Feline conjunctivitis

“Conjunctivitis” is conjunctival inflammation – conjunctiva is a kind of mucous membrane, just like the wet surface on the inner surface of our mouth and nose.

This tissue called the mucosa,

The parenchyma is a layer of epithelial cells with mucus secreting cells——

The conjunctiva is a layer of mucous membrane covering the eyeball and eyelid.

(cat’s eye structure is different from human’s,

They have a third eyelid (a white film) in the inner corner of cat’s eyes

The membrane is also covered by the conjunctiva.)

Symptoms of conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis may occur on one or both sides of the eyelid. The main symptoms are as follows:

● excessive tears in eyes

● conjunctiva redness and swelling

● the eyes secrete or even discharge turbid yellow like mucus

● the cat’s eyes are closed or squint

● ulceration of eyes

● crusts appear covering the eyes

● the cat shows photophobia

● the third eyelid may protrude and even cover the eyeball

● cats will wipe their eyes with their paws

If your cat has symptoms of conjunctivitis, it may not only feel pain or discomfort, but also have potential problems (possibly infectious) and need treatment.

That’s why you should seek veterinary advice instead of waiting for your cat’s conjunctivitis to resolve itself.

If left untreated, some potential causes of feline conjunctivitis may eventually lead to more serious eye diseases, including blindness.

Although many causes of conjunctivitis can be treated, it can not be delayed.

Conjunctivitis treatment

1、 Primary treatment: if there is no trauma, give the cat fluorescence examination,

See if there is an ulcer in the conjunctiva. If there is no ulcer,

Anti inflammatory and antibacterial eye drops and ointment can be selected,

Severe trauma should be treated according to specific conditions.

2、 Secondary treatment: in case of secondary bacterial infection,

Anti inflammatory drugs can both reduce inflammation and promote disease healing,

Severe infection,

Both injection and oral antibiotics are needed.