One cat's eye is cloudy what to do?

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glaucoma in a cat

Infections

One of the main factors influencing the appearance of leukoma on the eye in a pet is an infectious lesion .

The infection can be bacterial, viral, or fungal. Damage to the upper corneal layer of the structures of the eye leads to decreased visual acuity of the pet. And for cats, this is an extremely important organ of perception.

Without timely help, the neglected infectious process and the appearance of a helmet on the eye can lead to complete blindness of the pet.

One of the most common infections in cats that lead to the development of leukemia is herpesvirus infection. Infection occurs regardless of the breed or age of the animal. At the same time, veterinarians note that herpesvirus affects small kittens more often. The infection spreads extensively in places where animals are kept in crowded conditions. As a rule, these are kennels.

The reasons why herpesvirus affects the body are also named by experts:

Another frequent infection that can cause the appearance of cloudy spots on the cornea is chlamydia . In its initial stages, the infection provokes the development of inflammatory processes in the mucous membranes of the eyelids. Conjunctivitis develops over time. Inflammation develops most quickly in small kittens, causing damage to the tissues of the eyes. Chlamydia conjunctivitis is mainly diagnosed in kittens under 4 months of age. Specialists call the cause of the peculiarities of the functioning of the body's immune forces.

Injuries

A cloudy spot on the eye can arise as a result of trauma to the visual organ.

A traumatic factor initially causes irritation, and then the development of an inflammatory process.

Dust, small plant seeds and other particles can be a factor causing irritation and, in parallel, trauma. Micro-injuries may not be visible to the naked eye, but are nevertheless an open gateway for various infections.

Eye trauma is accompanied by inflammation and conjunctivitis, which is characterized by:

A cloudy spot on a cat's eye appears more often in pets with brachycephalic syndrome . The reason is simple – their eyeballs are shallowly hidden in the orbit and improperly protected by skin folds from traumatic factors.

Cloudy eyes in a cat

The cat's eyes became cloudy: first the right, then the left.The pupil of the left eye is uneven, from below as if a separate cloudy spot, speckled.The right eye is slightly enlarged, from below was a red spot (like "bruise") where the iris, has now passed, also on the right eye appeared capillaries.squinting from light. The vets diagnosed "vitamin deficiency", gave a prescription iv/m Trivit and eye drops Bars, but improvement is not observed, only passed "bruising" and a little less squint. eyes do not suppurate, but can get hard once a day (not strong).In the city and in the republic there is no ophthalmic equipment in veterinaries and said they can not help more than anything.
How can you help a cat in such circumstances? Help and no harm?

More photos. in that message the symptoms of the eyes are reversed. first the right one went cloudy and then the left one and now it looks worse than the right one

Maria Sretenskaya

Hello.
"Vitamin deficiency" is not a diagnosis.
Two completely different pathologies can be presumed from the photos. 1- clouding of the intraocular fluid and development of uveitis (inflammation of the interior of the eye); 2- problems with the cornea (the outer covering of the eye, for example some kind of keratitis, more details here: http://zoovet.ru/text.php?newsid=85 ). In turn, both pathologies have a dozen reasons why they may have occurred.
Your cat needs an ophthalmic exam (ophthalmoscopy, biomicroscopy, corneal staining, Schirmer's tear test), a precise diagnosis, the causes of the condition and a (safe and effective) treatment.
Try to arrange for an examination by a human ophthalmologist, call him at home.

Causes of a cloudy eye in a cat

Cloudiness of the eye cornea indicates its disease. There are three variations of causes that have created problems with the cornea:

keratitis in cats

In this disease, vision always gets worse, sometimes it is lost completely. The disease appears due to toxic damage to the liver. Most often it occurs with intoxication and poisoning, with acute infectious pathologies of the organs of vision caused by pathogens, fungi, viruses or with neurogenic diseases.

To stop a cat's vision loss, urgent help from a veterinarian is needed.

Symptoms

The first sign of keratitis is a cloudy red eye in a cat. Initially, redness and a discharge of purulent or serous fluid appear. Then the cornea loses its transparency, the eye becomes cloudy, and sores or tissue necrosis appear.

In order to choose the appropriate treatment, a precise diagnosis is needed. It is performed with a special fluorescent liquid composition. After that corneal damages become visible in the light. This type of diagnosis is carried out only in a veterinary clinic.

A cat's eyesight

Normally, a healthy cat has clear, shiny eyes and a clear look. However, there are situations when the cat's eyes become clouded and cloudy, and a spot appears on the cornea. This phenomenon is called a belly patch.

Older animals are much more likely than kittens and young cats to have belly spots. Why do cats have this problem? What treatment does the pathology require?

What is a bellycon?

In veterinary medicine the term refers to a whitish, vascularized spot on the eye that appears as a result of clouding of the cornea. Belly eyes can be congenital or acquired. As a rule, representatives of the feline family identify the second form of the disease, which is a consequence of other pathologies of the visual organ. How such a spot looks like, you can see in the photo below.

Depending on the localization of the white spot on the surface of the eye, the disease is classified into 3 types:

Causes of the appearance of a white spot

If your cat has a whitish spot on the eye, in most situations it is due to an ulcerative lesion of the organ, as well as keratitis of bacterial, ulcerative or viral etiology. Other possible causes of a cat's eyesore include:

  • Trauma to the cornea as a result of infectious diseases, mechanical damage, inflammation due to an allergic reaction or metabolic disorders;
  • corneal edema or excessive calcium and cholesterol in the cornea;
  • Chlamydial trachoma, which is accompanied by thickening of the conjunctiva and formation of a scar;
  • Pathologies of the vitreous body.

Treatment of pathology

Prevention of eye diseases in cats

It is possible to minimize the risk of problems with the pet's eyes if the following recommendations are observed:

  • regularly give the cat vitamins;
  • Balance the cat's diet;
  • Timely deworming and vaccination;
  • carry out regular veterinary preventive examinations;
  • treat any diagnosed illnesses on time;
  • hide medicines and household chemicals out of the pet's reach;
  • When combing, do not allow hair to get into the pet's eyes;
  • carry out regular wet cleaning of the cat's room;
  • disinfect feline utensils on a regular basis;
  • exclude contact between your four-legged friend and stray animals during walks;
  • Ensure that during walks the cat does not pick up anything from the ground.

Prevention and care

Even the most complex eye diseases that lead to clouding can try to prevent or delay. To do this, all you need to do is to monitor your pet closely. Monitor your cat's eyes at least twice a day. If you notice redness, eye discharge, visual impairment or pain, see a specialist immediately. All of the above symptoms may indicate the development or aggravation of a pathological process.

It is possible to avoid problems with your cat's vision. To do this, minimize the stressors affecting the cat's vision.

If your cat has an eye disease and does not see well, make sure that it is completely safe. Remove anything from the room that might be dangerous to the cat, such as chairs, tables and other obstacles.

Often cats injure themselves. A surgical collar may help to avoid self-inflicted eye injuries. It is put on the cat's neck and the cat is no longer able to reach its eyes with its paws.

In order to treat the cat effectively, you must remember that all medications prescribed by the veterinarian must be used strictly according to the instructions. You should not prescribe medication to your pet, increase or decrease the recommended dosage, or change the medication schedule on your own.

Warning. Do not use "human" medicines to treat your cat. This especially applies to eye drops. Drugs such as Visin, Taufon, etc. are designed for human biochemistry, but for an animal they can be devastating.

A cat is put in ointment

To treat a cat's eyes you should use a veterinarian's medication.

You should not use any folk remedies such as powdering cats eyes with sugar or putting milk in them. All this, at best, may result in a blurred clinical picture, and the doctor will not be able to identify the true problem in time. In the worst case the animal will irrevocably lose its vision.

Nasal discharge: what does the color of the snot tell us?

The runny nose is a fairly familiar phenomenon for all of us. Some people mistakenly consider it as an independent disease, although it is a symptom that signals the pathological processes taking place in the body. And before you cope with nasal discharge, you need to eliminate the main cause, which provoked them. Depending on the disease, the color of the discharge will vary. What does the color of the snot indicate? The answer to this question will give the doctor – otorhinolaryngologist highest category, candidate of medical sciences – Vladimir Mikhailovich Zaitsev.

Mucous nasal discharge is always there. Even when a person is healthy, the nasal mucosa produces a small amount of secretions – this is the norm. A person doesn't even notice the mucus – it is enough to moisten the nasal cavity and not enough to leak out and cause discomfort. As soon as the nasal mucosa becomes infected or exposed to another pathogen, the mucus receptors become irritated, the volume of secretions increases dramatically, and the color of the snot changes. In medicine this condition is called rhinitis, but in everyday life we call it a runny nose or snot. Chemically speaking, snot is a compound made up of water, a special protein called mucin, salt, enzymes, dust particles and dead cells.

There are many causes that can cause a runny nose. It can be:

– Medicinal runny nose (a reaction to the use of medications);

Each of the above conditions manifested nasal discharge of different color and density. The nature of the discharge allows an experienced doctor to determine exactly what pathological condition we are dealing with, and what caused rhinitis.

What does the color of the snot indicate?

Clear snot. The discharge in the absence of inflammation should be exactly transparent, not thick and not abundant. That is, the presence of such mucus is almost imperceptible to a person and does not cause discomfort. Transparent snot can also be a sign of allergies. As a rule, the person is constantly sneezing, complaining of itching and burning in the eyes. There are no symptoms of infectious diseases (fever, cough, etc.). Transparent snot may appear in the early stages of acute respiratory viral diseases. At the same time, the snot is very abundant. Usually we say so: "snot like water", "from the nose flows". With such profuse transparent secretions, the body is trying to wash away pathogens and allergens from the mucous membrane. In this situation, it is important to promptly take action and contact an ENT doctor to prevent the disease from developing.

White snot. This is a sign that the secret secreted has become thicker, and there is an infection in the nasopharynx. This condition is observed in the development of acute respiratory diseases. In addition to the runny nose, the patient may have other symptoms: cough, scratchy throat, increased body temperature. White discharge can also indicate dry mucosa or adenoid growths.

Yellow snot. . This is a sign that pathogens in the nasopharynx have become significantly more active, and at an early stage, the inflammatory process could not be stopped.

Green snot. The green color of the discharge indicates the accession of a bacterial infection. Very often the green color of the mucus accompanies the course of sinusitis, such as maxillary sinusitis, when bacteria penetrate into the paranasal sinuses and start an inflammatory process in them. Also green discharge may be a sign of purulent processes in the nose. At the same time, the mucous masses have a characteristic unpleasant smell. "Green" runny nose runs in parallel with other symptoms: headache, cough, joint aches, etc.

Brown snot . Such secretions indicate that the secretions are mixed with blood: this may be due to capillary damage, damage to the nasal mucosa, high blood pressure, the presence of neoplasms in the nasal cavity, abuse of vasoconstrictor drops.

Diagnosis of the disease

To diagnose the pathology, an ophthalmologic examination is performed, during which eye reflexes are evaluated, the fundus of the eye is examined, intraocular pressure is measured, and the condition of the retina and optic nerve and the production of tear fluid are determined. In case of inflammatory diseases they do a smear. Excretions are sent for bacteriological culture and cytology.

In order to check the integrity of the cornea and the presence of ulcers, it is subjected to diagnostic staining with fluorescent dye. In this case the defective areas turn green. The rose-bengal test is used to detect damaged and dead tissues – they are stained pink. The condition of the cornea, iris, lens, sclera, eyelids and conjunctiva can be assessed using a special apparatus – slit lamp. The device allows a microscopic examination of the anterior segment of the eye.

Gonioscopy is an effective method of diagnostics in case of glaucoma, tumors, inflammation in the uveal tract and suspicion of foreign body presence, it is an examination of the anterior chamber angle. In case of corneal opacity, ultrasound eye examination is quite effective, allowing to estimate the internal structures even in the presence of opaque media.

Methods of treatment

The earlier measures are taken, the more favorable the prognosis will be. The method of treatment depends on the disease that caused the clouding of the eye. Glaucoma therapy consists in normalizing the intraocular pressure. The medicinal method involves prescribing a course of remedies aimed at improving the outflow of fluid within the eyeball, reducing its production, as well as painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. Treatment is carried out throughout the life of the cat, this helps to prevent the further development of glaucoma.

If the medication method did not bring results, resort to the treatment of glaucoma by laser, which can cope with the disease even in the neglected stage. The laser beam causes slight damage to the epithelium, which leads to suppression of fluid production. As a result, the intraocular pressure is normalized and the condition of the eye improves.

If the cat goes blind, it is impossible to restore the vision. Glaucoma at this stage causes pain and discomfort to the pet, and can also lead to damage to the optic nerve and brain. To improve well-being and prevent dangerous consequences, surgery is performed to remove the eyeball.

Cataract is also treated with medication and surgery. Eye drops help to halt the development of the pathology, activate metabolic processes, improve tissue nutrition. Animals are also prescribed vitamins A, C, E, PP, group B, and, if necessary, immunomodulators. Only an operation during which the affected lens is replaced by an artificial one can get rid of the disease completely.

Keratitis caused by fungal or bacterial infection is treated with the help of eye drops, gels, and ointments containing antibiotic and antifungal components. For disease provoked by a virus, immunomodulators and antiviral agents are used. With ulcerative and purulent lesions, antiseptics are used. The presence of ulcers and neoplasms is an indication for surgery.

Description of the disease and its classification

Visual function is accomplished by a very complex circuitry. Visible light passes through the cornea and is deflected closer to the center of the eye, slowing its movement. It then approaches the pupil, the size of which depends on the degree of light. Next, light hits the lens, another lens. It refracts rays weaker compared to the cornea, but allows us to focus on objects at different distances.

Description of cataracts in cats and its classification

Eventually, the light stream passes through the vitreous body to the retina. From there, the received signal in the form of an inverted picture is sent directly to the brain, which restores the original image.

When a cataract in a cat, the eye becomes cloudy, but not the entire organ, but one of its most important parts – the lens. As a result, the lens loses its transparency, which prevents the passage of light and distorts the resulting image to a blurred shadow. Despite the absence of pain, this pathology significantly worsens the quality of life. Well, the painlessness is due to the absence of nerve endings inside the lens.

Depending on the localization of the opacity, the pathology is divided into the following varieties:

  1. Anterior or posterior. Located at the anterior or posterior pole. The first borders the pupil and iris, and the second borders the vitreous body.
  2. Spindle-shaped. Occurs between the anterior and posterior poles. Reminds of the spindle shape.
  3. Layered, or zonular. Several layers become cloudy at the same time.
  4. Nuclear. Located right in the center.
  5. Cortical, or cortical. The opacities are wedge-shaped. They form at the periphery and gradually spread to the central part.
  6. Posterior capsular. Develops on the central part of the posterior pole.
  7. Total, or complete. Covers the entire surface of the lens and usually affects both visual organs at once.

Causes of cataracts in cats

Another classification takes into account the cause of the development of the pathology. If cataracts are formed in a kitten during embryonic development, they are called congenital, or primary. Possible causes of this form are infection of the pregnant cat, lack of calcium in her diet or Rh incompatibility.

If the lens opacity developed after birth, it is called acquired, or secondary. In this case, the cause of the disease should be sought in the following negative factors:

  • Trauma (blows, bruises, scratches, chemical and thermal burns);
  • Various ophthalmological pathologies (glaucoma, retinal detachment, uveitis);
  • Metabolic disorders (diabetes, unbalanced diet);
  • Intoxication of various nature (poisoning by poisons, chemicals, parasite products);
  • prolonged exposure to allergens;
  • Degenerative age-related changes that appear as a result of aging of the body;
  • uncontrolled or prolonged use of medications.

The risk group includes animals older than 8 years, as well as brachycephalic cats: Persian, exotic, Himalayan, British and Scottish. The eyes, located on the shortened muzzle, are very vulnerable and often injured. They are also prone to infection with pathogens.

Causes of cataracts in cats

Causes of disease

Causes of the disease

  • Pathologies of the cornea of the eye. It becomes whitish or has a pale blue tint and loses its luster;
  • Pathologies of the lens. These are limited to clouding of the pupil, the cornea is not affected and remains transparent. When light is pointed at the eye, the opacity narrows, which confirms that it is in the pupil that is affected.

Causes of loss of corneal transparency, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

There are 3 groups of causes that provoke problems with the cornea:

Keratitis

In this disease, vision is always worsened or completely lost. Keratitis is a consequence of toxic liver damage from poisoning and intoxication, acute infectious eye diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or neurogenic pathologies.

To prevent complete blindness of the cat, immediate help from a specialist is required.

Cloudy cat's eye

The first symptoms of keratitis are redness of the eye and the presence of discharge of serous or purulent nature. After some time, the cat's eye becomes cloudy, and the cornea loses its transparency. With prolonged development of the pathology, ulcers and corneal necrosis develop.

In order to choose the appropriate treatment, reliable diagnosis is necessary. This is done with the help of a special fluorescent fluid. Corneal damage becomes visible in the light. Carry out diagnostics in a veterinary clinic.

Self-treatment is strictly forbidden since keratitis is a polyetiological disease and without the exact cause the treatment can cause additional damage.

The prescribed treatment after the diagnosis should be directed against the consequences of the detected eye infection and to maintain the immune status of the animal.

Note! Antiseptic solutions for washing the eye, antibacterial or antiviral drops and ointments are mandatory. A complete diet with sufficient vitamins and micronutrients is also necessary.

Treatment at home

After diagnosis, the mustachioed patient should be provided with the most comfortable conditions. Place him in a darkened room, eliminating sources of noise, other pets, children and other irritants.

Be sure to clip the cat's claws and keep him outdoors until he is well enough to avoid further trauma. In addition to basic treatment, which includes the use of eye drops and ointments, close attention to hygiene with lavage will be required.

Flushing and hygiene

Washing is carried out with cotton disks, guided by following algorithm :

  1. Prepare all the necessary tools and preparations in advance, so as to reduce the trauma of waiting for the pet.
  2. Wrap the pet in a thick cloth or find a helper who can hold it during the procedure.
  3. Soak a cotton pad in the treatment solution, squeeze it out and open the cat's eyelids.
  4. Gently swipe the disk over the eyeball, moving from the outer corner to the inner corner.
  5. Repeat the previous steps with the other eye, remembering to change the cotton pad.

You can also use a syringe without a needle. To do this, apply a small amount of solution to each eye and gently blot them with a clean, lint-free cloth. After removing the accumulated dirt and soaking the crusts, you can begin applying the main preparation.

cat eye wash

Drops and ointments

If something is wrong with the cat's eye, special drops and ointments will be needed to normalize its condition. The list of necessary preparations will depend on the cause of the disease:

Drops are put into both eyes at once, and the ointment is put only on the disturbing place. After application, the eyelids are closed tightly and gently massaged so that the product is evenly distributed inside. It is recommended to put an Elizabethan collar on the pet for the duration of the treatment, so that it does not cause itself new injuries when scratching.

Prevention and care of the pet's eyes

Prevention of ophthalmic pathologies is based on the elimination of its provoking factors and improvement of the immune system. For this purpose it is necessary to adhere to the following recommendations:

  1. Keep all potentially dangerous products out of the reach of pets. This will eliminate allergies, poisoning or burns of mucous membranes.
  2. Get a check-up at the veterinarian every year so you don't miss the development of hidden pathologies.
  3. Avoid overfeeding and nutritional deficiencies. When feeding a natural diet, be sure to check with your veterinarian for a list of vitamins to add to your pet's diet.
  4. Follow vaccination and parasite treatment schedules to reduce the risk of contracting infectious diseases.
  5. Don't forget about grooming. Trimming his claws and muzzle hair in a timely manner will help protect mucous membranes from irritation and injury.
  6. Try to avoid walking outside or monitor your pet's movements with a harness. While walking, prevent contact with unfamiliar animals and exploring thorny thickets, and check his eyes carefully when he returns home.

Pay special attention to hygiene. Clean the cat's eyes daily from accumulated dirt and mucus in the corners with a cotton pad. For treatment, ordinary room temperature water, chamomile infusion or special cleansing lotions are suitable.

Cat eye disease prevention

Eye diseases in cats cannot be ignored, because the lost vision can be restored only in very rare cases. Try to follow the recommendations for care and do not neglect prevention. If alarming symptoms appear, consult a doctor immediately and do not try to cope with the problem on your own.

This article is for information purposes only. Contact your vet!

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