Contraindications: individual reaction to ciprofloxacin.

Price: 144-170 rub.

Dekta-2

Place 2-3 drops into affected eyes 2-3 times daily for 5-10 days until symptoms go away.
Side effects: -
Contraindications: high sensitivity to the composition.

Price: 125-132 rub.

Lachrikan

1-2 drops are dripped into the eyes 2-3 times a day for 8-12 days.
Side effects: -
Contraindications: intolerance to the composition.

Price: 112-135 rub.

Conjunctivin

1-2 drops into the eye, pulling back the lower eyelid, three times a day for 3 days.
Side effects: -
Contraindications: individual reactions.

Price: 200-240 rub.

Conjunctivin (ointment)

2-3 drops of liquid ointment are placed in the conjunctival sac three times a day for 7-10 days until the clinic completely disappears.
Side effects: -
Contraindications: individual sensitivity.

Price: 120-145 rub.

Lacrimin aseptic

2-3 drops are dripped three or four times a day until the symptoms of the disease disappear (but not less than 5 days).
Adverse reactions: -
Contraindications: -

Price: 135-155 rub.

Misofen (ointment)

A small amount of ointment is placed under the lower conjunctiva twice a day (every 12 hours).
Side effects: -
Contraindications: increased reactions to components.

Price: 306-355 rub.

Optimmune (ointment)

Up to 1 cm of ointment is applied to the cornea or under the conjunctiva after cleansing the eye every 12 hours. Duration of treatment is up to 5-7 days.
Side effects: increased lacrimation for better self-washing of the eyes, local reaction, swelling from an overdose.
Contraindications: fungal and viral infections.

Price: up to 2000 rub.

Tetracycline ointment 1%

A small amount of the drug is placed behind the lower eyelid and distributed over the lower eyelid with gentle massaging movements. inner surface eyes. Frequency up to 5 times a day for a week. It is advisable to wear a veterinary collar to prevent licking of the ointment.
Side effects: -
Contraindications: Do not mix with other topical ophthalmic medications.

Price: 45-65 rub.

Possible use of human eye drops:

  • Phloxal;
  • Levofloxacin;
  • Levomycetin drops;
  • Tsiprolet;
  • Tobrex;
  • Tobradex.

Human drops are not entirely ideal in dosage and may be highly specialized for the pathogens that cause conjunctivitis. Such drugs most often cause side effects and allergic reactions. The purpose, dosage and course of treatment are prescribed only by a veterinarian.

Important: of all human drops, cats are prohibited from using Albucid (Sodium Sulfacyl) - in addition to severe local irritation, you can get a burn to the cornea.

General antibiotic therapy

Ciprovet (ciprofloxacin)

Intramuscularly at the rate of 5-20 mg/kg body weight, taking into account the severity of the eye infection. The dose is divided into 2 and administered at equal intervals per day. Course: 5-7 days. It is also used for chlamydial conjunctivitis.
Side effects: tissue dehydration (need to provide sufficient water).
Contraindications: pregnant cats, problems with kidneys and liver.

Price: 350-420 rub.

Erythromycin

Effective against chlamydial infections. 2-10 mg intramuscularly once for at least 7 days. Orally - the dose is increased by 1.5 times.
Adverse reactions: long-term use may cause problems with the liver.
Contraindications: -

Price: 92-115 rub.

Tetracycline

It works well for chlamydia, accompanied by conjunctivitis, as well as for eye damage of unknown etiology. Dose 5-10 mg/kg 2-3 times/day. (according to the severity of the disease). Course: 5-7 days. It is pre-diluted in 1-2% novocaine.
Side effects: local reaction at the injection site, allergies, hepatotoxic effects with long-term use and overdose.
Contraindications: pregnancy.

Price: 88-120 rub.

The above antibiotics can be purchased not only in veterinary pharmacies, but also in human pharmacies. Dosages should be maintained as in animal preparations.

Tissue therapy

Retrobulbar blockade with novocaine according to Aurorov

The essence of the blockade is the injection of 3-4 ml of 0.5% novocaine into the space behind the eyeball, where muscles, fat and nerves are located through the eyelid. Only carried out by a specialist! A second injection is given after 4-5 days, but usually a single injection is enough. Gives a very good healing effect.

Feline conjunctivitis – serious contagious disease, which needs to be given appropriate attention. The main point of timely treatment is to prevent the animal from losing its vision.

It is very painful to watch your beloved pet suffer, especially when you don’t know how to help. In this article, the site Koshechka.ru will tell you about what it is conjunctivitis in cats and how to deal with it.

Causes of the disease

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the so-called second eyelid, the white membrane. The disease is very unpleasant for cats because it causes severe pain. In such a situation, the main thing is to notice it in time and begin treatment. So, let's talk about the “culprits” of conjunctivitis.

You don’t need to be a certified specialist to notice that your pet is starting to get sick. Therefore, if she exhibits the above symptoms, you should immediately contact your veterinarian. Only prompt measures will help you alleviate the suffering of your pet and avoid dire consequences.

Conjunctivitis is a serious disease, therefore traditional methods cannot cure a sick animal, but with their help you can ease the suffering of your pet. Such methods are good only at an early stage of the development of the disease.

If you notice that your cat's eyes are watering, you can wipe them warm solution of chamomile, eyebright or tea. It is better to wipe with a folded piece of bandage, since cotton wool, sticks and other things can leave fibers in the eye, which will only worsen the situation. From the same infusions you can make compresses for the animal.

It is also very important to regularly remove brown accumulations around the eyes. If this is not done, dermatitis may develop. The cat will scratch the eye more often, causing even more infection.

Relieves swelling and reduces pain very well almond oil. It can be used in parallel with other drugs. You need to drip 2-3 drops several times a day. Calendula infusion has the same properties.

Conjunctivitis in a cat can be suspected if the animal squints, one eye is smaller than the other, etc.

If your cat's eyes are very purulent, you can try dripping albucid, although there are many conflicting opinions about it.

From personal experience I note that this remedy helped me. One fine morning I noticed that the kitten’s eye did not open. After which I began to wipe and drip with albucid as it festered. Four days later, the baby’s eyes sparkled again.

Helps with internal infections tetracycline ointment. It should be placed under the eyelid at least twice a day.

But it's worth noting that while you're trying various methods, the disease may worsen. Therefore, it is better not to experiment with your pet’s health, but to immediately contact a veterinarian, recommends ko6e4ka.ru.

When a cat’s eyes fester, treatment is prescribed depending on the degree of conjunctivitis (catarrhal, purulent, phlegmonous, follicular), which is determined by the doctor after examination and based on test results. Both eyes need to be treated at once to prevent disease in the second one.

Treatment should be carried out strictly according to the doctor’s recommendations. Only in this case will you help your pet cope with the disease quickly and without consequences.

First, ointments or conjunctivitis drops for cats containing antibiotics ( tetracycline ointment, chloramphenicol).

In case of exacerbation or transition of the disease to a more complex form, add to the main treatment antibiotic injections. They may also prescribe a course of vitamins A, C or E.

Don't forget to regularly clean your cat's eyes of any discharge. After all, such small preventive measures will help to avoid big troubles in the future. And in return, your grateful pet will always delight you with her clear eyes.

Bruslik Maria - especially for Koshechka.ru - a site for those in love... with themselves!

The concept itself means inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is accompanied by photophobia, hyperemia, and leakage of exudate. Conjunctivitis in cats can occur for many reasons. There are many forms of inflammatory processes, so therapy varies depending on the type. Treatment should include specific and symptomatic methods therapy.

There are many reasons for conjunctivitis, and it is often a sign of an underlying bacterial or disease. Most common reasons such:

Symptoms of conjunctivitis

The brightness of the signs depends on the form of conjunctivitis. The acute course is accompanied by severe clinical picture and its rapid development, chronic – slow development and smoothed symptoms.

Signs of conjunctivitis depend greatly on the specific type, but general symptoms characteristic of most forms can be identified:

  • conjunctival hyperemia;
  • photophobia;
  • soreness of the eyelids and conjunctiva;
  • and from the eyes (, mucous membranes);
  • itching, the animal rubs its eyes.

Types of conjunctivitis

Symptoms of conjunctivitis in cats depend greatly on the specific type of inflammation.

Follicular conjunctivitis

Inflammation of the lymphatic follicles in the third eyelid. Usually becomes a complication catarrhal conjunctivitis, caused by a hit foreign objects, mechanical damage. Studies have not confirmed either viral or bacterial etiology. The predisposing factor is hypovitaminosis.

On initial stage follicular conjunctivitis photophobia, profuse lacrimation are observed, the animal scratches the eye with its paw, the exudate is mucous or mucopurulent. The third eyelid is red and enlarged, resembles a raspberry in color and shape. Swelling is noticeable on the eyelids, usually both eyes are affected, but to varying degrees.

Treatment is the same as for purulent or catarrhal conjunctivitis. Inflamed follicles recommended cauterize carefully with a stick of silver nitrate or scrape off. Forecast at timely treatment favorable.

Viral conjunctivitis

Rarely isolated as a separate type of disease, the pathology occurs with plague, herpes, adenoviral and other infections. Usually, a diagnosis is made corresponding to the specific pathogen and the underlying disease is treated. flows through serous type inflammation, which is accompanied by liquid, cloudy discharge. Special attention During treatment, antiviral drugs are given.

Purulent conjunctivitis

The cause of purulent inflammation is always bacteria or fungi. An additional factor is usually , . This form of conjunctivitis is distinguished by purulent discharge from the eyes, white, pale yellow or yellow in color. When the disease affects both eyes, the conjunctiva becomes dark red. Noted severe pain and photophobia.

Pus accumulates on the eyelids and eyelashes, especially on inner corner eyes. Due to constant hair around the eyes and on the eyelids often falls out, weeping erosion is formed. In the chronic form, the conjunctiva becomes bluish in color, and the pus becomes dirty yellow.

To make an accurate diagnosis it is necessary to carry out cytological studies. In this case, eosinophils and mast cells, as well as neutrophils and epithelial cells. The disease usually affects only one eye, but cases of damage to both eyes have been recorded.

Quite often, with eosinophilic conjunctivitis, the pet experiences virtually no discomfort and hardly squints its eyes. The third eyelid usually becomes inflamed, and is also involved in the inflammatory process cornea and sclera.

Chlamydial conjunctivitis

It happens that chlamydial conjunctivitis passes from a cat to a kitten at birth. Statistics indicate 40% of such cases. The disease most often first affects only one of the eyes and is detected 6-11 days after birth. The mucous membrane swells, liquid pus with a bloody admixture forms on it, and the papillae also enlarge. Later illness spreads to the second eye, and then to the mucous membrane of the nose and pharynx.

Phlegmonous conjunctivitis

Parenchymatous conjunctivitis occurs like phlegmon and is severe inflammatory process, which affects not only the conjunctiva, but also subconjunctival tissue(parenchyma). This disease is formed under the influence of bacterial infection.

The symptoms are quite easy to determine, since they are very strong the conjunctiva and subconjunctival tissues swell. Usually both eyelids become swollen. The extremely swollen conjunctiva, which protrudes from the slit of the eye, initially has a rich red color, and then becomes dark red due to the effusion of blood. The protruding conjunctiva has a shiny, tense and dry surface, even when touched lightly bleeding. Often there are abscesses and abrasions on it.

Some time later, it appears on the conjunctiva mucopurulent fluid. The layer on its surface dies, and after this a dark brown dried scab appears. If it is removed, profuse parenchymal bleeding begins. The eyelids also swell throughout their entire thickness. These symptoms are accompanied by pain and elevated temperature(local and even possibly general).

Can be confused phlegmonous conjunctivitis with eye hematoma, phlegmon of the orbit, abscess of the eyelid or inflammatory process of the lacrimal gland. However, the outpouring of blood into the eye tissue is accompanied by only slight signs of inflammation, which disappear over time, and the color of the conjunctiva is initially dark red.

The phlegmonous process with conjunctivitis spreads widely throughout the entire eye, while with phlegmon it affects exclusively the eyelids. If it is an abscess, then, as a rule, only one eyelid swells, and the conjunctiva does not evert out. At purulent inflammation lacrimal gland the outer part of the upper eyelid swells, then an abscess forms at this place.

Bacterial conjunctivitis

Acute bacterial conjunctivitis is infectious lesion mucous membrane of the eye, caused by bacteria. The main causative agents of this disease are some types of pneumococcus, gonococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, bacteria Koch-Wicks.

Bacteria can enter the conjunctiva through contaminated things, mechanical damage, contact foreign bodies, hypothermia, too long use of hormones. Bacterial conjunctivitis may occur due to diseases, throat, damage to the lacrimal ducts.

To determine the causes of infection with infectious conjunctivitis and determine the sensitivity of the causative agent to antimicrobial drugs It is necessary to take a conjunctival smear. Smears and scrapings from the conjunctiva should be examined microscopically and stained with Gram.

Bravegil

Can be used for any types of allergies. Available in the form of tablets for oral administration and in solution for intramuscular injection. Regardless of the form, the dosage is the same - 0.015-0.02 mg per kilogram of weight 1-2 times a day. If the dosage is observed, a side effect sometimes appears in the form of drowsiness. Not recommended for use during pregnancy. Can be used for a long time.

Local antibiotics

They are almost always used for conjunctivitis.

Levomycetin

These drops contain an antibiotic with the same name. This antibacterial drug effective in combating bacterial strains. The product is useless for bacteria that are resistant to acidic environments. Levomycetin has shown its effectiveness in certain types of conjunctivitis (catarrhal, purulent).

Such drops are mainly prescribed for patients who suffer from chronic eye diseases. When using this product medicinal substances are formed in the aqueous environment of the eyeball, cornea and vitreous body. However This substance does not penetrate into the lens. The drug is available in the form of a solution, which is packaged in 10 ml ampoules. There are 2.5 biological materials in 1 ml.

These drops need to be instilled into a sick animal about 3 times a day. Before this, you need to clean the animal's eyes from purulent discharge using a bandage or gauze. Treatment must be continued for at least one week. If 5 days after starting to use the drug the condition of the sick animal has not improved, then the drug should be changed.

Content

Recently your pet was playing and purring affectionately, but now he looks sick? If you notice a deterioration in your pet's condition, and his eyes look unhealthy, take a closer look, perhaps this is conjunctivitis.

A disease with this name most often occurs as a concomitant of the underlying disease, and is externally expressed by inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye - the conjunctiva. Either one eye or both can be affected.

We are accustomed to the fact that conjunctival disease occurs in humans, but conjunctivitis in cats this is a very common disease. From an infectious animal, the disease can easily spread to humans, so when dealing with a sick pet, you should remember about sanitation. Wash your hands both before and after each contact with your cat.

Types and symptoms of conjunctivitis in cats

To figure out how to help a suffering animal, you need to understand that there are several types of conjunctivitis in cats.

  • acute and chronic catarrhal;
  • purulent;
  • phlegmonous (parenchymatous);
  • follicular;
  • chlamydial.

Each form requires a specific treatment approach.

At the slightest suspicion of a disease, it is necessary to monitor the pet’s condition. In any form, there is a noticeable decrease in the activity of the animal, the clarity of the movement of the eyeballs is impaired, and photophobia manifests itself.

If the eyelids look stuck together after sleep, the hairs around the corner of the eye begin to fall out, and the discharge from there is thick and cloudy - we have an acute form.

After some time, without proper treatment, dried crusts form on the affected area, and the discharge becomes weaker, but more regular. The skin around the eye becomes inflamed and hair falls out. This means that the disease has progressed to chronic conjunctivitis.

In the purulent form of the disease, persistent discharge appears from discharge from the eye. bad smell, the pet loses its appetite, the temperature rises, and the discharge itself from the affected area acquires a dirty yellowish color. More often purulent conjunctivitis at the cat's It affects both eyes, which soon swell and begin to turn red. Uncontrolled blinking is characteristic. In advanced cases, cats experience diarrhea and/or vomiting. When complications occur, the disease affects the cornea.


If, in addition to the conjunctiva itself, other areas of the eye are noticeably affected, the eyelids become very swollen, and the mucous membrane turns red, your cat has phlegmonous conjunctivitis. A distinctive feature will be bleeding of the conjunctiva when touching any area of ​​the eye. Abrasions and tears on the dried conjunctiva are often noticeable. The disease often affects both eyes. The prognosis for the animal is unfavorable; without treatment, this form threatens blindness.

If you suspect conjunctivitis, you should pay attention to the cat's nose and throat. With inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and conjunctiva at the same time the cat is diagnosed chlamydial conjunctivitis. Characteristic is swelling of the conjunctiva engorged with blood and swelling near the cornea. The most serious condition at pet occurs in the second week of the disease. The disease is caused by chlamydial bacteria, and the symptoms of the virus persist for several weeks.

Upon observation, the animal has a noticeable narrowing of the shape of the eye, profuse discharge of pus and, as a result, prolonged closure of the eyelids, photophobia, and the formation of a grayish film on the conjunctiva. Granular formations inside the eyelid are noticeable. The cat is diagnosed follicular conjunctivitis. This form is considered extremely severe for the pet and requires immediate attention to a veterinary clinic.

Treatment of eye conjunctivitis in cats

The first thing to do after examining a sick pet is to visit a veterinarian. He will carry out the necessary laboratory research and will identify the cause of the disease, its form and select effective medications.

To alleviate the condition of a suffering pet, it is necessary to wash each eye (regardless of whether the second one is affected) with cotton pads soaked in a furatsilin solution and carefully remove the crusts. Cotton pads are used differently for each organ of vision. Also perfect weak solution potassium permanganate.

Depending on the form of the disease, a course of treatment is chosen. On initial stage diseases, as well as chlamydial form conjunctivitis Drops or ointments are suitable - tetracycline, chloramphenicol.

For any form, a couple of drops of Lidocaine or Novocaine under the lower eyelid helps a lot - this will quickly relieve the pain.


The chronic form is treated with antibiotics in the form of ointments under the eyelid; injections of aloe extract are effective.

At severe forms For purulent and follicular conjunctivitis, in addition to local treatment, injections are used. A solution of boric acid is recommended for washing the eyes, and synthomycin ointment is placed under the eyelid.

Competent and consistent treatment means a healthy pet!

Every caring owner cats must understand that success in treatment will only be achieved through a sequence of actions and strict adherence to the veterinarian’s instructions. After examining the animal, the reasons will be determined. conjunctivitis, isn't it a manifestation of more serious illness. In this case, the treatment will be comprehensive under the supervision of a veterinarian. If treatment is not started in time, the cat may stop seeing.

To prevent relapses of the disease, you can diversify your pet’s diet by including vitamins.



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