Our eyes are a signal of our overall health. This is utterly true for our feline friends as well, so if you are worried about a feline eye problem, be sure to take a trip to see the doctor.
While it might not seem to be a big problem if your cat's eyes are tearing, or infected, or perhaps dry, the issue may result in problems such as cornea scarring, which causes sight problems. If you see anything that appears to be bothering your cat's eyes, don't wait to try and guess what is occurring; take a trip to see the veterinarian straight away, as some eye problems are connected to other underlying conditions that can be of an even greater concern for your cat. As an example, some kittens and cats with neoplasms or malignancies, will show eye problems, because of cancer, since this influences their immune response and areas such as the eyes.
What other illnesses present as cat eye problems? While the list is sort of long ones seen most often are:
- Conjunctivitis neonatorum (herpes pathogen)
- Entropion (eyelids roll inwards)
- Eyelash disease (lashes irritate the eyes)
- Inherited conditions
- Buldging eyes
- Retinal degeneration
- Iris cancer
- Clouded eyes
- Glaucoma
- Hyperactive tear drainage system
- Tearing eyes
- Third eye bump (nictitating surface)
- Crossed eyes (may be caused by paralysis)
- Soft or hard eyes (because of changes in eye pressure)
- Lid irritation
- Unusual eye movements (a relocation that moves the eye up and down or to the side)
Be sure to look for indicators of eye infection. It'll save your cat's vision if you identify any issues in time. You will notice squinting, a teary or mucous-like discharge, reddish and swollen eye membranes, a cloudy cornea, a dull iris or one that's a different colour than the other eye. Also be aware that eye infection may be present in one or two eyes at the same time. You'll also hear a lot of sneezing and notice dribbling. This likely indicates a breathing problem or a respiratory tract infection. The bottom line is, if you happen to spot something isn't normal with your cat's eyes, get them examined.
Treatment for cat eye problems varies, because it relies on what the issue happens to be. As an example, infections due to Feline Chlamydia or Feline Mycoplasma would need topical antibiotics, and potentially topical antiviral medicine. If the infection is due to FHV-1, you will be having a long discussion with the vet, as this does not respond to topical antibiotics. The vet will advise you what other options are available. Talking generally, these sorts of infections could be controlled, but not cured.
If you are thinking that you would like to try the homeopathic, natural approach, there are plenty of remedies to be found that could be successful as part of a treatment plan prescribed by your vet. The most notable eye remedies that are widely used are those with meadowsweet, rosemary, burdock and chelidonium majus.
You will notice these ingredients are also selected based on their ability to augment the immunological response used by your cat to naturally fight problems such as infection. This isn't a coincidence. Sickness is a result of a debilitated immunological response. It is possible to boost your cat's natural immunity and in turn their health can be improved. If you select the homeopathic route, be sure the vet is aware, as natural remedies and traditional medications do not act as substitutes for each other.
About the Author:
Cathy Doggins is the editor of the Cat Health Guide, a leading online reference for cat eye problems. When not tending to her two cats, Cathy is a frequent auithor, editor and researcher of a variety of pet health topics and an advocate for many feline related causes.
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